Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

“Hey,” Angie and Nat held me down when I awoke while screaming and thrashing. “Relax, Ana. You need to relax” Angie sat next to me and hugged my shoulders. “Calm down, Ana. Everything will be okay.”

“Ana?” Nat called me cautiously when I looked at my bandaged arms. The left one particularly. “I–we told them not to use the drip. But you needed–”

I screamed bloody murder. I hated needles more than anything. I couldn’t even bear to look at them and I had one stuck in my arm right now.

My anger flew to another level when Cain came with his brothers and the doctor.

I jumped out of the bed and swung the IV at his head. The bastard dodged effortlessly. Angie and Nat pulled me back and the doctor stepped in front of me to prevent my second attack on Cain.

“It’s all because of you.” His impassive face was irking me to death.

“Ms. Grace, you need to calm down.” The doctor took the IV from me and tried pushing me back into the bed as gently as possible. “Ms. Grace!” I pulled my arm back when the doctor tried to inject me. “You need this.”

“Leave me alone.” I screeched. “Get this needle out.” The nurse grabbed my arm when I tried to pull it out. “I don’t want to see them. I don’t want to see any of you.” I was flailing nonstop. “Get away from me, do you hear me? Just get out of my sight.”

“Ana,” Angie and Nat rushed to my side. “Relax, please. You will worsen your condition.” I buried my face in Angie’s shoulder and sobbed loudly.

“Just do what the girl says.” I peeked at the new intruder tiredly. “Doctor!” He addressed him politely but authoritatively. “You should know better that your behavior will only aggravate her.”

I breathed in relief when the drip was removed.

“I would like you all to leave us alone.” He looked at them individually.

“Why don’t you show these pretty ladies around? Aeron? Xic? Be the gentlemen.”

The brothers were pissed but they didn’t say a word against his command.

Angie and Nat looked at me helplessly when Aeron and Xic approached them. They left with them against their wishes.

“That will be all for the night, doctor. The nurse won’t be required as well. Please see yourself out.” The doctor left with the nurse without another word.

“You too, Cain.” The man was unfazed by his murderous aura.

I was stumped when Cain left the room without saying anything.

“You too, Shae.”

“I am a cat.” She replied haughtily.

“I can’t beat you on that.” The man chuckled and looked at me. “Pardon my rudeness. I should introduce myself first.” He bowed in courtesy. “I am Einar AngelSin. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“He is Lady Clarissa’s husband and one of the greatest Warlocks in our world,” Shae informed me.

“You are too kind, Shae,” Einar chuckled.

He was tall and lean and was dressed in a black suit. Combed back ash blonde hair and piercing green eyes, his features were sharp as well.

He was handsome but something about him reminded me of a snake.

“You thought of a snake, didn’t you?” Einar mused. He dragged the chair next to the bed and sat on it. “Let me show you something interesting.”

He pulled up the sleeve of his jacket and unbuttoned the cuff of his shirt before pulling the sleeve back.

“It’s just like a snake’s skin.” I was puzzled by the green scales instead of the skin on the inside of his arm.

“It’s my birthmark. Every warlock is born with one.” Einar fixed his sleeve. “Do you know what a warlock is?” I shook my head. “It’s something like a male witch. But a warlock is more powerful than normal witches because we are part demons. Well, my case is a little different because my mother was an Enchantress. So, I am mega-powerful in the Underworld.”

“Things keep popping up.” Einar smiled in response to my cold jibe. “My head will burst.” I palmed my eyes tiredly. “I want to sleep.”

“You should,” Einar agreed. “Your body is still in the healing process. You won’t stop from whacking the IV in Cain’s head otherwise.”

My cheeks flared in embarrassment.

“It was an interesting sight but try not to make it a habit,” he cracked up at my chagrin. “Can you give me your left hand?”

His brows creased and expressions turned grim when I gave him my hand

“What’s wrong?” Einar shook his head and put his palm on my left wrist. I felt lightheaded when a green glow engulfed it.

“Try to tune out unnecessary thoughts and focus on sleeping.” Einar pointed to the bandages on my arm. “You refused to let us heal them.”

“They will be a good reminder of the ugly reality that I keep forgetting at times.” Einar didn’t say anything in response. “My friends?”

“Aeron and Xic will escort them back home safely.” He replied politely. “And I apologize on behalf of my wife. Clarissa was tricked into behaving that way by Harold. She is the youngest in the family so he thought she would be an easy target.”

“It doesn’t make a difference. She would have behaved the same way otherwise.” I said bitterly.

“Get some rest now.” Einar got up to leave.

“Did you know Laurel?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

“I knew her well enough. She was my mother’s most beloved apprentice” Einar smiled. “I will be in deep waters if Clarissa hears another woman’s name out of my mouth.”

“Thank you,” I said genuinely. “For the needle thing.”

“You are always welcome, kid.” I looked at him oddly when he palmed my head. “I’m a lot older than you even if I don’t look like it,” Einar said teasingly. “Get some sleep now.” he left the room.

“He looks sly but he is not bad.” Shae jumped on the bed next to me and curled into a ball. “He helped me with his magic in turning to a cat.”

I laid back and closed my eyes

“You need to stay strong, Ana,” I mumbled to myself. “The real battle has begun.”

****

I was consumed physically and mentally beyond my capacity. My body was screaming at me to let it rest.

“Take a day off, Ana.” Shae jumped on the table in front of me.

“I need to complete the order and there isn’t much time left.” I leaned back in the softness of the couch.

“You are still going to do it?” Shae asked me.

“It’s work, Shae. I can’t mix personal feelings.” Although, I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to come in contact with them at all. “Why didn’t you tell me? You knew their identity, didn’t you?”

“I was ordered not to interfere unless necessary.” I wanted to scoff at this. “Are you going to stay here tonight as well?”

“I need to finish the dresses,” I repeated the answer.

I was staying in the studio for the past three days. I found every little excuse to not go back.

I didn’t want to come across Cain. I didn’t want to confront him right now. I was too much of a mess to be disputing his indictments.

I needed space to reflect on everything.

Cain didn’t try to force me back even once. Shae was with me all this time and I was sure she was reporting back every second but that was it.

I wish he would leave me alone for good.

“Ana?” I was surprised to see Hannah. “You look like a mess.” I stood up when she came near. “Still angry?”

“Not really,” I replied honestly. “What brings you here?”

“A lot of things,” Hannah looked around. “You are living your dream at last.”

“It cost me a lot.” I sat back. “You are not the one to beat around the bush.” I palmed my head against the headrest and looked at her solemnly.

“I’m risking a lot by coming here today,” I looked at her in surprise when the door locked and the blinds covered the windows to obscure the view. “But I am sick of everything.”

She flicked her wrist over her head and her hair changed color to platinum blonde.

“Yes, I am a Blue Blood.” Her eyes switched to glowing icy blue. “But I wish I was not.” Hannah sat on the opposite couch. “I have been working for Cain for almost a millennium. I am indebted to him for my life.”

“Why?” I couldn’t wrap my head around it. I looked at Shae. She was watching Hannah closely but calmly. “You two know each other?”

“I have seen her in Acreoterra twice,” Shae replied. “But we never interacted.”

“That’s true” Hannah looked at the feline in amusement. “I ratted out their intentions to Cain. They wanted to persecute him and his kin for being evil.” Hannah chuckled bitterly.

“So, they tried to kill me when I revealed Omisha’s truth. Unfortunately, it couldn’t change anything.” She looked at me calmly. “I know you are aware of everything, Ana.”

“Are you here to advocate on his behalf?” I asked coldly. “That I need to condone her sins and compensate with my life?”

“I didn’t say any of that,” Hannah replied. “I’m here for you and Laurel because I owe you this much.” She smiled at my confusion. “Laurel’s real name was Lyra. She was Omisha’s best friend.”

I was stunned.

“She lived for a thousand years, Ana. Enchantress are immortal beings as well and their power is no joke. Lyra was on par with Einar.”

“But–”

“But Cain told me that she was growing old.” Hannah interrupted me. “He said her magic was wearing out. It’s impossible unless she traded her magic and immortality for something forbidden.”

Hannah looked straight at me.

“What do you think was so important for her that she surrendered everything? She hid from everyone all these years. She fabricated her death that night and vanished without a trace.”

“I don’t know. She never told me anything.” I kept rubbing my hands furiously. “I’m still trying to digest everything. Please stop bombing me with new secrets.”

“I’m not holding you liable for Omisha’s doings.” I refused to look at her. “I’m sure Laurel felt the same way, that’s why she did everything in her power to keep you hidden.”

“Are you sure it is not the other way around?” I scoffed. “You just told me she was her best friend. Now I feel like I never knew her.”

“Lyra never stood for that. Omisha was stubborn and blind to every rationality. She only believed what her father taught and told her. Sorush.”

Her tone was laced with resentment.

“There was not right and wrong for her and other Blue Bloods when it came to Sorush, the first bearer of Azrael’s Blood. His words were absolute for us.”

I listened quietly.

“Sorush created an enmity by impeding the Underworld.”

“So, Blue Bloods were not created to kill Cain?” I asked Hannah.

“Our creation had nothing to do with Cain. We were created as arbitrators between death and the afterlife. Our obligation was to apprehend and castigate the escaped and corrupted souls, Anima, from coming back into the human world and interfering with the living.”

She sighed deeply.

“But Sorush took it upon himself to alleviate the world of every forbidden creation. They killed every supernatural being whose existence was against the divine law.” Hannah spat venomously.

“Then what about us? Aren’t we created in the same way? Our existence is a result of a forbidden act as well.”

“I am not Omisha,” my eyes welled with tears. “I cannot do something so awful. I couldn’t do that to anybody.”

Hannah came next to me and held my hand.

“Is there a way to break this curse?” My heart sank when she shook her head in negative.

“The three forbidden curses,” Hannah said gravely. “No one knows about their true nature. We have been looking everywhere for years but all in vain.”

My hopes were crushed further.

“I cannot do much for you, Ana.” She squeezed my hand. “If you know in your heart that you are not Omisha then you will also know who to trust.”

Hannah stood up suddenly. Her hair and eyes changed back and she unlocked the door.

“Watch out for Harold and his lapdogs, Red Jackals and Ice Crows. If you come across Xoran and Catsya, just run. Call Cain right away.” She looked at me. “It may sound harsh but Cain is honest about his intentions.”

“Hannah?” I followed her.

“Laurel was not entirely protecting you from Cain.” She stopped at the door. “What was the name of your parents?”

“Aisling and Cyrus.” I answered.

The door opened and she came face to face with Logan.

“Take care, Ana.” Hannah pushed past him and left.

“Your anger says everything.” I looked at the exotic blue flower Logan extended towards me. “Ecress. It symbolizes an eternal bond in our world. It grows only in Istrigus. I used to bring these–”

I stepped back from him.

“You don’t need to be afraid of me” Logan looked at Shae warily when she jumped on the counter behind me. “I was only trying to protect you.”

“From what?” My tone was bitter. I jerked his hand away from my arm and shot him a warning glare.

“Okay,” Logan raised his hands.

“Is this your real name?” I asked sarcastically. “Logan?”

“No,” His eyes began to glow. “It’s Larc. Do I need to remind you of my name?”

“That woman, Sophia, is she your accomplice?” I answered his question with a question.

“We are not your enemies,” He said sternly. “We have reunited after so long. I finally found you.”

I hugged myself when Logan stepped closer to me.

“You have no idea how unbearable it was for me.” His gaze wandered all over my face. “To be away from you, Omisha–”

“I’m not Omisha,” The flower fell when I slapped his hand away from my face.

“You cannot deny your truth.” Logan grabbed my arms and held me close. “You are my Omisha. Your reincarnation was prophesied thousand years ago.”

He invaded my space without paying heed to my distress.

“You will remember everything soon.” He cupped my face with both hands and forced my eyes on him. “You will have to. I will make you recall everything, Omisha.”

“Let go,” I thrashed violently to break free. “Logan, let go,” I screamed.

“I’m sorry” I jumped away from him when he released me. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I promise I won’t do this again.”

I wrapped my arms around myself.

“I know you are disturbed and terrified but you don’t have to. I love you, Omisha, and you love me.”

I pushed myself against the counter when he tried to touch me again.

“Fine,” Logan took a step back. “As much as I want you to come back with me, I won’t go against Sorush’s decree. But you will be back with your people and me very soon.”

“Just leave.” I shrieked. “I don’t want to hear anymore. Leave me alone.”

“I cannot do that.” Logan refused. “I cannot leave you alone with Cain.”

“I am not Omisha.” I was getting vexed by his obstinacy. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need your help.”

“Omi–”

“Get out,” I shouted. “Get out or I will call the cops.” I began hyperventilating. “Leave, Logan.”

“You will call me, Omisha. When the time comes, you will call my name, and then you will know who your heart wants.”

I palmed my ears.

“I will do it in your stead this time. I will kill Cain and I know you will help me.” Logan flicked his fingers and disappeared in blue flames.

“Why is everyone deciding things on my behalf?” I grabbed my hair and pulled at them in frustration. “Who do they think I am? Some pushover.”

“I see you met your lover.” I whirled around wildly. Cain picked the flower from the floor and held it between his thumb and index finger. “Did the holy reunion leave you tongue-tied?”

“Do you get pleasure out of demeaning and mocking me like this?” Cain smirked when I snatched the flower from him and threw it away angrily. “I am not going to be coerced into accepting anything.”

I didn’t recoil in fear when Cain towered me intimidatingly. I was not going to let him play me for a fool.

Cain could infer everything however he wished but I was not obliged to do the same.

I was not Omisha and I was going to prove it.

“I like the look in your eyes,” Cain said cruelly. “But can you do much on your own?”

I craned my neck back when his face hovered over mine.

“What do you think is keeping you from becoming prey to the demons? I turn my back on you now and no one will come to your help.” His tone was condescending. “Not even your lover.”

“He is not–” I almost yelled. Damn him, for making me lose my cool. “I don’t need anyone.” I met the fury with composure. “I have been living on my own, Cain. It wouldn’t make any difference.”

“Should I leave you alone then?” Cain caressed my cheek with his knuckles. “Do you want me gone?”

“Yes,” I didn’t hesitate. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” I whisper yelled at him. “Will you do it now?”

****

“What?” Angie raised one brow at me questioningly. “You were spacing out.” I looked between them sheepishly. “Aren’t you happy to be back?”

“I am.” Why did I sound so dishonest?

“You are not hiding anything again, are you?” Nat asked seriously. “I can’t swallow that Cain let you go this easily after every horrible thing he did to you.”

“He is scheming something,” Angie tapped her chin. “I can bet my life on it that he is conspiring something big. I’m right, right?” She looked at Shae. “Why would Shae be here?”

“Good afternoon, ladies.” We looked back in shock.

Nat glared at Angie murderously when she jumped next to me and let Xic sit in her place beside her.

“I can’t get used to your happy face every time you see me, Natalie.” He snickered.

“Don’t you have manners?” Nat pushed him back roughly when he leaned toward her. “How can you pop into our personal space?”

“Because I missed you?” Xic was unfazed by her anger. “Oh, come on. I stopped sleeping around with other women because of you.” We could not believe his nerves. “I am almost a saint now.”

“Shut up,” Nat stood up. “Just get lost.” She stomped to the kitchen and Xic followed her.

“I suddenly remembered that I had an errand to run. I’ll see you at dinner. Bye.” Angie was gone.

“What the hell!” I got up as well. “I’m going for a walk.”

“I’m coming with you.” Shae got up.

“I’m just going down. And someone needs to stay here to keep things from going berserk.” I pointed toward the kitchen. “You know why the brothers keep coming here?”

“No,” Shae responded promptly.

“Well, let me know if anything happens, okay?” I went to my room to get my phone and wallet. “I’m going out for a bit,” I said loudly on my way out.

“What?” Nat yelled furiously. “But--”

“Let her be,” Xic pulled her back. “Have a nice walk, Ana.” He waved at me enthusiastically.

“Be careful,” I nodded at Shae and left.

I planned to walk around the block but I somehow found myself sitting on the swing in the park two blocks down. I wasn’t intending to come this far but the sudden craving for the coffee won against silly rationalities.

I texted Angie before coming here so they wouldn’t worry unnecessarily. Cain didn’t take back his ring so I was able to wander in the dark without worrying.

“Do you want to play?”

The voice sent a chill down my spine and rose goosebumps on my skin. I got up when a wicked laugh echoed around me.

“Anastasia!”

I palmed my ears when his laughter hollered around me. A mist appeared out of nowhere and cloaked everything.

“Come play with me.”

I looked around in bewilderment when the fog cleared and I found myself in an amusement park. I was dazed by the brightly lit rides running without an operator.

The amusement park suddenly filled with the laughter of children. They were running around happily with their parents.

“Come on, Ana” Two silhouettes extended their hands for me. “You wanted to ride the Ferris wheel, right?” I extended my hand out for them. “What are you standing there for?”

“I–” This is not real. My feet dragged forward. “Mom, dad” They are dead. “I need to–”

I dug my nails in the wound on my left arm. I fell on the ground in pain but I didn’t stop until I was bounced back to reality.

“Wow!” I looked up breathlessly.

I was still in the amusement park. The shadows distorted into nothing and the voices faded away except for the music.

“You broke out of my phantasmagoria?”

He was standing on top of the Ferris wheel. He appeared to be human and was dressed like a human but his glowing red eyes with yellow slits gave away his true nature.

I had seen those eyes before.

“The name’s Xoran.” I held my breath when he jumped and landed before me. “Welcome to my world, Anastasia.” He spread his arms wide and spun on his heels. “What’s wrong, dear?” He tilted his head to one side. “I gave you your wish, didn’t I?”

I screamed when my ears hurt because of the music.

“Wonderful, isn’t it? I can twist your innocent desires into a hideous nightmare.”

“Stop.” I couldn’t take it anymore. “Make it stop,” I screamed in agony when the loud music pierced me like needles.

“What to do, dear Ana?” He sneered. “Once you step into my world, you are trapped here forever. There are multiple ways in and no way out.” He laughed when I cried in pain. “No one is coming for your rescue, dear Ana. No one.”

“Cain!” I pressed the ring. “CAIN!”

“Anastasia,” My scream was muffled by his hand. “He is gone.” Cain lowered his hand when I blinked.

“You–” I was shaking visibly. “Came!” Cain helped me stand and steadied me against him when I fell forward. He lifted me in his arms and we were standing outside my apartment next.Cain put me down roughly and I stepped away from him.

“Can you not act out if you don’t want me involved?” He grabbed my arms and examined the wounds I scratched again.

“Do you hate my existence that much?” I couldn’t eat my words. “It won’t happen again.”

I slammed the door in his face and leaned against it.

“Shit,” I grabbed my head with both hands and slid to the floor. “Why would I call his name?”