Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

I couldn’t stop gawking at the limes. They were so big, healthy, and yellow. I only saw Da Paolino in pictures until now. It was my heartfelt wish to visit Capri one day and have a meal under the lime canopy.

It was finally fulfilled.

I could have never known such exotic and mystical hidden gems existed in the world. I never heard of a few places Cain took me to. They left me entranced.

I smiled brightly and ticked another box on my list. With this, we were almost at the end of the world tour. It didn’t even take two full days. We were done with more than half of the things because I forced Cain to travel at night as well.

We spent three hours at every destination without added distractions. I was tempted to prolong the stay at several places but I stopped myself and focused back on the list.

This rapid-fire trip wouldn’t have been possible without Cain’s power.

“Can you give it a break now?” Cain scowled at my excitement. “Put down the damn list, Ana.”

“But there is so much to do. Don’t tell me you are tired.” I mused over his irritation.

“You haven’t slept even a wink,” Cain said sternly. “We are jumping from place to place.” He grabbed my hand and held it firmly. “Why are you in such a rush?” The dent between his brows deepened. “Take it easy, love. We have all the time in the world to fulfill your every little wish.”

I tried my best to keep my smile in place to hide my fears and pain. I fumbled with my pendant unconsciously. Einar modified the spell so Cain wouldn’t know of my deteriorating state. He said not to take it off at any cost.

“Finish your lunch. We are stopping here for the day.” Cain finalized. “You need to sleep.”

“Fine,” I caved in. “Where are we staying this time?”

“Slovenia,” Cain replied. “I have a place there.”

“Do you own mansions and villas all around the world?” I asked out of curiosity. “Our luggage was at every luxurious place before our arrival.” I cupped my cheeks. “You have lived around the globe?”

“I have,” Cain replied nonchalantly. “Why are you so surprised?” He chuckled at my bafflement. “I own multiple properties around the world. Now that you mentioned it, I haven’t visited half of them in years.”

“Wow,” I looked at him incredulously.

“Let’s go,” Cain called the waiter and paid the bill. I took a few extra shots of the beautiful view around the restaurant and opened my camera. “You are impossible.” Cain shook his head when I focused the camera on him.

We left the restaurant and Cain teleported us to Slovenia. I was yet again awestruck by another fairy tale scene. Not only the location but Cain’s place as well. It was in solitude amidst the greenery and on top of a mountain. The view of the lake was scenic.

“Where are we?” I looked at Cain.

“That’s lake Bled,” Cain informed me. “Come on.” He guided me inside his villa.

“This place is well kept,” I commented after looking around. It was spacious and open to the surrounding forestry.

“I have people here. They come and clean every day.” Cain sat down on the couch and pulled me next to him. “At long last,” I smiled when he nuzzled my ear and breathed deeply. “We are alone.”

“Hey,” I slapped his hand over my abdomen. “Don’t try to be sneaky.”

“I wanted to gouge out those eyes leering after you.” Cain tugged at my top.

“No one was looking at me,” I groaned. “And I’m not even showing enough.” I glowered at him. “What about when you tried to get me naked during our swim at the great barrier Reef? I can’t believe you tried to have sex there.”

“Like you let me!” Cain scoffed. “Don’t try to turn the ball,” I pursed my lips at his cool retort. “I don’t mind what you wear but I don’t like other men ogling at you with lecherous thoughts.” Cain kissed my neck. “It makes me want to kill them.”

“You are impossible,” I kissed his cheek. “We need groceries.” Cain arched one brow in response. “I’m cooking for you tonight as per my wish list. It’s a home date.”

“What are you planning to make?” My ear tickled with his breath. “I told you I have a peculiar taste.”

“Why don’t you leave it to me?” I pecked his lips. “Let me surprise you.” He groaned when I kissed him again. “We are having our horror movie date after dinner. I’ve decided on the place.”

“You and your wishes!” Cain grabbed my nape and kissed me deeply. “I’ll get you everything but sleep for now.” I yelped when he carried me suddenly and took me upstairs. As expected, our bags were already there. “I’ll wake you up in a few hours.”

“Promise?” I pulled him down when he laid me on the bed.

“Promise,” Cain kissed my forehead. “Sleep.” He closed the curtains and switched off the lights. “I’m downstairs, okay?” I waited until Cain left and set the alarm on my phone.

It didn’t take long for the sleep to claim me once I closed my eyes. I was exhausted but I couldn’t bring myself to sleep.

I didn’t want to lose a second with Cain. I was already granted limited time.

****

I washed up, changed, and went downstairs. The evening hues made everything look even more stunning.

“Hey,” Cain hugged me from behind. “You should have slept some more.” I turned in his arms and hugged his waist.

“Did you get me the groceries?” I asked.

“Everything,” Cain kissed my cheek. “So, what are you making?”

“Boeuf Bourguignon, Salad Nicoise, and Escargot for tonight,” I grinned widely. “Some of your favorites!”

“How did you deduce this?” Cain pinched my chin. “Did you ask Sibyl?”

“No,” I dragged Cain to the kitchen. I tied my hair and began separating the ingredients for the dishes. “I observed.”

“You have keen eyes,” Cain hugged my waist. “I’m impressed.” He whispered in my ear seductively.

“Okay!” I pushed him back. “I need to prepare dinner.”

“Let me help,” Cain offered. “I don’t want you to tire yourself out.”

“I’m fine,” I smiled. “You can go and relax. I’ll be done soon.”

“I can’t wait,” Cain kissed my forehead and went back to the living area.

I was bubbling with nervousness. I didn’t know whether Cain was going to like it or not. But I put my heart into everything.

“Nice,” I commented when I brought the dishes to the dining area. Cain set the atmosphere with candle lights and romantic music. “Thank you,” I smiled when he helped me set the table.

“Sit,” Cain pulled out the chair for me. “This is enough.” He sat down next to me and served us both. I watched him anxiously when he took the first bite.

“Is it to your liking?” I asked with a furiously beating heart.

“Well,” I yelped when Cain jerked my chair near his suddenly. “You might have spoiled me with this.” He tangled his fingers in my hair and pulled my face close to his. “It’s exquisite,” Cain whispered against my lips. “I had no idea you cooked so well.”

“I’m glad you like it,” I smiled shyly. “Bon appetit!”

“Bon appetit,” Cain chuckled and sat back properly.

It was pleasant. I savored every moment with Cain and locked it in my memories forever.

“Oh,” I said excitedly. “I love this song.”

“May I?” Cain stood up and extended his hand for me. I nodded happily and gave him my hand.

I buried my face in his chest and hugged him tightly when he swayed us to the music. The lyrics never touched my heart and soul before like they did now.

I couldn’t stop the tears from falling.

“Ana?” Cain whispered in my hair. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I smiled. “It’s just so beautiful.” His brows creased when I looked at him. “This is.” I closed my eyes and laughed shakily when Cain wiped my tears. “I’m sorry.”

“I don’t like them,” Cain murmured. “Your tears. They make me want to destroy the world.”

“Geez!” I giggled. “Relax, will you? No need to go and annihilate the world because of my hormones.” His scowl stayed. “Stop scowling.” I put my head on his chest sideways. “I promise I won’t cry again.”

“You better not,” Cain palmed my head and kissed my forehead. “You really want to have a movie night?”

“Yes,” I nodded. “And midnight tracking too.” I blinked at him innocently. “With that, only the beach will be left.”

“Not that,” Cain grunted. “So where to?” He pinched my chin.

“Pripyat Amusement Park,” I grinned.

“Are you sure?” I nodded excitedly. “Well then, go and change. Wear something warm, okay?”

“Okay,” I ran to our room happily. I changed into suitable clothes and wore long boots. I grabbed our jackets and left after checking everything.

I smiled at the bag he prepared beforehand.

“Ready?” Cain fixed the beanie over my head. “Don’t regret it later.” He slung the bag on his shoulder and hugged my waist.

“I won’t,” I retorted. We crossed the portal to our next destination.

The place gave me chills.

I didn’t know about the daytime but the night view of this abandoned park made me see every kind of ghost jumping at me from every direction.

“Having second thoughts?” Cain said sarcastically.

“I’m not afraid.” I pouted.

We found a suitable location and unpacked everything. I kept looking back whenever I heard a sound. Cain laid the blanket and set the laptop. He sat down and spread his legs wide.

Cain was way more comfortable here than any other place.

“Come,” he patted the spot between his legs. I sat there gladly and breathed in relief when his arms encircled me protectively. “I can smell your fear, Anastasia,” Cain whispered in my ear. “I’m sure the ghosts can too.”

“Don’t do this,” he laughed loudly when I attacked his chest with my fists. “You are so mean, Cain. I hate you.”

“Is that so?” His eyes twinkled with a wicked gleam. He grabbed my hands on his chest and leaned closer. “Should I leave then?”

“Cain!” I whined. “Stop it.”

“You are so easy to mess with,” he held me in his arms again. “And so adorable.”

“Haha,” I turned in his arms. “What should we watch?” I surfed through the list. “Which is the scariest?”

“The Exorcist,” Cain played it. “It has caused quite a havoc.” I leaned back into him when the movie started.

We watched the entire movie silently.

“So–” I screamed bloody murder when Cain spoke in my ear. “What the hell?” He started laughing like a maniac when I looked at him with wide eyes.

“Shut up,” I squeaked in embarrassment. “Stop laughing, Cain. It’s not funny.”

“You were scared!” He looked at me incredulously. “Why did you watch it?”

“I didn’t want to leave things halfway. But it was so” I shuddered. “Why do they make stuff like this?”

“Why did you want to watch a horror movie then?” Cain cupped my jaw and squeezed it.

“I just wanted to see if I had the heart to digest it” I replied honestly. “I couldn’t watch any when I was young. You know,” I said sheepishly. “Because of my eyes and all.”

“So!” Cain watched me amused.

“Never again.” I shook my head. “I don’t know how I’m going to sleep now.”

“Who said you will be sleeping?” His smirk was devilish. “We have done everything you wanted. It’s only right that I get to pick and choose now.” I looped my arms around his neck when he lifted me and stood up. “I have something that can distract you from your fears.”

“You do?” I feigned innocence. “I wonder what it is?” I bit my lip teasingly. “What about this stuff?”

“Already taken care of.” The blanket disappeared along with the bag and laptop. “So where were we?”

“How would I know?” I whispered seductively when Cain crossed the portal.

All the humor morphed into intensity.

I looked at the sky in awe. It was covered with stars. The height of the place only made the sky look closer and clearer.

My heart pounded furiously when I saw where Cain was taking me.

A floor bedding within the walls of white curtains under the starry night.

“I said to move in order,” I whispered hoarsely when Cain sat me down and caged me in his arms. “We still have the tracking and beach party.”

“Who said this wish needs to be fulfilled only one time?” Cain palmed the side of my face and rubbed my cheek with his thumb. “Any special requests?”

“Yes,” I whispered breathlessly when he started taking off our clothes. “I want you to make love to me.” Cain stared into my eyes. “I know you like to fuck but-” I gasped when Cain laid me back carefully and gently. “I want you to make love to me tonight.” He grabbed my hand and kissed each digit. “Slowly.”

“Anything else?” I closed my eyes when Cain peppered kisses on my neck and down my chest.

“Until dawn,” I looked into his eyes. “I want you to make love to me all night long.”

“As you wish,” he kissed me deeply and passionately.

I writhed and moaned in his arms all night. It was like never before.

Cain didn’t just make love to my body this time. He claimed my soul along with my heart at last.

I was drowning in him. I wanted to submerge in this bliss forever.

His every touch and kiss filled me with indescribable pleasure and happiness.

I felt complete. Whole.

I was filled with a sense of belonging.

A single tear rolled down my cheek when I saw the sun rising over the horizon.

I don’t want to leave.

“Ana?” Cain pinched my chin and pulled my face up. “Hey,” he turned so he was holding me in his arms. “What’s wrong?”

“Let me stay like this,” I buried my face in the crook of his neck. “Let me soak this moment.” Cain palmed my head. “Thank you for making this so beautiful, Cain. Thank you for coming into my life and painting it with so many colors.” I hugged him tightly. “I can never give you enough.”

“I don’t want you to give me anything,” Cain grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back gently. “You don’t need to when I have taken so much from you.” He wiped my tears with his thumb. “If any, I will give you everything. Always. I will make up for the pain I put you through.”

“You don’t have to,” I grabbed his hand on my cheek and smiled at him wholeheartedly. “You have given me everything already.” I kissed his palm repeatedly. “Everything.”

“Ana,” Cain put his forehead against mine. “Don’t leave me.” The intensity of his gaze simmered me. “I will do everything to keep you happy.” He tangled his fingers in my hair and sighed. “Stay with me always. I promise I will keep you happy. I will do everything you want.”

“You don’t have to,” I fought back the tears. “I will be with you always.”

In your memories.

And maybe...in your heart.

“I love you, Cain,” my eyes welled with tears again.

Why did it have to be this way?

“Ana?”

“Let’s stay like this a little longer,” I buried my face in his chest. “Let me live this moment a little longer.”

I was not afraid of dying.

I was afraid of losing Cain and not being able to see him and hold him again.

I was afraid of him moving on in his life with someone else.

I was afraid of him loving someone one day and forgetting about me completely.

I didn’t want this. I couldn’t bear it.

“Will you promise me something?” I whispered in his chest. “Please. Don’t ever forget me.” His body tensed when I kissed him over his heart. “Never.”

“I won’t promise,” Cain grabbed my neck and pulled my head back. The possessiveness in his dark gaze pierced me to my core. “Because you will be by my side every second.”

He kissed me hard and long until I couldn’t breathe.

“Like this.” Cain hovered over me and kissed me all over my face. “And if it still left you in doubt,” I moaned his name loudly when he thrust into me. “Then let me drill this into you until you say otherwise.”

He claimed me again roughly to prove his point.

“Hear yourself, Ana,” I arched into him when he bit on my collar bone. “You are mine.” I panted hard when his mouth claimed my tender and aching mounds.

“Try going away from me, Ana,” Cain cupped my jaw and kissed me aggressively. His glowing eyes dared me. “I swear I will show you a new kind of hell in me.”