Devil’s Dance

To gain freedom inside this miniature garden bound by all its rules, I made a cruel decision.

I took the child's hand, stepping delicately over the puddle of blood and organs that blemished the clean marble floor.

"Hello, little one. How may I be of service?"

"W-Who are you?" Her last breaths were soon to come, though not if I could help it.

"I am your savior. I am the one who will give you life and protect you for the remainder of it."

She gazed at me with wide sapphire eyes.

"That being said, I am also the monster that hides under your bed, the ghost that screams in the hallways, the vampire that leaves you kisses at night."

Her eyes become wider and her fingers twitch. Whether with fear or with her dying nerves, I did not know.

"Would you like a poem to help your decision, little one?"

The fire of life is fading away

Up in smoke, gone are the flames

And though you've fought through every day

The end result is always the same

You can live or you can die

Whichever you choose, you pay the price

Take my hand and save your life

Or let go and lose the light

But even if you make your choice

The end will be a starless night

End up in Heaven, or end up in Hell

The choice is yours to make as well

So feel my fingers through my gloves

Do not look for guidance from above

The choice is yours and yours alone

For your sins you will atone

What is your choice?

She looks up at me, eyes still wide open, her breaths shallower and shallower.

"I want...to live."

Thank you for your sacrifice, dear.

I will give you all of me.

And in return, you will give me all of you.

Deal?