Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

Shae took the scissors from me when I cut my palm instead of the fabric. This was the fifth time. My fingers suffered first and now my entire hand was bleeding.

“What is wrong with you today?” She brought the first aid kit and cleaned the wound. “You should return home. You don’t look so good.”

“I’m fine.” I examined my now bandaged hand. “I want to stay busy.”

“Well,” Shae pushed me out of the sewing room. “Why don’t you sort out the boutique today? That will keep you all the busy you want.” I smiled at her sweet attempts. “I’ll bring you a coffee.”

“Thank you,” I said gratefully. Shae nodded and went back. “I need to get my shit together.” I sat down on the couch and rubbed my face tiredly. “This won’t do.”

I could not move on from my ugly truth no matter how much I tried.

We didn’t talk after that night. Me and Cain. He took me back to his home and left me alone. He gave me the space I needed. I was glad he did because I didn’t want to see him.

Every time I did or even his thoughts crossed my mind, I was reminded of everything.

It made me hate him even more. To the point that I wanted to kill him or myself.

At this point, I couldn’t decide what was the worst of all.

The curse or the reason for my existence!

Cain said he won’t let me die. He said that he would take out the wing without hurting me. He promised me that.

But was that even possible?

I could not bring myself to believe his words. I was not going to. He was equally manipulative, evil, and ruthless. I was sure he said all that bullshit so he could coax me into his bidding. I was never going to trust a word he said.

God wanted me to love him but he was everything I resented with all my heart.

“Ana!” Shae startled me out of my thoughts. “Your Coffee.” She handed me the cup. “Ana, you look extremely pale and sick. Please, listen to me and go home.”

That’s not my home.

“I’ll be fine, Shae. It’s just the weather.” I looked outside the window. The rain was not stopping at all. “The weather is making me frisky.”

“I don’t think it’s just the weather,” Shae sat across from me. “I noticed that day. Time stopped. I was going to come after you but Master stopped me. He asked me to take your friends home and alter their memory.”

“What happened? You have been acting weird since that day.” Shae looked at me carefully. “I don’t want to pry. I’m just worried. If I can help, let me know.”

“Thank you, Shae,” I said tiredly. “You are right. Let’s go back early today.”

“I’ll call the driver,” Shae stood up and left. I got up as well and went toward one of the display windows.

“You can’t act gloomy, Ana. It’s not going to help you at all.” I hugged myself. I looked at the tree when a crow cawed.

Was it me or did the temperature dropped?

I frowned and moved closer to the window when it started frosting. The cold was unbearable. My frown deepened when I looked at the crow again.

It seemed to have its green eyes fixed on me.

Green eyes!

I staggered back when my eyes fell on the figure across the road. Logan! His expression and gaze showed the animosity and thirst for vengeance.

Why did he come now of all times?

Logan never came again after that incident in Aessegar. I dreaded running into him when we returned.

Mr. Philip came a few days later and shocked me by saying that no person named Logan owned this building now or ever. He had no memory of Logan at all. He repeated every word but not with Logan’s name.

I was so flabbergasted by the turn of events that I forgot to ask who was the owner of this building.

I felt relieved knowing that Logan was gone. He invoked a certain kind of fear in me. I was not afraid of him but I couldn’t afford to turn my back to him for even a second time.

Not after knowing what he did to Laurel and Hannah.

Logan was dangerous in his own way.

“I have wrapped up everything,” I looked back, startled. “What?” Shae came to me.

“It’s that–” I pointed outside. The window was clear. There was no crow and Logan outside. “What?”

“What?” Shae repeated. “Ana?”

“Nothing,” I shook my head. “Is the driver coming?” Shae nodded. “Let’s close the studio and wait outside.”

We went to the reception but I couldn’t help but look back over and again.

Why did Logan appear at the same time it did? Was this by chance?

Should I tell Cain?

I brushed the thought aside as soon as it came.

****

I locked myself up in his room. I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. I was already feeling blue but now I felt like throwing up and crying loudly.

Sibyl came twice to ask for dinner but I refused. The thought of food made me feel ten times worse than before. I curled up in the blanket and tried to sleep off my restlessness. Nothing was helping.

I cried in the end when I couldn’t bear with the stifling emotions anymore.

It became clear in half an hour why my emotions were all over the place.

“Stupid periods,” I clutched my stomach and curled further in the fetal position under the blanket. “They had to come early this month.” The pain was killing me. “As if I was not suffering enough.” I moaned.

I knew all that stress was going to weigh down on me.

“Oh, God!” I got up from the bed with the blanket wrapped around my body and dragged myself to the window. The rain was only adding up to my misery. “Damn, it hurts.”

I put my forehead against the glass and sighed. The cold felt good against my burning skin.

“Make this pain go away,” I opened my eyes and stared outside.

For a few moments, it didn’t make any sense until my eyes adjusted to the darkness and the silhouette standing before me.

I stumbled back when its eyes glowed. I couldn’t see the face but I could sense the evil gleam.

“Impossible,” I whispered fearfully.

This being crossed Cain’s barrier.

“Ana!” I looked back at Cain. “What’s wrong?” He came to me and looked outside as well. His expressions told me that he sensed the intruder. “Are you okay?” He frowned suddenly. “You are bleeding.”

“Shut up,” I screamed in embarrassment. “Just–you are impossible.” His cocky expressions flustered me more. “Don’t go on stating my monthly condition. It’s not the first time I–ughh!”

I felt extremely uncomfortable and irritated when he looked down.

“Oh!” I could not believe his response. “I didn’t mean to.”

“Forget it,” I looked away from him. “I couldn’t have expected much from you anyway.” I winced when my stomach hurt again.

“Are you okay?” Cain asked. I could trace a little bit of concern in his voice. It clogged my throat. “Ana!”

“No,” Cain looked slightly taken aback when I sniffed. “I feel awful right now. The pain is unbearable.” I glared at him through my tears. “It’s because of you and all the stress you have given me that I got an early period. You have no idea how excruciating they are for me.” I screamed at him. “I hate you for doing this to me.” I rubbed my eye. “Stupid Cain.”

“Is it hurting that much?” Cain held my waist and turned me to him. “Stop crying.” He wiped my cheeks with his thumb. “You want me to help a little?” He mused over my confusion. “I can make the pain go away.”

“How?” I implored. I looked at him slightly perplexed when he opened his arms. “What?” I was startled when his palms were engulfed in bluish black flames. “By burning me?”

“Come here,” Cain ordered. “It’s not going to hurt. I promise.” I looked at his hands warily. “Trust me. You will feel better.” I walked into his open arms. “Don’t throw a fit,” Cain embraced me firmly.

“Cain!” I gasped when he put his hands under my shirt and on my lower back.

“Relax,” he pulled me close. “Just relax.” I put my head on his chest and closed my eyes when the warmth seeped from his palms and into my skin. It felt soothing. “Feeling any better?”

“Mhm,” I wrapped my arms around him and snuggled further in his hold when he rubbed my waist slowly. The pain was subsiding. “You are warm,” I mumbled. “I thought you would be cold.” Cain chuckled in response.

I listened to his slow yet steady heartbeat. I didn’t want to stay close to him but I couldn’t bring myself to pull away. He felt safe right now. And I hated him for making me feel that way towards him.

“I feel sleepy,” I mumbled. “You are tricking me, aren’t you? Acting nice to lure me back in your trap.”

“I’m responsible for your wellbeing,” Cain responded calmly. “But if that thought puts you at ease, so be it.”

“Cain?” He hummed in response. “I saw Logan today.” I looked up at him. “I don’t know if it was my imagination or not.”

“He won’t be able to do anything,” Cain palmed my head. “You don’t have to worry.” I nodded and buried my face back in his chest.

“Something strange happened at the studio as well,” I decided to tell him. “I saw that crow again. The one with green eyes.” I fisted his shirt. “There was an extreme drop in temperature but it disappeared as soon as it came. Shae couldn’t sense it.” I looked up when Cain gave no response. “It was them, wasn’t it? Right now, outside?”

“You are safe,” Cain stared deep into my eyes. “I promised you, didn’t I? Nothing will happen. I’ve got it under control.” I buried my face in his chest again. “Sibyl said you didn’t eat anything,” Cain murmured in my hair after some time.

“I was not hungry,” I tilted my face slightly so I could look at his face. “I’m kind of feeling hungry now,” Cain smirked. “But it’s late.”

“I’ll wake her up.”

“No,” I refused. “That will be rude. I’ll manage somehow.”

“Like this?” Cain cocked one brow in response. “What do you want to eat?”

This was a tricky question in this state.

“What?” Cain mused over my expressions. “It will be arranged. Whatever you want to eat, tell me without hesitating.” He caressed my hair.

“Anything?” I confirmed. “Everything?” I confirmed it again.

“What do you want to eat?” Cain asked patiently. I was amazed at how gentle he was along with being nice. It felt good for a change.

“Well,” I said sheepishly, “I want pizza, Caesar salad, dumplings, alfredo pasta, mayo garlic fries, brownie, spring rolls, and chicken corn soup.” I finalized the list.

“And you are going to eat all this?” Cain asked incredulously.

“Yes,” I nodded, “with grapefruit juice.”

“Well,” I blinked at him in surprise when he lifted me in his arms. “Let’s go.” He carried me out of the room and downstairs. “I’d like to see how you’ll finish everything.”

“You need to bring me all this first.” I retorted. “You are still here.”

“Your food is already here,” Cain retorted back. I was surprised to see Xic at the dining table.

And my food.

“You should know that these things take time,” Xic said pointedly. “You owe me for this, brother,” Xic grinned at my expressions. “But I must say it came as a shocker. I wish I could stay and see but I am a little busy.” Xic winked at me.

“Enjoy your food, Anastasia, and don’t forget to give a five-star review to my service.” He laughed when I blushed. “I’ll see you.” He nodded at Cain and disappeared.

“What the hell!” I uttered in disbelief. “You didn’t even talk to him.” Cain helped me in the chair. “I can’t get used to this inhuman stuff.”

“What happened to your hand?” Cain grabbed it when I took it out of the blanket to eat. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?”

“I cut myself accidentally.” I shrank under his gaze. “It’s nothing serious.”

“It is serious,” Cain sat next to me and unwrapped the bandage. “How many times have I told you not to be careless and injure yourself?” I squirmed slightly when he kissed my injuries one by one. “They don’t only hurt you physically, Ana. They harm your soul as well.”

“Your wing you mean,” Cain looked at me. “It’s nothing serious.” I pulled my hand out of his hold. “But I’ll be careful. I don’t want you complaining that I scratched your wing.” I joked.

Cain gave no response.

“You are so stiff, seriously.” I began decorating my plate to distract myself from his intense gaze. “Will you eat with me?”

“I don’t eat, Ana,” his gaze didn’t waver for even a second.

“But Sibyl said you eat occasionally,” I sighed in content. “This is so good.” I began devouring my food. “What do you like to eat?” I looked at Cain expectantly. “You have favorites?”

“I do,” I looked at him questioningly when he touched the corner of my mouth. “I’m very particular about my taste.”

My body burnt when Cain licked the sauce off his finger.

“So,” I cleared my throat. “What do you like?” I tried to dissipate the sudden tension bubbling between us.

“If I told you,” Cain whispered seductively while looking into my eyes. “I’ll have to kill you.”

“Ironic,” I chuckled sarcastically, “I expected this response somewhere deep inside.” I looked away when his expressions hardened and darkened. “I wish I could forget this for a moment.” I poked the pasta. “But I guess not.”

I could feel his eyes boring holes in my skull.

“Can I request you something?” I faced him reluctantly. “I know it’s not easy for you to see me around. I understand because the feeling is mutual. But can you please not behave as you did?”

“Your point?” Cain asked coldly.

“If you feel irritated with me or angry, tell me to leave you alone. Shout at me if it works for you but don’t insult me because you find me unsightly. Your behavior toward this whole situation doesn’t justify anything.” I scowled at him.

“You first thought I was that woman, Omisha. You subjected me to every kind of cruelty because of your issues. And you didn’t apologize to me even once after knowing the truth.” I pursed my lips at his impassiveness.

“You owed me one but instead of doing so, you crossed your limits,” I said bitterly. “I’m not stupid, Cain. I notice things.” I scoffed. “It was strange how you brought women every night but I never saw them leaving in the morning. And then you stopped altogether.” Cain narrowed his eyes.

“You don’t have to worry. I won’t fall in love with you.” I twirled the fork on the plate. “It’s not right. No one has the right to make a puppet out of anyone’s life just to prove their superiority.” I glanced at him sideways. “It’s already hard enough. Let’s not make it any more suffocating for each other.”

“Go to sleep once you are finished,” Cain left.

I put the fork down and sighed. I knew it was not going to be easy.

“But at least, I tried.”

****

Cain’s POV

“So you used reverse psychology on her,” I snorted. “So like you, Lyra.” It was one cruel strategy she used but extremely effective. “Well, it works for me.”

Aeron was right. Humans were simple-minded despite their complex nature.

Lyra knew her fierce nature would refuse to accept and succumb to fate. If she ever started feeling anything for me, the truth will stop her.

“Anastasia,” I twirled the glass in my hand and looked out the window. “Sweet little Ana.”

It was quite intriguing to watch her.

“What do you want?” I looked back apathetically when the intruder stepped out of the shadows. “Catsya!”

She was nothing like I remembered her. That long vertical scar along the length of her face was the answer.

They cut off their faces and burnt their auras to hide from me.

“You recognized me.” Catsya wound her arms around my neck and pressed herself to me. “You are still the same. So fierce. So cold,” she moaned, “and so–”

“Your new face is hideous than before.” I pulled her head back roughly by her hair. “You got some nerve to waltz in here.” I snarled in her face. “You and your brother should have stayed hidden.” I pushed her back. “You swore loyalty to me and my family and bowed to Crawford and Sorush. You are nothing but a disgrace to your blood.”

“Where is the fun in that?” Catsya laughed loudly. “Won’t you get tired of serving the same master? Why would we choose to stay enslaved to titles when we could have it all.”

“Is that what Harold and that Blue Blood told you?” I jeered. “I find you pathetic.”

“Ah!” Catsya mewled. “You are making me angry now.” She hopped on the table and crossed one leg over the other. “Why did you have to make me angry? Now I’ll have to hurt your little princess.”

“Some nerve you have, you vermin,” I derided. “Coming to your doom and threatening it.”

“It’s fun,” Catsya grinned maliciously. “We’ll get to see what matters the most. Killing me or saving your miracle?” I balled my fists at her mockery. “She is going to take a shower. I wonder if the water is too electrifying for her.” She snickered.

“You are dead, Catsya,” I growled at her. “Start the countdown to your last breath.” She disappeared in flames. “Fucking shit,” I teleported to my room and blew open the door to the bathroom.

“What the-” Anastasia screamed upon seeing me. “Cain, what-” I pulled her hand away from the valve and held her close. “What is wrong with you?”

“Stay put,” I grabbed the shower valve. It was overflowing with a high voltage current. Had Anastasia touched it, she would have died instantly. “Fuck!” I growled under my breath.

I grunted when the current flowed from the water and into my body. I didn’t stop until I was sure it was over and safe.

I’m going to fucking rip you apart, Catsya.

“Cain?” I looked down at Anastasia. “What?” Her cheeks were red with embarrassment. “Leave, please,” she squirmed in my hold.

She was naked.

“Cain?” Anastasia whispered meekly. “Leave.”

Fuck!

I pushed her back and turned on the shower. I grabbed her hands and held them above her head. Her body reacted when I pushed myself against her. I growled and thrust my hips into hers when her softness pressed into me.

This is bad.

“Cain–” I sealed her lips with an aggressive kiss.

My hands moved down her arms and roamed over her curves greedily. Her moans only aroused me more. Every time she arched her back into me, I went crazy with lust and desire.

I need to fucking pull back.

Anastasia locked her legs around my hips and wound her arms around my neck when I hoisted her up and pushed her against the wall.

I kissed her again deeply, roughly, and aggressively.

“Cain” Anastasia cried out in pleasure when my mouth traveled down her neck and latched onto her soft swells. “Sto-p” She tugged at my hair. “Stop please.”

“I need you right now,” I growled and bit into her soft skin. “Fuck, Anastasia. I want you.”

“Stop. Just stop.” She pushed at my shoulders. “This is not right, Cain. Please!” I snaked my arm around her waist to keep her in place and dipped my free hand between her legs. “No!”

Anastasia did something I could have never expected.

She slapped me.

“Leave me. I said leave me.” Anastasia pushed free of my arms and stumbled back while trying to cover her body with her hands. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

I rammed a punch in the wall and towered over her menacingly.

How dare she hit me and push me away?

My eyes were switching back and forth as I tried to control my carnal urges and anger.

“Don’t you dare!” she screeched when I tried getting close to her. Fat tears of shame and regret rolled down her cheeks and she glared at me balefully.

What the fuck was I doing?

“Go away, please,” Anastasia shrank away from my touch. “Just leave me alone. I beg you. Just leave.”

Her refusal enraged me.

I stormed out of there before I could have done anything anymore.

“Fuck!” I cursed loudly. “What the fuck was I doing?”

I couldn’t get the image of her out of my fucking head.

Her big wide eyes staring up at me, her trembling swollen lips and blushed cheeks, her soft flushed body heaving and moaning in my hold.

I want to devour her.

I stormed out of the room when irrationality began to cloud my senses once again.

So beautiful, innocent, and pure.

Mine.

I rammed a punch through the wall and roared angrily.

I better stay away from her or else it is ruination for both of us.