Sun - you mention this in the past tense. Does this mean the dream has stopped?
Stairs are often symbols about changes in life - movement and growth.
If the dream has stopped, it would show you have resolved the subconscious question at the time. If it comes and goes, it could mean that it is your brains way of asking you about changes and the "steps you are going to take" in whatever life situation is presenting itself at the time of the dream.

It sounds very clear that you are cautious about how you plan your future. And the failure to use the right handrail (mental processing or logic which guides you into action) leaves you beating up yourself for what you consider to be "bad" (hence the little demon creature) choices.

What a neat mind you have!