The angel darted through the corridor as fast as he could. He pulled down tables and potted plants as he ran past, blocking the passage. He hoped to delay the three demons that were chasing him. He only needed to buy himself enough time to get outside. Then he could fly out of the labyrinth that served as a barrier between the holy and demonic realms and return home. The demons were catching up to him as they swung around a corner. None of them could fly in the cramped space of the hallway and the demons were much slower on foot than the angel. But the angel was wounded and the demons were gaining on him, fast. He turned another corner and saw thee maze branch off into two directions. He hesitated before taking a left turn. He checked over his shoulder and saw the demons were further behind him. His grin of triumph faded, however, as he skidded to a halt. He ran his hands over the smooth wall in front of him.
He had reached a dead end.
He spun around as he heard the three pairs of feet come to a halt behind him. The three demons were laughing and grinning as they closed in around him. Two of them grabbed his arms, but he used them as leverage and lifted up to kick the third in the face. The demon fell back, landing on the ground with a thud. He managed to break the grip of one and tried to drag himself away, but the demon on the floor hooked him by the ankle and he crashed to the ground beside him. He struggled as the demon climbed on top of him, pinning his chest to the ground.
He gasped as he felt cold manacles surround his wrists as they were chained together. "Please, no! Let me go!" he cried. The demons barked with laughter as they chained his feet together and bound his wings. They pulled him to his feet and clamped a collar around his neck.
"Move it," the demon behind him grunted, pushing him forward. He nearly fell as he tripped over his chained feet, but the demon in front of him pushed him upright. The demon held a leading chain and pulled him along with it. The angel pulled against the chain, a last effort to resist, and was rewarded with a slap to the face. He rubbed his stinging cheek and sniffled as he followed the demon meekly. The demon grinned at him, baring his sharp teeth and he hung his head in defeat.
The angel was tall, standing at 6'3", but he was dwarfed by the even taller demons. His flesh was pale and white in comparison to their ashen gray. His skin was smooth and flawless, while theirs was marred with red, swirling marks. His hair was golden blonde, cropped close to his head and theirs was black, long, and wild, twisted horns sprouting out of their heads. The demons led him through the labyrinth for what seemed like hours. As he began feeling he would faint from exhaustion, they reached a trap door. One of the demons came to the front and unlatched it. He grinned and pulled it open. The angel gazed down through it and gulped. A ladder hung down in the open air, clouds swirling around it. It looked like a long fall. One of the demons climbed down the ladder and opened his black, leathery wings. He flapped a few times to stabilize himself and then held out his arms. The demon behind the angel shoved him forward. He fell through the trap door and for a few sickening moments he was in free fall. He landed in the arms of the demon, who fell a few before being able to compensate for his weight.
"Won't you make a tasty treat for the master?" he growled, snapping at his ear. The angel wanted to struggle, but he knew that he would fall, with his wings bound to his back, and surely die. "Oh, nice and docile now, are we?" The demon holding him took off, the others fast behind him. They flew nearly vertically downwards until they reached a great lake. They skimmed the very surface as they flew towards a large castle. The angel stiffened as they approached the evil looking fortress. They flew into a large courtyard, guarded by demons.
"Tell the master we've a freshly caught angel from the labyrinth!" one announced. A small demon flew off into the castle to deliver the message. They set him down on the ground and led him forward by the chain once more. He followed the demons through the courtyard and into the great hall of the castle. He was both awed and terrified by the beauty of it. They led him up a grand staircase and knocked on the first door they came to. The door opened of its own accord.
"Do come in," a silky voice purred.
The demons led him into the room. He began to shake in fear. What would this master look like? Was he a monstrous beast? Surely he had to be more grotesque than the demons with him now. They stepped into the light. Sitting on a day bed, sipping wine was a tall, pale skinned, demon. He smiled and set down his wine glass and stood.
His long black hair cascaded down his back and he was clothed in nothing more than jewelry and a long loincloth. He stalked forward. His movements were inhumanly graceful.
