Symphony of Death

Cain’s POV

Anastasia stirred slightly when I got out of the bed. I adjusted the blanket around her and stroked her hair. The exhaustion finally caught up to her last night. The weariness was evident on her face.

I smirked when she leaned into my touch and sighed when I rubbed her lips with my thumb.

“Clary!” She appeared behind me.

“Don’t worry,” she said. “I will be here with her until you return.” I nodded and went to my study. Aeron, Xic, and Einar looked at me when I entered.

“Let’s go,” my apparel changed when the gate to Acreoterra opened. They followed me and we stepped out in Whispering Redbud.

The Wenix knelt to the ground as soon as they saw me. The silence that befell them upon my arrival was laced with terror.

It’s been two weeks but I was unable to locate Erlking. He disappeared right before I arrived in Acreoterra that day.

I wanted to burn the entire Whispering Redbud along with his breed. Fucking bastard lived on my land and stabbed me in the back all these years.

I would have wiped his kind off the face of life if it was not for Einar. He stopped me from killing his people until now but I was not going to spare them if I didn’t find that mutt.

Time was ticking and I needed to break the curse before it was too late.

I knew Anastasia was hurting. I was not unaware of her pain but I didn’t say anything for her sake. Every passing day tested my patience toward her increasing agony.

I would tear apart this whole universe if needed to get my hands on Erlking. Once I did, I would squeeze the answer out of him along his life.

“Where is he?” I roared. “Why do you intend to test my patience to the end?”

“We don’t know,” one of the females whimpered. “He didn’t say anything. He just disappeared.” She bowed her head to the ground. “Have mercy on us, oh great Dalazar Daemmone. We know nothing.”

“You should have thought about it before betraying me.” I spat at her. “You are his wife, aren’t you? Get up.” She did, on trembling limbs. “Look up,” I commanded coldly, “and show me your real form, Jillian.”

She transformed back to her true form. A pixie.

“I know nothing,” she fell to my feet. “Please spare my children. They are innocent.”

“Innocent?” I sneered. “Your kind is the most cunning of all. And you!” I jerked my leg out of her grasp. “You didn’t even stay loyal to your kind. You were the queen, right?” I laughed.

“You abandoned them and married that vermin. And you are saying you are innocent?” I chuckled darkly. “I’d rather slit my throat than to let my guard down in the same room as your kind, Jillian.”

“Everything you say is plausible,” she stood up and faced me. “But I am telling you the truth. I was not aware of my husband’s doing. Elm didn’t tell me anything. I was not aware of his alliance with Harold.” Jillian pleaded.

“Why would I lie for the sake of a man who abandoned his children and wife?” She said spitefully. “He can die for hells’ care for betraying us like this.”

“Do you know anything about the curse?” Einar asked her.

“I told you before,” Jillian replied exasperatedly. “I only know that it is one of the three forbidden curses. But no more.” She looked at me. “I looked into his archive but he took everything along. He left nothing behind that could give a clue.” She scoffed bitterly. “Figures why he never allowed any of us to enter his observatory. If only I knew before.”

“You know the consequences will be worse than death if you lied,” Aeron threatened her.

“We Wenix could be many things but ungrateful, my lord,” Jillian looked at me. “You gave us a place when everyone shunned us in the Underworld. We can never forget that and we will do anything to repay you for your kindness.”

“Then get me your husband,” I spat, “dead or alive.”

“I’ve been tracing his prints but it meets a dead end and circle backs here,” Jillian mumbled. “It is impossible for me to not find someone within this space and time. Unless,” she looked between us grimly, “there is a distortion.”

“A distortion?” Einar repeated. “You mean?”

“Another realm,” Jillian answered calmly. “Like this one. Someone created a realm using the lifestream of Acreoterra.”

“Only one name comes to mind, no?” Xic snorted. “That’s why we couldn’t find Harold anywhere.”

“Get me to Erlking, Jillian,” I towered over her menacingly. “Prove your loyalty to me and I’ll spare you.”

“I will,” she replied solemnly. “Give me time.”

“Twenty-four hours,” I hissed. “I want him under twenty-four hours or I will unleash Seisc on you.” Her eyes widened in horror. “Find me that fucking realm if you want to live.”

I turned and we were back in our study.

My anger tore through the entire room in the next moment. I wanted to burn everything in my wrath.

I couldn’t understand how I stayed so calm next to Anastasia when my blood simmered with rage and resentment every second.

“It’s Anastasia’s show tonight,” I snarled. “I want that bastard before that, Einar.” I kicked the table to the wall. “I can’t see her in pain anymore.”

“Calm down,” Einar grabbed my fist before it could have made contact with the wall. “It won’t help.”

“I should have stayed away,” I yelled angrily. “I should have fucking kept my distance until I found a solution.” I pulled my hand out of his grasp. “Lyra warned me but I laughed it in her face and now my arrogance has come to bite me back with interest.”

I turned away from him and raked my hair with both hands.

“I’m not liking this helplessness I’m feeling. I am hating it.” I howled. “This was what I fucking wanted to avoid at every cost.” The windows shattered. “Weakness. I am making her my fucking weakness.”

“Cain,” Einar gripped my shoulder and forced me to face him. “Control yourself. You know your anger draws out your wing’s powers from her. Calm down.” I jerked him off me. “Cain!”

“Why can’t we ask Lyra?” Xic asked. “If Dalim can help her before, he would do it again.”

“It’s not that simple, Xic,” Einar responded sharply. “You know what price Lyra paid. Dalim is no generous man. He is the guardian of time. If we ask for his help, we will have to pay a gruesome price.”

“Cain can easily find out Harold’s realm,” I glared at Aeron when he said this. “But it would mean using your powers.”

“And eradicating half of the world,” Einar chuckled dryly. “His sword can open the spaces but it would be best not to resort to that.” He stopped and sighed. “For now.”

“Keep a close eye on everything today,” I looked at my brothers. “I don’t trust Dante.”

“You should have stopped Anastasia from doing this show,” Xic scowled. “You should have told her about Dante’s true identity.”

“I couldn’t,” I pinched my nose. “She looked so happy. I couldn’t ruin it for her by telling her that Dante is a greater demon,” I hissed. “The greater Duke Astaroth’s son.”

“I don’t trust him,” Aeron grimaced. “I still doubt him about his coalition with Harold. Why did he approach Anastasia now of all time?”

“We cannot say anything without validation, Aeron,” Einar replied. “He has not given us any reason until now.”

“His father was very displeased,” Aeron scoffed. “He might not have given us a reason to doubt him but I wouldn’t let my guard down.” He looked at me.

“You should go back to your room,” Einar sighed. “Anastasia would become restless if she didn’t see you. She is strong only because you are with her.” He squeezed my shoulder. “You should do the same. To the very end.”

“Keep on looking for those fuckers,” I said deadly. “I want them before the night ends.”

I left the study and went back to my room.

“Hey,” Clary stood up when I entered. “Any luck?” She got the answer in my silence. “She would know in a heartbeat if she saw you scowling like this.” Clarissa chuckled when I glared at her.

“You got this, brother” she walked past me. “I know you are going to win.” I looked at her when she stopped. “You always do.” Clarissa winked at me and left.

“Cain?” I looked at Anastasia. “What’s wrong? Why are you standing there?” I went to her when she sat up. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” I palmed her cheek. “You should sleep some more. You have worked yourself to the bones these past days.” I smiled when she smiled sleepily.

It was strange really.

How my anger dissipated within seconds! I was ready to burn the world just now.

“It’s the day,” Anastasia grabbed my hand on her cheek and kissed my palm.

My insides twisted painfully when I looked into her eyes.

I could see what she was going to tell me.

I was ready to give in to these fucking emotions only for her. That’s why I wanted to end everything before anything.

“I’m a little scared,” Anastasia laughed to mask her fear. “I don’t know why I’m having weird thoughts like something bad is going to happen today.”

“Nothing will happen,” I secured her in my arms and kissed her head. “I will be there with you at every step.”

“Promise?” She asked innocently.

“Promise,” I murmured in her hair.

I buried my face in her neck and inhaled her scent. My arms tightened around her protectively when she buried her face in my chest and held onto me with her feeble strength.

I felt the change in her life force. It was duller and weaker than before.

“Ana?” She hummed in response. “Tell me immediately if you feel pain.” I gazed at her face. “If your wrist hurts in any way, tell me right away.”

For a few seconds, Anastasia kept looking at me silently. It irked me. Her penetrating calmness. I thought she was going to tell me when her eyes glazed over with fear.

“Okay,” Anastasia mumbled and hugged me again. Damn you, Ana. I got under the blanket and lay down with her in my arms.

“Sleep some more,” I kissed her lips when she looked up at me. “I’ll wake you up.” She just nodded and snuggled into my chest.

I kept rubbing her back and ran my fingers through her hair until she fell asleep again. I grabbed her wrist and grimaced at the symbol. It was glowing strongly.

“Fuck,” I hissed under my breath. I caressed her cheek with my knuckles and sighed deeply. “You became what I never wanted you to become, Ana,” I whispered against her forehead. “I’ll protect you with everything I promise.” I closed my eyes and breathed in her neck.

I could feel the premonition as well.

It was not my imagination that day at the studio. Harold was there. I was not sure if it was by mistake or intentional but his trail was strong and visible.

He has been quiet for too long. Those Blue Bloods too. That’s what kept me on edge. I knew this calm was the call of a storm.

They were going to attack.

They were planning something big. But being the cowards they were, it would come from the least expected side and at the least expected time.

I needed to tackle everything before they hit us.

****

“Cain?” I looked at Anastasia when she came to me. Her cheeks turned crimson when my eyes devoured her whole. “What?”

“So I was right,” I grabbed her waist and pulled her into me. “About this dress,” I smirked when her blush intensified. “You are looking heavenly.”

“You are looking handsome,” she fixed my tie. “I’m so nervous.”

“You don’t have to be,” I caressed her curled locks. “Everything will go smoothly.”

“Stay with me, okay?” She palmed my chest. “Don’t leave my side for even a second.”

“I won’t,” I kissed her forehead. “I will be your shadow tonight.” I gazed into her eyes. “Always.”

“Anastasia!” We looked back. “It’s time.” She nodded at Dante’s assistant.

“Angie and Nat have arrived?” Anastasia asked me.

“Yes, they are with Aeron and Xic,” I told her. “Go now. I will be here.” I ushered her. Anastasia kept looking at me over her shoulder until she disappeared behind the stage.

“Einar,” I whispered, “find me the Erlking at every cost.”

“We are on it, Cain,” he whispered in my head. “Watch your back. I sense something in the air.”

I went back to the grand arena. It didn’t look like a mere fashion show. The backdrop and the location were on point with the theme. Everything was grandiose.

I scoffed when I saw Dante gliding across the arena and meeting and greeting people like a human.

“Demons never cease to amuse me like humans.”

I moved closer to the stage when the show started. As expected, Anastasia created terrific and one-of-a-kind dresses. I smiled when I saw her smiling proudly over her creation.

Everyone applauded when Anastasia came on the stage with the show stopper. She was graceful and elegant and oozed confidence and talent.

She was mine.

Our gaze locked through the sea of the crowd and her smile widened.

I went backstage when the curtains dropped.

“Cain!” Anastasia came running into my arms. “Did you see?”

“I did,” I pecked her lips. “You were amazing.” Anastasia giggled when I kissed her again. “I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you for being with me to the end,” she murmured shyly. “Thank you for everything, Cain.”

“So?” I held her close. “Are you going to tell me now?” I smirked when she blushed furiously. “I’m waiting, Ana.”

“If it isn’t Cain Black.” I looked over Anastasia’s head and glared at Dante. She turned in my arms as well when he came to us. “It’s such an honor to have you here tonight. People would go crazy if they knew you were here.”

“I’d appreciate it if you keep it to yourself,” I responded coldly.

“Of course,” Dante mocked a bow. “My lips are sealed if you don’t want me to talk.” He mimicked the action. “I apologize but I will need to borrow Mio Amore here.”

My jaw twitched when he called Anastasia that.

“A lot of people are dying to see the miracle behind such exotic designs. If you please?” He extended his arm for her like a gentleman.

“I’ll be here,” I released her from my hold. “I’m warning you again, Dante,” I said once Anastasia left. “Don’t try to cross me.”

“What a frightening look you carry in your eyes, my lord,” Dante mused. “Rest assured, I haven’t gone insane to the extent of soiling my hands with my blood. I’m an artist, my lord,” he swayed with his arms spread wide. “I obsess over art, not power.”

“Humor me,” I scoffed when he mocked a bow and left after Anastasia. “What a loon!” I spat disgustingly and looked around.

Nothing felt out of context but I couldn’t put the premonition at ease.

“Damn it, Einar,” I breathed out loudly, “just get me the fucking–”

I took out my phone from my pocket. I frowned when I saw Einar’s name flashing on the screen.

“Erlking is dead, Cain.” I clenched my fist angrily. “There is a high magic barrier around you. Get out of there right now.”

“Cain!” I dashed toward the main arena when Anastasia screamed.

“Ana!” A rift opened behind her and she was pulled inside. “No!” I was swarmed by thousands of demons when I tried getting to her. “Fuckers.” They perished in a blink when I swung my sword in the air. “Ana!”

A shadow leaped on me from behind.

“What’s the rush?” My sword clashed with Dante’s. “The real show is just beginning.”

“This is the art you pursue?” I snarled. Dante jumped back to avoid the attack of my Ashrune. “So you are working with Harold.”

“Not really,” Dante replied casually. “I’m not quite fond of this bloodshed and wars. I’m an artist.” He emphasized the word. “That’s why your creation fascinates me, my lord.” He jumped up on the chandelier.

“You are my muse. Your black wings with the eternal flame,” he exclaimed. “What would I not give to have them in my collection, oh great Dalazar Daemmone.”

“Fucking demon,” I spat. “I’ll give you a taste so that you could regret your last breath.”

“Why not, my lord?” Dante jumped down before me. “Let’s have a deadly tango.”

Dante couldn’t see what hit him.

“You!” I grabbed Dante by the neck and flung him across the arena. “You fucking bastard,” I caught him midway and plunged him to the floor. “Where is she?” He howled when hundreds of spears pierced his body through the ground.

Dante screamed in agony when he was propelled upward and hung upside down midair. His limbs fought against the tugs of chained spears tearing through his flesh and pulling them in different directions.

“Where did you send her?” I yanked his head back and punched him hard.

“Cain?” Aeron and Xic rushed to me.

“Tell me,” I punched him until his face was a bloody mess.

“Liar,” Dante rasped. “Fuck-ing said you are not strong.” He laughed through the pain. “Bas-tard ma-nip-ulate-d me.”

“Where is Ana?” Dante coughed out blood when I plunged my sword into his abdomen. “Where is she?”

“I don’t know,” he croaked. “I was just asked to lure her away from you.” Dante roared in agony when his body was ripped to shreds slowly and excruciatingly.

“Cain!” Einar stopped my sword before it could have slashed open the space. “There are humans here.”

“I don’t care,” I yelled furiously. “Every second I’m here is endangering her more and more.”

“CAIN!” Einar raised his voice. “They want you to act out of your anger, damn it.” He snapped. “Blue Bloods are outside and waiting for you to break the covenant.”

“To kill a human. It’s a fucking well-thought plan.” He hissed. “Don’t become what they want you to,” he pushed down my sword angrily. “She would be more hurt by this.”

“Where are Angie and Nat?” Clarissa asked Aeron and Xic.

“We teleported them home,” Aeron told her. “But they saw her being taken away.”

“We put them to sleep for now.” Xic sighed. “You’ll need to cast a strong spell to erase everyone’s memory, Einar.” He looked at all the sleeping bodies. “They were silenced before they could create a ruckus.”

“You two stay with those girls,” Einar said grimly. “Harold might use them against Anastasia.”

“I’m going after her,” I glared at Einar when he grabbed my shoulder.

“A heart,” Einar said. “The heart is the key to break the curse.”

“Of whom?” I asked impatiently.

“I’m looking into it.” He clapped my shoulder. “There is a forbidden town in the south from here. No one knows of its existence. Use that to open the gate of Harold’s realm.” He gave me Larc’s shirt piece. “Be careful, Cain. For Anastasia.”

I opened the rift and crossed it to the town.

It was dark and desolate and in the middle of nowhere. I could not sense a single life around.

It was the perfect place.

My wing appeared when my form shifted. I angled Ashrune to my left and held it with both hands.

Hold on, love.

I slashed the air with a powerful strike.

The earth shook with violent tremors before flaring like volcanoes. Everything levitated and deformed. The gigantic chunks of the distorted hamlet tumbled down and turned to dust right before hitting the ground.

The axis shifted and a wide gate forced open when the remains of the town bogged down and disappeared forever.

“I’m coming for you, my love,” I growled and flew across the gate. “I’m coming to get you.”