The Crown of Paimon

    By Shafin haque

    The Crown of Paimon cover image

    13 Jul, 2024

    a woman holding a suitcase in a room full of wooden crates and other items, with a light on, visual art, a character portrait, Araceli Gilbert, promotional image

    Lily was exploring her grandmother's attic when she stumbled upon an old chest. It was dusty, and the lock was rusty, but she was intrigued.

    a woman sitting at a table with a book and a lantern in front of her and a lantern in the background, fantasy art, computer graphics, Araceli Gilbert, promotional image

    Inside the chest, beneath aged letters and faded photographs, she found an ancient-looking book. The cover was black, and a single word was inscribed - 'Paimon'.

    a woman sitting at a desk with a book and pen in her hand and a lamp in the background, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Charlie Bowater, fantasy artwork

    Lily spent hours poring over the book. She was fascinated by the symbols and the mysterious aura that seemed to emanate from it.

    a woman sitting at a table with a book and a candle in front of her and a book on the table, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dirk Crabeth, fantasy artwork

    She felt an irresistible pull, a desire to understand and control the power the book hinted at. Lily decided to perform one of the rituals mentioned.

    a woman holding a lit candle in a forest with many candles in front of her and a forest background, gothic art, a storybook illustration, Anne Stokes, candles

    Lily began the ritual, her voice trembling as she recited the incantation. The wind picked up, and the candles flickered, casting dancing shadows around her.

    a woman in a black dress standing in front of a camel and a golden gate with candles in it, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Charlie Bowater, orientalism

    Suddenly, a figure materialized in front of her. It was Paimon, exactly as described in the book, a powerful entity from another realm.

    a man riding on the back of a camel in a desert area with candles around him and a bird flying overhead, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Art of Brom, magic the gathering artwork

    Paimon spoke, his voice echoing through the silence. He demanded loyalty and obedience, promising her unimaginable power in return.

    a woman in a black dress standing next to a camel in a desert area with a full moon in the background, fantasy art, a character portrait, Aleksi Briclot, regal

    Terrified but fascinated, Lily agreed to his terms. Paimon vanished, leaving her alone under the moon, the grimoire glowing ominously on the ground.

    a woman standing in a library holding a book and looking at the camera with a lot of books on the shelves, academic art, a stock photo, Audrey Kawasaki, beautifully lit

    Lily could now manipulate objects, see into the future, and influence people's thoughts. But with each use, she felt a piece of her humanity slipping away.

    a woman holding a book in her hands and a candle in her hand in front of her face, in a dark room, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Clint Cearley, magic the gathering artwork

    She realized the cost of her power. The grimoire had not only summoned Paimon but had bound her to him, making her his servant.

    a woman in a blue dress holding a book and a camel in a room with a light coming from it, fantasy art, a character portrait, Clint Cearley, magic the gathering artwork

    Lily summoned Paimon, confronting him with her decision. The demon roared in fury, threatening to consume her. But Lily stood her ground, her resolve unwavering.

    a woman reading a book next to a goat in a library with a lamp on the wall behind her, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Clint Cearley, fantasy artwork

    She recited a banishing spell from the grimoire. Paimon screamed, his form dissipating into shadows. Lily was left alone in the attic, the grimoire now just an ordinary book.