Pristine's Problem | ONC 2024

13 | trapped

"Of course!" Avril squealed, wiping the tears, "A killer is surely brave, Romine! We should be scared of her!"

The two youngsters swam into the sea satire as they chortled mirthlessly, raising the perilous flames of insecurity around Pristine.

Since the day this infernal, ruthless duo had entered her life, crying had become a measure with infinity at its end, never ceasing her destroyable depression.

Pristine remained on a desolate island, hunger for hope and thirst for freedom bound her bones to weakness. Watching the murderers laugh callously, Pristine made sure that she would never reveal her anxiety.

You only lose, if you reveal your fear.

Her mom's radiant advice instilled strength in her deprived body. She will not lose to some puny idiots, worthless to live.

I will determine their end.

"Oh, Pristine!" Avril exclaimed, "Please sit down! We don't let our guests stand!"

Romine took his signal and began, "Avril! Can't you see? She has something in her hand. She'll only sit after handing it to you."

"Shut up!" Pristine flinged their drama, "I am not giving this! This evidence will be enough to make you both romantically count the bars in prison!"

"Wow!" Romine jeered, "Nice idea! What do you think, Avril? A date in the prison?"

Avril let out a chuckle as his fierce eyes warned Romine to remain shut.

Look at her, she thinks she's a hero.

The satanic voice criticized, earning a smiling nod from Avril.

Does she deserve to live?

It questioned, teasing his turpitude. Avril responded with his head shaking wildly.

"Are you scared, Avril?" Pristine grinned, hoping she had ridiculed him. Unknown to her was that she had disturbed their conversation, making the demon manifest his ultimate plan.

Then what are you waiting for?

It growled, sending Avril to shudders.

Kill her.

It was neither a request nor a suggestion. It was an outright command; an order that Avril had no way but to abide by.

Avril advanced towards Pristine, who suddenly drained all the confidence and turned pallid on seeing him approach. She kept walking backwards, until her back came in contact with the wall. A chill ran through her spine as Avril neared her, cornering her shivering figure.

"Scared?" Avril roared.

Pristine shifted her eyes anxiously; trepidation burgeoned on her skin upon hearing him speak.

It was not similar to his previous tone – a harsh piercing voice that came from the depths of his throat frightened her wits.

It was not Avril speaking. It was the demon.

Avril felt a tight knot in his throat. A very strange reaction took place within him, making him sense something erupting. He sensed the change in his voice; a guttural, demanding tone. This made him grin wider.

Welcome, my friend...

This time, it was Avril's real voice, inviting the demon, who had activated its form.

Pristine panicked as she noticed Avril's veins bulging through his neck. Large ebony flames emanated from all parts of his body, turning all the bursting veins to a deadly black shade.