Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

“You are wearing more dresses from now on, Shae. You can switch your apparel, right?” Shae nodded. “So there is no need to wear those bland clothes all the time.”

I was tired of seeing Shae in the same black gear. Human or not, She was a teenage girl and she should dress up prettily.

“This is Xic’s place,” Shae looked around in mild awe once we sat down at our table. “Why did you bring me here?”

“To celebrate my first big order,” I said proudly. “Nat and Angie are not here right now but I really feel like celebrating.”

I was relieved when Sophia’s assistant came in her stead. I didn’t want to confront her or Logan at all. I was glad when I heard Logan went out for business for a few days.

It was inevitable to not run into him so I was grateful for this temporary riddance.

“Ana?” I looked up at Shae. “Are you okay?”

“Absolutely. I was thinking about going shopping after this. A little splurging and spoiling is good.” I opened the menu and Shae followed suit. “The food here is to die for and the view of the city from this floor is just amazing. Nat works here as well.”

“I’ll eat whatever you will eat.” Shae closed the menu and looked at me. “You didn’t have to make me so many dresses.”

“I’m glad you like them,” I called the waiter and placed our order. “I’m going to design some pants for you next.”

Shae nodded and looked out the grand window.

I knew Shae was upset about the stunt I pulled on her. She didn’t say anything but I knew better.

It was not a wise decision no matter how emotionally disturbed I was. It could have landed us both in serious trouble.

I wanted to apologize but I couldn’t bring myself to. It was going to open a door to unanswerable questions and I still didn’t stabilize enough after that crazy midnight rendezvous.

Our food arrived and we ate in complete silence. Shae looked reluctant at first but when she took a bite, her eyes lit up. She enjoyed her food and her cheerful mood took a load off my chest.

“I heard we had two beautiful guests,” I looked at Xic in surprise when he came to our table. “No need to.” he pushed my wallet down and took the bill from me. “It’s on the house.” Xic raised one finger to cut my protest.

“Don’t take the honor from me now. It’s not every day one gets to woo a strong-headed woman.” He winked at me and dismissed the waiter. “No desserts?”

“We are full,” Shae stood up when I did. We walked out of the restaurant with Xic and to the elevators. “That was unnecessary.”

“You are too uptight for your own good. Learn to take it easy at times.” Xic pressed the button to the ground floor. “After you,” he bowed in courtesy. I shook my head and walked inside the elevator with Shae. “I’m a true gentleman at heart, Anastasia.”

“That’s why Nat is always ready to blow her fuse when you are near.” I retorted coolly.

“Ouch!”

I couldn’t tell whether Xic really found it humorous or was he trying to cover up his true feelings. But if it was latter, he was damn good at putting up a false front.

His smile was killing my eyes.

The door pinged open and Xic and Shae stepped out while I stayed glued to my position.

“Ah!” Xic faced me with a Cheshire grin. “I think I forgot to mention. Cain is here for you, Anastasia.”

I wanted to rip his smile off his face.

I cleared my throat and walked out of the elevator unwillingly.

“My job here is done, brother.” Xic chuckled. “I will be taking Shae with me.”

“What?” I cringed inwardly at how loud my response was. “I mean–I-we have to go.”

“You can leave, Shae,” Cain commanded coldly. She left with Xic without another word. “Come.”

I kept looking at Cain mutely. I could feel the heat in my ears, cheeks, and neck.

Why was my heart being a lunatic? It wasn’t the first time I heard his deep voice.

“Anastasia?” I walked past him hurriedly to hide my burning cheeks.

His car was already in the driveway when we came out. I looked at Cain in question when he opened the door for me.

What’s gotten into him? Why was he being so chivalrous out of blue?

“You are slower than usual.” Cain scoffed and closed the door before I could answer. He got in the driver’s seat and drove out of the hotel.

I kept fidgeting with the hem of my dress while looking outside. His presence was more overwhelming than ever.

“We need to talk.”

“Why?” I gulped inaudibly when Cain looked at me. “What?” I clutched the seatbelt when he stopped the car suddenly. “Why did you stop?” I looked outside again. The road was dark and empty. “This is not the way to my apartment.”

“You are not going back,” Cain responded crisply. “Let me finish first, Ana.” My heart skipped a beat. “And look at me properly.”

“I am looking at you,” I mumbled. The tick was visible near his eye but he kept his tongue from unleashing his wrath for a change. “Why can’t I go back?”

“You know the answer better than me, Ana.” My heart skipped another beat. “You won’t be lucky every time to escape their clutches. Manipulating human emotions is something Xoran and Harold are good at. They will go after–”

“No,” I fisted my hands. “Keep Angie and Nat out of this, please.”

“Come back to me” It sounded more like an order. “I cannot protect you.” He grabbed my left hand and tapped my wrist. “Because of this. I’m not going to bound you, Ana. I am not forcing you. You know you can’t be stubborn about this.”

“What if they still harm my friends to get to us?” I pulled my wrist out of his grasp and looked away. I couldn’t maintain an eye lock. “I can’t leave them alone. They are bound to get hurt.”

“They won’t,” Cain responded stoically. “Xic and Aeron will handle your friends. You have my word on their safety.” I couldn’t stop rubbing my hands in nervousness. “Ana?”

“Okay,” I replied timidly. “Because I don’t know where to look, that’s why.” I looked away when Cain smirked. “You keep your word of keeping them safe and letting me be.”

“Sure,” Cain started the car and drove off again. “I was expecting a rebel of some sort.”

“I know it’s no joking matter.” I stared at his reflection in the glass.

“When you encountered Xoran that night,” Cain asked after a minute, “did you notice something unusual about him?”

I racked my brain but I couldn’t recall anything.

“There were gigantic jackals with him. Red ones.” It didn’t seem like the answer he was anticipating. “He looked human and he was wearing a red suit.” I paused and surfed my memories some more. “But there was something odd about his face.”

“Like what?” Cain asked sharply.

“I don’t remember clearly but the left side of his face,” I gestured with my hand. “There seemed like a skin-deep vertical scar on its entire length. His face looked kind of fake because of it.” Cain raised one brow at this. “I’m answering your question.”

“Anything else?” He asked.

“There was weird music,” I looked at Cain. “I heard a strange tune before I got trapped in that whatever land.”

“If you encounter something similar or ever feel a sudden drop in temperature out of blue,” Cain glanced at me sideways. “Call me right away.”

He held my gaze for some time before looking ahead.

“Catsya is more lethal than Xoran,” I remembered Hannah mentioning her name. “I can’t deal with them right away so you need to watch your back in my absence.”

“Why?” I asked curiously.

“They don’t look the same anymore and they have masked their aura.” I frowned at his answer. “Nothing for you to worry about.”

We reached his estate and Cain drove straight to the main entrance.

“I’ll ask Sibyl to send someone for your luggage,” I nodded in silence. We got out of the car and went inside.

“So, Harold was not lying.” Cain pulled me back and partially stepped in front of me. “What is the meaning of this, Cain?” Serra eyed me murderously.

“Lower your voice,” Cain responded rather coldly.

“Why is she next to you?” Serra screeched. “Have you forgotten everything?”

“I don’t have time for your tantrums, Serra. So, don’t anger me and leave quietly.” Cain said threateningly.

“I won’t let you do this to me,” Serra grabbed the lapels of his suit jacket. “I won’t let her come between us again, Cain. I won’t let this bitch take you away from me again,” her gaze was full of contempt.

“Enough,” Cain pushed her hands off him roughly. “Leave or I will banish you back to hell.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Serra refused. “Not until she is out of the picture.”

“Go to your room,” I looked at his back. “Anastasia!”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I walked away from them as fast as possible without running.

“I did everything you asked me to do.” I stopped midway on the stairs when Serra yelled. “I waited all these years. I waited all this time for you.”

She grabbed his face and meshed their lips together.

“You are mine, Cain. You are only mine.” She kissed him again, roughly and aggressively.

“I should tell Angie and Nat about my return before they worry,” I mumbled and dashed upstairs.

I had no right to witness their intimate interaction.

“Yeah, I should do it right now.” I closed the door and slumped against it. “It was just a dream.”

****

“Aha!” I exclaimed, “Found you.” I grabbed the book from the shelf and raised it in the air victoriously. “I’m not going to put you back again. It’s so hard to find you.”

I traced its red cover in awe. The script of this book was similar to what I found in Laurel’s basement room.

I didn’t understand one word of this ancient book but I felt drawn by the drawings.

I hugged the gigantic book and skipped toward the pool area happily. I was not sleepy and I didn’t want to encounter anything I shouldn’t.

Cain’s room was directly across mine and I didn’t want to run into him or Serra for now. Things were still heated and I didn’t want to worsen them further for my sake.

As if Clarissa was not enough, I had to get Serra on my plate as well.

I looked around and released a long sigh. I prayed Serra didn’t plan on a midnight swim. I sat by the edge and dipped my feet in the water. It felt nice and cool.

I opened the book and surfed through the pages.

“If only I could read these,” I mumbled while tracing the words. I looked at the water when I felt something near my feet.

My heart almost stopped when someone emerged to the surface. I looked at Cain with wide eyes and with a thundering heart.

“I thought–” I stuttered, “in your room!”

Cain combed his wet hair back and looked at me smugly.

I looked away when he swam closer and put his arms on either side of me. His naked torso pressed against my bare legs.

I felt his hard contours more than I should and their awareness did nothing to help slow the pace of my heart.

My hand unconsciously went to my left shoulder.

“I didn’t know someone was here,” I mumbled sheepishly. “I’ll leave.”

“What are you doing with this?” Cain tapped the book in my lap.

“I found it in the library.” I breathed in relief when Cain pushed back. “The illustrations are interesting. Is this book a description of some place?”

“Yes,” Cain swam another lap.

I got up and went to the lounging chair. He was only distracting me from rationality by being in the water, all wet in nothing but swimming shorts.

“It’s Acreoterra.” I looked down when Cain got out of the pool and came to where I was sitting.

His swimming shorts left nothing to my imagination.

I reluctantly looked up at him. The intensity of heat in my cheeks only rose.

He was a walking picture of perfection.

“Seen enough?” Cain chuckled when I looked away embarrassed. “Acreoterra has five lands. This is The Thunder Dominion.” He sat in front of me and flipped a few pages.

“It’s the heart of Acreoterra. My castle is here.” He touched the middle of the illustration.

“You have a castle?” I asked incredulously. “This is the place?” Cain nodded in response. “Is it really like this?”

“The picture can’t do the real thing justice,” Cain smirked. “The sun never rises in Acreoterra. It’s either evening or night. The sky is covered with clouds. It’s either raining or thundering in this place and there are four moons.” He opened another illustration. “Blue moons.”

“Blue moons? In the rain?” Cain nodded. “There is no day?” He nodded again. “Why? What do people do in such conditions?”

“There are no people in Acreoterra, Ana.” Cain chuckled. “Only I live in The Thunder Dominion.” I looked away shyly. “This is the ethereal forest, Whispering Redbud. It is home to Wenix.” He flipped to the next page. “Wenix are offspring of pixies and Erlking.”

“Pixies are real?” I asked excitedly. “Are they really this small?” I emphasized with my index finger and thumb. “Wow,” I mumbled when Cain nodded. “What is an Erlking?”

“King of fairies.” My mouth fell open in surprise. “Don’t be awed. They are nothing like what you might have read in books or watched in movies.” Cain ran a hand through his wet hair. “They are the least welcoming creatures.”

“I thought fairies were nice.” I raised both brows.

“Wenix are not fairies, Ana. They are sadistic beings. They entrance their prey with their voices and dance. Once you are trapped, they will slowly kill you by sucking you dry of your life.”

“I wouldn’t want to go there.” I shuddered.

“Their area is off-limits to other creatures,” Cain said offhandedly. “But now you know what you will be walking into if you ever come across them.”

“You are scaring me, aren’t you?” I pouted at his smirk. “What’s this?”

“Seisc,” Cain replied. “They are the outcomes of Pontianak and ghouls union, one of the most frightening creatures of the Underworld. They prey on both Anima and humans.”

“They look human,” I pointed out. There was one man and one woman. Though just a colorless illustration, they were extremely beautiful, especially their long sleek looking hair. “They don’t look scary at all.”

“Do you know anything about Pontianak?” I shook my head. “It is the spirit of a woman who died while pregnant.”

“What?” I was horrified. “A ghost? You mean to say a ghost bore and gave birth to these?” I tapped on the picture. “A ghost?”

“Yes,” Cain leaned forward a little. “A pale creature with long hair and red eyes. She can transform into a beautiful woman to trap her prey. She appears on the full moon and feasts on human organs.”

“Scary.” I touched their picture again. “How do you tell them apart from humans?”

“They have no smell.” Cain opened the next illustration. “Ochelas is their territory. They are the guardians at the They Abyss Sea.”

“The containment for Anima?” Cain looked at me when I said this. “Shae told me once. She told the executioners there was no joke.”

I looked away from his penetrating gaze.

“I could have never known there existed things and creatures beyond human comprehension.” I shook my head and flipped to the next page. “What is this place?”

“Stubarat,” Cain replied. “Home to Nukgales. They are the offspring of Leprechauns and gorgons. They don’t mind anyone but they can be quite deceptive.”

I looked at their illustration. They were a mixture of both creatures like others.

“They can control thunder, lightning, and water.” I looked at Cain. “There is one more.” Cain’s smirk confused me. “Naxoris. They are the children of Nymphs and Kelpie. They are very greedy creatures. Their territory is this,” he tapped on the picture. “Essorus.”

“Did you create this realm?” I asked.

“It came into existence with my birth. These creatures came to me to find shelter and hide from divine forces. Because their existence was forbidden in their world”

“It’s not just a realm.” Cain muttered darkly. “It’s a reservoir of unlimited power.” I nodded absentmindedly. “Why are you up at this hour?”

“The walls are not that soundproof and I don’t want the torture of Serra’s unwanted moans and screams penetrating my privacy.” I huffed by the end.

“You don’t shy away from saying anything, do you?” Cain mused. “I told you before, didn’t I? I don’t bring just anyone in my personal space.”

“She is your fiancée,” I remarked calmly. “She can come into your personal space.”

“She is not my fiancée,” Cain retorted coldly.

“Were you engaged to her before meeting Omisha?” I didn’t back away from his stare. “Did you sleep around with other women then too?”

“I was not obliged to keep my commitment to Serra,” Cain answered emotionlessly. “She was chosen by my parents, not me. And yes, I slept with other women because I owed my loyalty to no one.”

“And Omisha?” I asked bluntly. “Did you sleep with other women when you were with her?”

“I am no gentleman, Ana,” Cain said wickedly. “Aren’t you too comfortable while talking about Omisha now?”

“She is another person,” I whispered back. “Why would I feel uncomfortable talking about someone I barely know?”

“Is that so?” Cain took the book from me and put it aside. “Stop running your head over a treadmill.” I held my breath when he brushed my hair back and his fingers grazed my left shoulder.

“Mosquito bite,” I stood up abruptly and cupped my shoulder. “There are so many mosquitoes these days. Haha?”

Cain raised one brow mockingly and stood up as well.

“I’ve been noticing your behavior” He mused. “Why are you flustered? You look like you want to run away at the mere mention of my name.”

“Why wouldn’t I run away from you?” I fell back with every step forward. “I am supposed to run away from you. I always run away from you.” My back hit something hard and Cain caged me against it. “You are invading my space.”

“You don’t want to prove me wrong?” I lowered my eyes when his breath fanned my face. “That’s disappointing.” Cain put his index finger under my chin and tipped my face up. “I was looking forward to some excitement.”

“Go find Serra for that,” I pushed his hand away. “I’m not here to entertain you.” Cain smirked in response. “Get away from me.”

“And if I don’t?” He challenged.

“You want me to faint?” I raised my left arm. “It’s–” My words turned to an embarrassed squeak when Cain grabbed my wrist and kissed it fervently. “What are you doing?”

“What am I doing?” Cain murmured huskily against my wrist. “I’m just testing something.” He pressed himself against me.

“You cannot do this, Cain.” I closed my eyes when his nose skimmed over my cheek and his breath tickled my ear. “Stop.”

“I know you remember everything,” Cain murmured in my ear. “From that night.” My heart thundered against my ribcage. “Sweet attempts but you cannot hide anything from me.” His fingers drummed against my breastbone.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I responded calmly. Cain chuckled deeply and pulled back so that his face was only an inch away from mine. “I think you are mistaking something.”

“Should I revive a few memories?” Cain said suggestively. His eyes were twinkling with sinister mischief.

“No, thank you,” I tried running but Cain grabbed my waist and spun me in his arms. “What are you–” I gasped loudly when he meshed our frames together.

“Aren’t you a sly little thing?” His gaze roamed all over my face. “Fine, if that’s how you want to play.” I closed my eyes when his breath teased my lips. “Want to make a bet?”

I’d rather die than admit it. I wanted to wipe that embarrassing night out of my life if possible.

I freaking remembered everything.

For the first time in my history of getting drunk, I remembered everything. I was so ashamed that I wanted to die the next day.

I would never let Cain know. It was a mistake I made in a moment’s weakness and confusion.

“I-” I was becoming a breathless mess. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” I tried looking away but he didn’t let me. He was so close. “Cain!”

“There is another creature,” He murmured near my neck. “It’s called Oroboros. It’s like a dragon curled into a hoop with its tail in its mouth. You know what it does?” Cain asked me teasingly. “It eats itself.”

“Eww!” Cain chuckled when my nose scrunched in disgust. “That’s so gross.”

“He is an immortal creature and guardian of the gate of Iashodell.” his nose skimmed along the length of my neck. “Don’t be caught by him while crossing the realms of hell.”

“Why would I even go there?” I pushed at his chest but he didn’t budge.

“Who knows?” Cain pulled back a little. “You may enter a realm of hell but you can never tell where you will end up after crossing that gate. Oroboros likes to toy and torture those who come across him.”

“You are so evil,” I punched his chest with my fists. “You are just trying to scare me now.”

Cain caught my hands on his chest.

“I didn’t sleep let alone look at any woman when I was with Omisha.”

He was not lying.

I could see it in the depths of his turquoise pools.

“But nothing mattered. All she could see was the evil I am.” Cain released me from his hold and stepped back.

His expressions morphed into coldness and neutrality.

“Go back to your room and rest. Like I said before, I have plenty of room here for my pleasures.” Cain brushed past me. “One more thing,” I looked at him questioningly. “Try saying Oroboros.”

“Oroboros,” I repeated after him in confusion.

“Make sure you lock your windows before sleeping.” His eyes held an evil gleam. “Oroboros visits when someone calls its name.”

“I didn’t–” I was horrified. “That’s not fair. Cain!”

I screamed after him in frustration when he left while whistling merrily.

“He expects me to sleep now? He is so-” I breathed out loudly and shook my head in disbelief, “hot and cold.”