Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

Diana looked breathtakingly beautiful in her wedding gown. Angie, Nat, and Shae were looking stunning in their dresses. I was glad I didn’t leave Diana’s and our outfits at the studio.

“Oh, Shae,” Angie dropped the curling iron and hugged her again. “I’m not letting you out of my sight ever again.”

“Get off,” Shae grunted in annoyance. “Angie!”

“Let her breath,” Nat pulled Angie away from Shae. “You will ruin her hair and makeup.”

“But I am so happy to see her alive and healthy.” Angie looked at Shae with motherly affection. “Forget it, I want to hug you one more time.”

We pulled her back before she could have crushed Shae again.

“So,” Nat looked at me meaningfully. “What’s the story behind the ring?”

“This is so beautiful, Ana.” Angie held my hand. “God, you are dazzling today.”

“You too,” I complimented her back.

“So,” Angie and Nat synced. “What’s the story?” They synced again. Shae looked at me hopefully too.

“Nothing that you might be thinking, “I fixed them a glare. “Cain put this on me to keep Russell away.”

“He wouldn’t dare to look at you in ten lives, Ana.” Angie retorted. “That’s a pretty lame excuse.”

“Yeah,” Nat chuckled. “I don’t know what Cain did but the dude won’t even dream of you in his wildest dreams.”

“Shut up,” I snapped, all flustered.

It was true though. Russell didn’t even try to cross paths with me by accident. It was hilarious to watch him running away every time he saw me.

“So, what’s cooking?” Angie looked at me hopefully. “You two are an official thing now? Like from enemies to lovers kind of thing?”

“Stop being ridiculous,” I said exasperatedly. “I told you it’s nothing.”

“Then what is it?” Nat snickered. “We can see everything. The man is so possessive of you.”

“Yeah,” Angie nodded in agreement. “It’s hot” She sighed dreamily. “You two always looked good together but I never thought the day would come.”

“We should leave,” I said stoically. “It’s almost time for the ceremony.”

“Way to ruin the mood,” Angie snorted. “But we are continuing this discussion later. We are still here for another two days.”

“I’m going to get my phone.” They nodded and left and I ran back to my room. “Oh,” I said surprisingly when I saw Cain. He was standing by the window.

I blushed hard when he looked at me.

“You look beautiful,” Cain complimented. It increased the heat in my cheeks. “You are blushing.”

I cleared my throat awkwardly. I couldn’t stop myself from checking him out as well. Cain was looking hot and dashing in a black tuxedo.

“Satisfied?” Cain smirked. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to get my phone,” I went ahead and grabbed my phone from the bedside table.

“Ana?” Cain came to me. “We will be leaving after the ceremony.”

“What?” I frowned. “But why?”

“Did your eyes switch?” Cain cupped my cheek. “Did you sense Anima or felt any pain?”

“No,” I replied. “Is something wrong?” His silence said to agree silently. “Can we please leave tomorrow?”

“We leave in the morning,” I smiled when Cain agreed without a quarrel. “Let’s go,” he extended his arm for me. I held it shyly and we went out together.

Everyone was already seated. Angie and Nat gave me the looks when they saw us.

The ceremony began smoothly and ended beautifully. Scott and Diana looked truly happy with each other.

I looked at the ring on my finger unconsciously.

A picture of us standing next to each other by the altar flashed through my mind.

“Ana?” Angie whispered in my ear. “Your man can’t get his eyes off of you.” She grinned when I glared at her. “Should we get you two married?”

“Angie!” I hissed. “Shut up.” I looked at Cain reluctantly. Like Angie said, his eyes were docked on me, and by the arrogant smirk dancing on his lips, I was sure he heard everything.

Will it ever be possible for us? To have a future someday?

****

The newlyweds cut the cake and had their first dance. The party continued until late at night. I stayed by the sidelines and watched my friends having a time of their life.

Shae was enjoying every bit of it.

I wanted to dance with Cain but he and his brothers disappeared as soon as the party started.

It wasn’t the first time. They were on and off throughout their stay. It was amazing how no one noticed this.

I felt a little disappointed for missing the chance.

By the time everything wrapped up, it was midnight and I was dead tired.

I had no energy left in my body when I returned to the room. It was such a feat to get out of the dress as well. I took a quick shower and changed into my nightdress.

It was peaceful at last.

I found Cain sitting on the bed upon coming out of the bathroom.

“Hey,” I greeted. “When did you come?”

“Just now,” Cain removed his tux and took off his suit jacket. “Come here.”

I complied silently. Cain pulled me in his lap and embraced me tightly. He nuzzled my ear and breathed deeply.

“These things are tedious.” I giggled when he groaned. “So much fuss for a simple vow.”

“Everyone wants their day to be special and memorable. You wouldn’t understand” I turned in his arms. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” I squirmed when Cain kissed behind my ear. “You can push me away if you don’t like it.” I bit my lip when he kissed his way to my neck. “I told you I was going to do what I do best.”

“This is wicked,” I murmured against his cheek.

“You were looking ravishing today,” Cain murmured huskily near my mouth. “It was such a torture to just see you from afar and not hold you and do things.” He peppered kisses down my jaw, all over my neck, and back to my mouth. “You sure know how to push me over the edge, Ana.”

I pushed at his chest when his hands moved under my shirt and skimmed over my abdomen and back. My body turned into a lava of need.

It was becoming so hard to control and resist.

“Cain, stop,” I writhed in his arms when he caressed and pinched my breasts. “Cain!”

“Fine,” he chuckled and pecked the corner of my mouth. “I was just teasing you.” I slumped in his arms when he pulled his hands out of my shirt. “I won’t force you, love. You don’t need to be afraid of me.” He murmured against my forehead.

I buried my face in his neck when he made me straddle his hips. I had a lot going through my head, lots of questions I wanted to ask him.

Especially about that night in the woods.

He saw someone.

Someone he wanted to deal with then and there but spared for my sake.

If Cain had used his powers near me, it would have triggered his wing in my body and I would have suffered.

Was it Logan? Or that Xoran? Or Harold?

“Cain?” He hummed in response. “What happened? In the woods?”

“Xoran was there,” Cain replied solemnly. He brushed my hair back and cupped my nape. “Don’t worry, he can’t harm you.” Cain kissed my jaw. “Not on my watch.”

“Is that why you want us to leave?” I asked. “He won’t attack Angie and her family, right?”

“Aeron and Xic will stay behind.” Cain caressed my cheek with his thumb. “I’m going to Acreoterra tomorrow.” My mouth turned down at this. “It won’t take long. I will be back the same day.”

“Is everything okay?” I grabbed his hand on my cheek.

“Yes,” Cain pecked my nose. “I’m going there to meet Erlking. He knows how to undo the curse since he was the one who told them about it.”

“What?” I said in disbelief. “But why?”

“I’m going to hear it from himself, love,” Cain chuckled darkly. “I hope the answer is good enough for me to spare him and his kind.”

“You will kill him?” My heart dropped at the look in his eyes.

“He betrayed me, Ana,” Cain muttered angrily. “He put your life in danger when you did him no harm. He will have to pay for his actions.” I pursed my lips. “Don’t fret over these things.” Cain stroked my cheek. “It’s late. You should sleep now.”

“I’m going to get some water.” I got out of his arms. “I’ll be right back.” I grabbed the jug from the table and left the room.

The manor looked eerie with all the quietness.

“What do we know?” I murmured to myself. “He knows better how things work in his world.” I filled the jug with water and went back to the room.

My eyes began to pulse.

It was not the same sting I felt when normal Anima appeared.

“No way,” I dashed upstairs to our room. “Cain,” I staggered toward him. “It’s-” he held me before I could have fallen. “My eyes.”

“What?” His brows furrowed. “What about your eyes?” He palmed my face with both hands.

“They switched,” I told him.

I was startled when a green flame appeared in his palm out of nowhere. Cain’s expressions hardened when it vanished.

“Cain!” I cried out in pain when my eyes began to pulse again. I fisted his shirt with both hands when he held me against him.

“Look at me,” Cain pulled my face up to see.

We looked at the glass door leading to the terrace when loud howls painted the silence outside.

Cain steadied me to my feet and went to the door. He pulled the curtains aside and looked outside.

“Fuck,” he cursed loudly.

I walked up to him and looked outside as well. My eyes widened in horror when I saw those Anima swarming the sky. They painted such a vicious and nightmarish picture.

“What is this?” I buried my face in Cain’s chest when he hugged me protectively.

“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered in my hair. “I’m here.” His hold tightened around me. “Aeron! Xic!”

They appeared behind us. Shae came a moment later as well in her combat gear.

“We have raised the barrier around the entire property,” Aeron informed him. “These are the Anima Harold stole from Acreoterra.”

“But not all of them,” Xic added grimly. “It’s a declaration of war.”

“Stand guard,” Cain ordered them. “Keep your army ready in case.” They nodded and disappeared. “You too, Shae. Patrol around the manor. Watch out for Xoran.”

She disappeared after receiving her order.

“Cain?” I looked at him questioningly when he took me away from the glass door. “What’s going on?”

“Stay here,” Cain said firmly. His eyes switched. “I’m here.” He patted my cheek softly. “Don’t be afraid.”

Cain stepped out on the terrace. I cringed when their howls became loud and clear. It felt like someone was scratching the glass with sharp nails.

“Seisc,” I heard Cain say. Black shadows appeared around him. “Open the gates to Abyss.” He commanded coldly.

I felt the shift in the air.

I hugged myself when their howls turned to ear-splitting shrieks. I couldn’t see properly but the Anima suddenly began to plunge to the ground.

My wrist began to glow.

The symbol began to burn and the same excruciating feeling coursed through me.

“Cain?” I whimpered in pain. He rushed back to me when I swayed on my feet.

“Hey!” Cain held me in his arms protectively. “What’s wrong?” He patted my cheek. “Go back,” Cain commanded the shadows. They disappeared along with all the Anima. “Ana?” He carried me to the bed. “Talk to me.”

His eyes became normal and the pain in my wrist disappeared.

Cain grabbed my wrist and rubbed it softly. His mouth set in a hard line when he saw the remains of the burns.

“We need to leave right now,” he said without looking at me. “You might need to see Einar.” His eyes narrowed slightly when I cupped his cheek. “Don’t–”

“You don’t,” I cut him, “I’m fine. I’m wearing the pendant and bracelet. You said they will fight the curse.” I smiled. “So drop the look.”

“It’s not funny,” Cain gripped my hand on his cheek. “Now you understand why I said not to label things.”

“It doesn’t make a difference,” I countered calmly, “whether we say it out loud or not. The truth won’t disappear.”

“We are leaving right now.” Cain stood up. “I’m not taking any chances with Xoran with you around. I’ll ask Aeron and Xic to wake your friends. Shae!” She appeared instantly. “Keep a close eye on everything.”

“Yes, master,” Shae nodded.

Cain left and I got ready to leave. It was best for everyone’s safety. I didn’t want anyone else involved in this brawl.

“I’m sorry,” I walked out with Angie and Nat. Aeron and Xic were standing with Cain near the car in the driveway.

“I’ll take them,” Aeron took my bags and put them in the trunk.

“Don’t worry, I’ll cook something up or better, Aeron can alter everyone’s memory about you two.” Angie looked at him. “Be careful, Ana. Let us know when you reach.”

“We’ll be back in a day, okay?” Nat hugged me. “Stay safe.”

“You too,” I looked between them. “I’ll see you later.” They nodded.

Shae transformed into a cat and jumped in the backseat. I got in the car with Cain and we left.

“Are you okay?” he asked. “Does your wrist hurt or anything?”

“I’m fine,” I replied and looked at Shae. She curled up in a ball and fell asleep.

“You should sleep too,” Cain looked at me briefly. “Get some rest.”

“I’m not sleepy,” I turned toward him. “I want to talk to you. I like your voice.” I confessed. “I like the sound of it. It’s so deep and rich and soothing.” My cheeks turned warm. “It’s too bad that you don’t talk much.”

“What’s with the sudden change of attitude?” Cain glanced my way slyly. “I thought you didn’t want anything with me.”

“I said I want all of it,” I retorted wittily. “I have made up my mind. I am going to show you that loving someone doesn’t mean weakness.”

“I don’t want another argument over it,” his expressions hardened a little.

“Fine,” I caved in. “There are plenty of other things. Like,” I hummed thoughtfully. “Why did you give me this ring?” I showed him my hand.

“Why do you think I gave it to you?” Cain questioned back curtly.

“You want to get married to me?” Cain gave no response. “For how long do you want me?”

“For how long do you think?” My heart skipped a beat at his husky reply. “What are you thinking?”

“Nothing,” I mumbled. “It’s just like a dream.” My eyes started feeling heavy. “Having you.”

If this dream could become my reality, I don’t mind sleeping for it to eternity.

****

“Ana?” Cain’s voice whispered in my ear. “Wake up,” I focused my vision on him. “Hey,” he brushed my cheek with his thumb.

“Did I fall asleep?” I rubbed my eye and looked around. “Where are we?” I frowned at the surroundings. We were not back at his estate but outside some building.

Cain got out of the car and came to my side.

“Come with me,” I took his hand and stepped out of the car.

“Where are we?” I asked Cain again. The layout of this building felt familiar. “Cain?” He just unlocked the door and guided me inside.

I couldn’t tell until he switched on the lights.

I gawked around the entire place. My studio. Everything was the same down to the last brick.

I went to the stitching room and the storeroom. I could do nothing but gape at the similarity.

“What is going on?” I was confused.

“It’s your studio,” Cain switched on the lights outside.

The name of my studio glowed outside under the same tree. Cain came to me and held my hand. I looked at the keys he placed in my palm.

“But-” my throat clogged, “No, I can’t.”

“You will,” Cain said firmly. “I’m not taking a no for an answer,” he closed in on me, “for anything.”

“Ms. Grace?” I was surprised to see Mr. Philip this late. “Did you like your new place?” I was beyond confused. “The landlord took it upon himself to provide every tenant a new place after that terrible incident.” Mr. Philip informed me.

“This area is perfect for your business, Ms. Grace, and the rent won’t increase as well.” He looked at me over the rim of his glasses. “I told you he is a kind and generous man.”

“Who is the owner, Mr. Philip?” He gave me a weird look.

“You are very funny, Ms. Grace.” Mr. Philip chuckled. “You are standing with him and you are asking me who is the owner.”

I looked at Cain, dumbfounded.

“Thank you for coming at this hour,” Cain said stoically.

“I hope everything is to your liking?” Mr. Philip clapped joyously when Cain nodded curtly. “I’ll leave you two to explore then. Have a good night, Ms. Grace” he looked at Cain respectfully. “Mr. Black.” Mr. Philip left.

“I’m partly responsible for destroying your workplace.” Cain held my shoulders. “This is the least I could do.” I opened my mouth to protest but Cain silenced me with his finger. “This counts for nothing. It’s just part of retribution.”

I couldn’t stop my heart from beating furiously. I wanted to go slow and take one step at a time but right now, I wanted to jump and grab what was in front of my eyes.

I tugged at Cain’s shirt and jerked him toward me. I tiptoed and locked my lips with his in a passionate kiss.

I want him in every way.

I wound my arms around his neck when he grabbed my waist and lifted me in his arms. I moaned loudly when his fingers dug in my flesh and he molded my frame into his.

“Shae,” he whispered against my lips. “Lock this place and return with the car.” Cain teleported us to his room after barking the command.

I gasped when I bounced on the bed and Cain climbed on top of me. His mouth claimed mine in another kiss. I arched into him when his hands roamed all over my body.

I held onto him with all my might when he sucked the air from my lungs by kissing me roughly, deeply, and passionately.

Cain took off my shirt and threw it away. I threaded my fingers in his hair when he kissed my neck and moved down my chest slowly and torturously.

“Fuck,” Cain growled over my collarbone. “Ana,” he grunted when I unbuttoned his shirt hurriedly and tugged it off his shoulders. “Damn you,” Cain groaned when I attacked his neck and shoulders with kisses.

My body throbbed with pain and pleasure when my hands explored and my nails dug into every dent and ridge of his torso.

“Stop,” I whispered breathlessly when Cain was about to unclasp my bra. “Stop, please.” His eyes narrowed when I pushed him back and sat up. “We need to stop.”

Cain glared at me when I palmed his mouth.

“We are being impulsive,” I shook my head. “Cain, please.”

He removed my hand from his mouth and frowned. It was glowing strongly.

“Is it hurting?” Cain asked grimly.

“I’m fine,” I smiled when he scowled at me. “I’m sorry if I ruined it for you.”

“Don’t be,” Cain brushed my hair back from my face. “I should have been careful.”

I was not liking the bubbling tension.

“I wanted to dance with you at the party.” I pouted.

“Dance?” Cain repeated.

“Yes,” I nodded. “I always wanted to slow dance with someone special,” I whispered shyly. “You know someone special.”

“Uh-huh?” Cain mused over my flustered expressions. He grabbed my shirt from the floor and helped me wear it.

“What?” I laughed when he got up and extended his hand for me.

“May I?” Cain bowed in courtesy.

“But there is no music-” a soft melody filled the air.

Cain pulled me up when I gave him my hand and walked me out on the terrace.

“You know you are generous.” We started swaying slowly from side to side. “Kind of ruin your brooding and intimidating image.”

“Only for you,” I giggled when Cain bit my nose playfully. “I’ll do anything for you.” He gazed at me with something akin to tenderness.

“You want to woo me,” I retorted. “What if it doesn’t work?”

“I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve,” Cain kissed my forehead. “Sooner or later,” he whispered against my cheek.

I hugged his waist and buried my face in his chest.

“Sooner,” I whispered to myself and closed my eyes.

I held back the pain as much as possible. It was excruciating. My soul was singed.

I need to hold on a little longer.

I wouldn’t let anything ruin us. No curse could tear us apart and I was going to make sure of it.

I love you, Cain.

I was going to fight for my love, even if it meant staking my life.