Chapter 15 by Zeebop

Does Lois Have To Choose Now?

Lois Decides Right Now

"I'll do it, mom," Lois said. It was the only decision she could make. She couldn't let her mother be damned to hell.

"I'm so glad to hear that," a new voice came out of the shadows.

The reporter turned and saw a woman slink from the shadows. A dark one-piece dress like a piece of the night clung to her few curves. She was built long and lean, slim, clean limbs that ended in long fingers and toes. Her skin was the red of fresh blood on parchment. A pair of dark horns curled back from her brow, a face somewhat classical and regal like the great bust of Nefertiti; the knowing half-smile reminded Lois Lane of the Mona Lisa.

Her eyes, though, were what struck Lois. Pure white, with no pupil or iris—and they seemed to glow from within.

"Are you ready to honor your bargain, Ella Lane?"

The old woman looked at her daughter, emotions playing on her face.

"Lois...you don't have to do this. I did terrible things in my life, I sinned! Let me pay for it in my own way."

"No mom," Lois stood up from the bed. "I'll hold up your end of the deal."

The demon reached as if grabbing for something and a pale scroll appeared in a small puff of purple-black smoke. Lois smelled sulfur and soot.

"Excellent! Make your mark here...in blood if you don't mind...and you mother will be free to go."

Lois took the scroll out of the demon's hand. The words were in English, which helped, although in a Gothic font like a heavy metal album cover might affect, which didn't. She sat down on the bed, trying to make it out.

"I, Lois Lane, being of sound mind and body, do pledge my body and soul to the Lady Blaze of Purgatory, in exchange for the soul of Ella Lane. To honor and obey her mistress, in sickness and in health, for a period of not less than..."

The reporter raised an eyebrow.

"...a year and a day, or until her service be fulfilled, to whit..."