Gates of Hell

Light became dark, I stepped through a door
It took no time for my eyes to adapt
The walls fell around me as the entrance collapsed
Damp was the air and slick was the floor
Seeking an exit through the darkness I tore
Barely shaken though I knew I was trapped

Dripping of water was all I could hear
I felt a dark presence advance through the cave
“You will not be harmed if you can behave”
Frightened, toward the voice I did peer
A beast with two horns looked back with a sneer
“You are to be taken to the King as his slave”

I fought back the beast, though I did not prevail
I was beaten and bloodied to the near brink of death
On my face I could feel his hot rancid breath
“Foolish mortal, against only me you fail,
But where would such a pretty face hail?”
Malice shone through his entire eyes depth

Dragged through the maze, we reached the king’s hall
Seated on a throne, caught my gaze and did stand
On my cheek he placed a warm steady hand
I looked up to his face, he made my skin crawl
The dark haired demon stood seven feet tall!
“What brings this fair maiden to my kingdom-land?”

Against my own will, my mind did comply
“In a dream a light guided my way to a door,
The way looked familiar, though I’d not been before”
Surprised by my answer, though it was not a lie
I had not opened my mouth to but sigh!
But the heat from his presence was hard to ignore

“It seems, my love, you belong to me,
Beg your pardon, I am Lord Sanguine,
I rule these realms as the Demon-King.
As of this moment, elsewhere I must be,
We will meet again soon I can guarantee,
In my chambers you will wait, my dear sweet Saline.”

Through endless tunnels the King’s servant led
One room in particular stood out in my sight
Corpses of those who once held up a fight
Entrails adorned each table and bled
On dismembered bodies hungry maggots fed
I pray that my limbs stay intact tonight!

Hours on end I waited in that room
Sitting in a corner on the cool stone floor
Till at last with a crash flew open the door
The King returned all clad in black doom
In place of a smile was unfamiliar gloom
Drawn to the stranger’s warm aura once more