*****

Jessica stepped outside the cave, relieved to get away from everyone inside. For once she’d been chosen for picking duty. She wasn’t going to actually pick the stupid food, but she would certainly work on her tan and enjoy the warm afternoon sun. She quickly disobeyed the rules and went off on her own, ignoring the crackling of her radio. She reached down and turned it off. She didn’t want to know what the rest of the group was doing. It was time for her to relax and get a breather from the dark walls of the caves.

Everyone was always talking about responsibility and how they all needed to work together in order to survive in such close quarters. Well, she didn’t want to share with others. She didn’t want to be one of the minions. She wanted to stand out and have everyone follow her around like a puppy dog, like the kids did in her hometown.

She missed the days of being the most popular girl in school. All the guys had wanted to date her, even at the age of thirteen, and the girls were desperate to be her friend. She selectively chose those who were good enough to be in her group. If they could offer her something, that was a definite plus in their favor. Information had always been her most valuable asset. She was rich so she didn’t need items or money – she needed information. She knew every piece of gossip about every person around her and that gave her power. Now, she was just one of many, and since Jayden had joined the group, she wasn’t worshiped as much as she liked to be. She still had a few followers but they were fading.

Everyone liked Phoenix and Sadie. She hated them both. It disgusted her how they acted so innocent. She knew it had to be an act – no one was that sweet all the time, or that naive. She blew out her breath in exasperation as she wandered farther- away from the safety of the caves.

She found a nice spot, with the sun shining through the trees, and stripped down to her bikini. She sighed as she looked at the fading material. She couldn’t believe how long they’d been stuck in hiding. It was depressing. She used to never wear an item of clothing more than a few times before it was given away and she got new clothes. Being a spoiled only child had been nice. She wished the stupid war would end so she could go home and enjoy her pampered life once again. She’d be willing to kill for a hot day by the pool at her favorite spa, with people serving her drinks and snacks.

Jessica heard a sound and peered up through her dark lashes to find a man standing before her. She immediately tensed, regretting her choice to be alone. She’d heard about what happened to Phoenix and Sadie several months before, but she thought security was impenetrable now. She didn’t know how to fight – she never paid attention in class. She was basically a sitting duck.

She looked the man over, her eyes wide with fear, trying to think of an escape route. Her radio was in her bag, several feet from her, and it was turned off. As she stared into his cold, dark eyes, she knew she was about to die. When the man smiled, it wasn’t to comfort her, it was predatory…and satisfied.

He was tall, taller than most of the men she knew, and he was dressed fully in black, adding an even deadlier look to his overall appearance. Even through her fear, she noticed how handsome he was. Maybe she could get out of her ill-fated position after all. She was beautiful – she had no doubts about that. She was willing to do just about anything to save her own life, and he wasn’t bad to look at, with his dark eyes and short black hair. Heck, if she’d run into him at a mall, she’d have been flirting by that point.

“Who are you?” she asked, trying to sound strong, but she heard the slight breathlessness to her voice.

“Someone you’re going to get to know very well, Jessica,” he replied. His voice was deep and mesmerizing, almost placing her in a trance. She found her fear fading as she stared into his almost hypnotic eyes and let the sound of his voice wash over her. She knew she should be more afraid, but somehow she wasn’t.

“How do you know my name? How did you get past our security?” she asked. He took a step closer and she slowly stood. She wasn’t a complete idiot and still had the urge to run, though he somehow intrigued her.

“I can get through any barrier your people throw up, my dear,” he said, his smile mocking, his eyes filled with laughter. He was playing with her and she had no choice but to go along with his game until she figured out what it was.

“I won’t say anything to anyone. I don’t get along with most of the people here. I’m just trying to have some time to myself, so I’m not a threat to you,” she told him in her haughtiest tone.

“I know who you are and I know how badly you’ve been treated, Jessica. I’m here to help you. I think we can work very well together.”

She looked him over. How could he know anything about her? How did he know her name? He was right, of course. She did feel mistreated and completely misunderstood but she’d never seen him before that moment. He couldn’t possibly know of her troubles.

“I know a lot of things,” he said in answer to her thoughts, which scared her, but fascinated her even more.

“Who are you?” she repeated.

“My name is Vyco. I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time now. I would’ve come to you in the caves but Jayden is always there and the situation would’ve gotten messy. I’ve come to you in your dreams, but you humans are so quick to dismiss those as fantasy. Now, you’ll know better,” he said as he stepped even closer.

Jessica was frightened enough that she would have tried to run at that point, but suddenly she was unable to move. She stood in horror as he closed the final gap between them and reached his hand out. He ran his fingers over her face, brushed back her hair, and stood only inches from her trembling body.

“What are you doing to me?” she asked between chattering teeth.

“I’ll let you go when I’m assured you won’t run. I have a mission for you, Jessica. We’re going to work well together,” he said. He circled her body and she tried to turn her head to see him but she could barely move. She felt his hands touch the back of her neck and a shiver ran down her body. She didn’t know if it was more from fright or excitement. This man, who seemed to be performing magic, had her full attention.

“I’m a very powerful man and I’ve chosen you to be a part of my team. Once you understand what I’m asking, you’ll realize the honor I’m bestowing upon you. Not many humans ever get to work with me. I sense darkness in you, pain, anger, hunger…desire. I can use those emotions, help you build them, teach you to control them. You’ll be able to get anything you’ve ever wanted. Power, loyalty, those who will worship you. There is nothing you can’t have if you work with me,” he seductively whispered in her ear, his lips brushing her skin.

Another shiver ran down Jessica’s back. He continued circling her, caressing her eager body, and stroking her ego…bringing her desires to the forefront of her mind. As if he knew there was no more need for him to keep her bound, her invisible restraint released and she slowly turned so they were face to face. Her voice was almost a moan as she fell completely under his spell. She wanted to reach out and touch him, hold him in her arms, but she somehow knew she had to wait for his permission. He was in control and, surprisingly, she liked it.

“Tell me more,” she said, licking her lips in a way she knew drove the boys crazy. She’d turned many men’s heads with a flick of her tongue or the right twist of her body. She’d learned early how to use her looks to get what she wanted, even in the caves.

“Ah, I love that look in your eyes…so eager to please…so willing to do whatever it takes to get what you want,” he said as he lifted his hand and cupped her cheek. She was practically drooling at his feet.

“You have my attention. I have needs…wants…and desires. I can’t seem to get anything I want in the caves, so if you think you can give me more…I’m all yours,” she purred.

Vyco stared down at the small girl and smiled in triumph. He knew he’d get Jayden back, he’d make the boy pay, but he wouldn’t destroy him. Jayden was far too powerful to cast off, as he did with so many demons who made him unhappy. But with Jayden, he just wanted him back on his side, where he’d always belonged. With the help of the eager girl, Vyco could practically feel the power shifting once more to his side.

“First of all, you know my subject, Jayden. He was loyal to me, and no one else, until he entered your camp and met Phoenix. She corrupted him and must be destroyed.”

“You know Jayden?” Jessica asked, momentarily shocked.

“Of course I know Jayden. He’s been with me for more years than you can comprehend. He’d still be with me if it weren’t for that girl,” he practically spat. As his eyes flared with hatred, Jessica took an involuntary step back, fearful once again of his power. She wasn’t so afraid she wanted to run. She felt a need to hear him out.

“She has a way of doing that to people. Phoenix has all the others fooled, but not me. I know she’s just as power-hungry as I am, she just manages to hide it better,” Jessica pouted after a moment of silence.

“It sounds to me like you won’t mind destroying this Phoenix,” Vyco said, gaining control of his anger and once again lowering his voice into a seductive whisper. Jessica didn’t like the way he said Phoenix’s name, almost reverently. She instantly became jealous, wanting no other girl’s name but her own on Vyco’s lips. “I don’t want Phoenix, Jessica, only her death,” he said, his hand again reaching up to stroke her cheek as his thumb slid over her pouting lip.

“How do you know what I’m thinking?” she demanded. She was slightly irritated that he knew so much about her, without her knowing anything about him. He laughed, which didn’t earn him any points.

“I thought you were smarter than this. You have to know I’m not from your world, Jessica. I’m much too powerful to simply be human. I was once one of the strongest angels in the heavens, but am now master of the dark forces, the leader of the underworld, the most powerful demon in our system. Of course, I can read your thoughts. I can also bind you with nothing more than my mind, or pleasure you the same way. I can make you burn in agony, or feel like you’re floating on a cloud. That’s just the beginning of the power I hold. If you’re on my side you’ll be treated like a queen…but if you turn from me, you’ll wish for a quick death,” he said icily. His tone never changed. He spoke with conviction and the confidence of someone who knew he would be obeyed.

As he spoke, Jessica lifted off the ground and levitated so her face was even with his. She should’ve felt even an inkling of fear but she was consumed with joy, unbelievable joy. She felt his power and wanted it for herself. She’d follow him to the edges of the world to have it. There was no question that she’d do anything he asked of her.

“What do you need me to do?” she asked, eager to please him.

“Those are the words I want to hear from you, my sweet,” he said, lowering her back to the ground. She was disappointed when her feet once again touched the earth. She waited expectantly for his next words.

“For now, you’re only to observe. You’ll meet me in this same spot whenever I call. I’ve been whispering to you for some time in your dreams. Now that we’ve met, you’ll know when I’m there. I’ll give you more instruction soon,” he told her while sliding his hand across her cheek.

Jessica leaned forward, wanting to press close to him. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted it more than anything she’d ever wanted before, and that was saying a lot.

“Not yet, Jessica. Soon, though, I promise,” he said as his thumb brushed across her bottom lip, causing her breath to catch in her tightened throat. She’d been rejected too many times lately and rejection from the powerful Vyco wasn’t sitting too well with her. She turned her head away, angry at his denial when she was so clearly offering him whatever he desired.

“It’s not a rejection. Good things come to those who are obedient,” he told her.

“I’ll do anything you ask – you don’t need to bribe me.”

“It’s not a bribe. But you must earn your rewards. They aren’t freely given. This war was carefully planned and should’ve been practically over by now, but because of your rebel group, and several others like it, along with help from Josiah, the humans are actually making a difference. This doesn’t make me happy. If I take down the group of people who have so badly mistreated you, the tides will change, and darkness will reign,” he explained gleefully.

Vyco wasn’t willing to tell the girl too much. He was playing with her, but at the same time she did intrigue him unlike any human he’d dealt with before. There was real potential with her. She had a dark soul. There was still a faint glimmer of goodness left, but he’d quickly squash that. He might even make her his queen if she pleased him. She was greedy for power, and at his side, she’d get all the power she could imagine, and so much more. He’d chosen well. Of course, he always chose well.

He frowned as he thought about Jayden. He’d chosen well in Jayden, too, and would still have him by his side if it weren’t for that human child, Phoenix. He knew if he destroyed her, Jayden would be consumed with so much fury he’d turn back to the dark realm.

He’d eventually run back to Vyco, but only if Vyco could make it look like it wasn’t he who killed her. That’s where the weak human girl, Jessica, came in. She could do his bidding and Jayden would never be the wiser. Of course, if Jayden knew Jessica killed Phoenix, Vyco couldn’t keep her for his queen, but he could live with that.

“I’m going to block your mind, place a shield around it. In no way can Jayden know about us speaking or our plans. We want him back on our side,” Vyco said. She nodded, though he could see she didn’t understand. She was simply a blind servant following his instruction, which was exactly what he liked in a servant.

“Why don’t we just kill Phoenix now?” Jessica asked, not even caring about the girl losing her life. She’d be happy to be rid of her.

“I have to be careful how the girl is destroyed. I want Jayden back, and if he knows it’s me or you, he’ll never come to me,” Vyco said. His voice was filled with frustration. He’d never have believed one insignificant human could cause him so much trouble.

“You want it to look like an accident?” Jessica asked, starting to catch on.

“That would be too obvious. Do nothing for the moment. If you betray me, you’ll regret it,” he reminded her, his eyes flaring. Another shudder ran through her. She wouldn’t want to get on his bad side, that was for sure.

“How long will I have to wait?” she pouted.

“Not long, and it will be well worth it,” he promised. The more he was in her presence, the more he was drawn to her. Their journey together would be quite pleasant for him. “I must leave now.”

Jessica was about to protest when he took her head in his large hands and started chanting. A feeling of comfort came over her and she leaned toward him. She closed her eyes for only a moment, then his hands were gone. When her eyes opened, he’d vanished.

Jessica looked around the clearing, disappointed. She tried to find him, but he left no trace. Her day was over. She didn’t feel like sitting outside any longer. She got dressed and started heading toward the caves. She didn’t bother gathering food. Let someone else do the gathering. She would soon rule over them all – well, those who Vyco decided to let live their miserable lives. She laughed out loud, feeling more joy than she’d felt in a long time.