Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

I knew Laurel wouldn’t want me to mourn her death but I couldn’t help but grieve.

She was and will always remain my family. I could never repay her enough for everything she did for me.

I will never forget how much she suffered for my sake.

I would not have been able to cope with the pain if Angie and Nat weren’t here with me in Cain’s absence. They were always there for me and I was indebted to them for this more than anything.

Nat and Angie didn’t ask me anything about Cain’s truth and his realm. I guessed that Black brothers told them everything in my absence.

“I still can’t believe it,” Angie sighed. “I can’t get that image of you lying in a casket out of my head.”

“It was a nightmare we conquered.” Nat smiled at me. “Let’s forget every bad memory and focus on all the good around us.”

“Like you and Xic being a thing!” I giggled when her face turned beet red. “When did this happen?”

“If it wasn’t for accidental eavesdropping on your conversation like always, I would have never known.” Angie said smugly. “We want to know the spicy details.”

“It just happened, okay!” Nat whispered shyly. “Xic proved that he was not that horrible.”

“This is so cute.” Nat pushed Angie back when she tried to hug her. “I wasn’t expecting you to fall in love with Xic, Nat. Xic of all men!” She emphasized his name deliberately.

“Love happens,” Nat looked at me. “It’s not something that is in your control because it’s not about what you see.”

“It’s about what your heart feels and soul knows,” We looked at Angie meaningfully. “You will know soon, Angie.” I said mischievously.

“So, this place never experienced daylight and daytime!” Angie curved the discussion cleverly. “You can sleep all the time because the sun won’t rise and there is no check of time.” She eyed me mischievously. “You have gone all dirty here, haven’t you?”

“Put a filter on your mouth.” Nat groaned. “I didn’t see Clarissa,” Nat asked me. “And Einar too.”

“They returned to their home,” I told her. “Clarissa met me before leaving. She said Einar needed to restore his magic.”

“And Shae?” Angie asked.

“She is back to her post.” I rolled over my stomach. “She will come to meet us once Cain has set things in order here.”

We looked at the door when it knocked. Nat sat up straight when Xic entered.

“I’m here to steal your friend for a few hours,” Xic smirked when Nat blushed. “May I?”

“By all means,” Angie grinned at Nat’s chagrin. “What are you waiting for, Nat? Go. Your man is waiting.”

“Shut up,” Nat got up from the bed. We watched her amused when she went to Xic. “What?” She asked him, annoyed.

“You said you wanted to see Acreoterra,” Xic chuckled at her glare. “I’m here to fulfill your wish.”

“I want to go too,” Angie jumped in their conversation. “I want to see Acreoterra too.”

“My deepest apologies, Angela, but I’m solely booked for my lady tonight,” Xic grabbed Nat by the waist. “Maybe, next time.” Xic took Nat away.

“Not fair,” Angie slumped back on the bed dejectedly. “I want to go out too.”

“I can take you.” Aeron appeared in the door out of nowhere. “Come with me.” He palmed the door frame casually and looked at Angie coolly. “I don’t want you to pester the couples.” Angie glared at him murderously. “Xic’s all cool but Cain will kill you if you didn’t leave his room.”

“You are not funny,” Angie smiled sweetly. “And scary.”

“Then come with me,” Aeron challenged her. “We will see whether you keep the same opinion in a few hours.”

“It’s a red flag,” Angie deadpanned. “He is a complete red zone.”

“Oh just go with him, Angie,” I pushed her off the bed. “You won’t want to miss the fun.” I urged her. “Especially Acreoterra’s metropolitan domain.”

“They have clubs here!” Angie looked at Aeron for affirmation. “Hell yes, I’m going.” She skipped toward Aeron happily. “You better not bore me,” Angie warned him and looked at me. “I’ll see you later.” She left with Aeron.

“Bless you, Aeron,” I got up from the bed as well. I stretched my arms and went to the terrace.

It was drizzling instead of a heavy downpour. The sky illuminated with lightning encompassing the blue moons.

I opened the door and shivered violently. The temperature was frigid and insufferable. But I stayed in the place and let the cold bite me.

I still couldn’t wrap my head around reality.

I couldn’t forget those few moments of utter horror when I was unable to feel or sense anything.

I closed my eyes when Cain embraced me from behind. He brushed my hair back from my shoulder and kissed its length softly. I held his arms tightly when his lips moved to my neck and up to my jaw.

Cain closed the doors to the terrace and turned me in his arms. His fingers touched my palms in small circles and moved up my arms unhurriedly. He cupped my neck with both hands and angled my head back slightly. His thumbs stroked the length of my jaws sensually.

I was drowned instantly in the intensity of his smoldering gaze.

“Anastasia,” Cain kissed my eyes. “My sweet Anastasia.” I breathed heavily when he kissed my cheeks one by one. “My sweet little Ana.”

“Cain,” I gripped his wrists when he palmed my face with both hands. I looked at him with hooded eyes when he kissed my forehead. “Cain!”

“Yes!” He whispered in my ear and hugged my waist. “I’m here, my love. I’m here with you.” Cain put his forehead against mine and stared into the depths of my soul.

“Tell me this is real,” I cupped his face. “Tell me that I’m here with you, that you are holding me in your arms right now.” I could hear the desperation in my voice. “I don’t want to return to that nightmare, Cain” I buried my face in his chest. “Never again.”

“I love you, Anastasia.” My heart stopped for a second as I listened to his erratic heartbeat under my ear. “I love you.” Cain kissed me deeply and passionately when I looked at him. “I love you so fucking much.”

I felt my eyes tearing up when he peppered kisses all over my face and neck.

“You are back in my arms, love.” Cain nuzzled my hair and breathed deeply. “You are not leaving my side any time soon.”

“I love you too, Cain,” I whispered breathlessly. “I love you so much.”

Cain’s emotions were swimming in the oceanic pools of his eyes. They made my heart go crazy with anticipation of the next moment.

His love was ready to drown and devour me whole.

Cain watched me with burning intensity when I unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off his shoulders. He stood like a statue as my hands roamed over his torso greedily. His muscles tensed and reacted to my every kiss and touch.

It was not enough. I was not sure enough yet.

I gripped his nape and pushed myself up on my toes and in his body. I kissed the length of his neck and shoulders. My nails dug into his back as I tried to soak his existence and presence into me as much as possible.

“Cain,” I kissed him over his heart. He grabbed my hand before I could have undid the zipper of his pants.

I gasped loudly when he pushed me down on the bed the next instant.

“Will you dare to leave me again?” I shuddered slightly when the dress disappeared from my body and Cain lowered over me dangerously. He gripped my hands tightly and held them over my head. “I haven’t punished you yet for your crazy stunt, love.” His devilish smirk turned my body into lava. “Let me remind you what happens when you mess with death.”

I arched into him when his mouth claimed mine with a punishing kiss. Cain’s grip on my hands became deadly when I tried to free them. I moaned loudly when he plundered my mouth with his tongue in inexplicable ways.

I screamed his name when his mouth and hands began their sensual torture over my body.

The love Cain gave me was different than every other time.

It was a union of souls.

Now I understood what that black and white light meant.

Cain was rough and aggressive but he didn’t hurt me even once. He etched his presence into my being to the point that I could only see him and nothing else.

****

“I’m never going to say that again,” I laughed breathlessly. Cain kissed me senselessly in response and rolled on his back with me in his arms. “I’m back.” I nuzzled my head in the crook of his head and sighed in contentment.

“You are,” Cain grabbed my hand on his chest and kissed my palm. “Don’t think that I’m done with you,” his gaze was sinister. “It’s only because your body is still recovering from the effects.” He chuckled when I buried my face in his neck shyly. “You scared the hell out of me, Ana.”

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled sheepishly. “But I was left with no other choice.”

Cain grabbed my head and angled it back. His gaze was hard and his expressions were dark. I knew what he was going to say.

“I couldn’t ask you to give up for me.” I palmed his mouth to stop him from talking. “They shunned you because you were the seed of evil nurtured by forbidden curses. But what gave them the surety that you were going to exact the nature of your creation on everything?” I looked at him grimly.

“Who can stamp that the one born of good would never turn evil? Look at Blue Bloods. They bore angel’s blood, right? But all they ever did was hurt and kill innocents for their selfish gains. So what right do these so-called moral freaks to judge you?”

I felt venom in my mouth when I remembered Dalim.

“It doesn’t matter, love, what everyone thinks. I never cared about right or wrong and never will.” He palmed my head. “They are not entirely wrong. Their fear of me is justified. I am the evil the world needs to fear.”

“But you haven’t done anyone wrong,” I frowned. “You never hurt anyone without a reason.”

“That doesn’t mean my hands are clean,” Cain replied darkly. “I was and I will always remain the child of death and doom, Ana. I won’t deny that I want to exact my control over the world and spread terror.”

“But I have learned my lesson as well.” Cain pinched my chin. “I know where my priorities lie. As much as I desire control, I won’t risk your life for it.” My heart skipped a beat. “You are precious to me. More than any fucking power.”

“I would have given up both my wings if it could have brought you back in my life.” Cain hovered over me and kissed my lips softly. “I can even trade my life for you, Ana. I can die–”

I palmed his mouth before he could say anymore.

“Don’t you dare leave me alone!” I blushed when Cain smirked against my palm. “Never.” He lowered my hand from his mouth ever so slowly. His gaze was full of mischief. “What?”

“I’m just admiring what I’m bestowed with by the creator of the universe.” Cain kissed my nose. “I want to meet him and show my eternal gratitude for this benevolence.”

“You are being sarcastic!” I pouted.

“I’m being honest,” he replied softly. “I never speculated about these emotions in my life, Ana.” Cain put my palm against his cheek and sighed. “I never visualized myself yearning for this warmth before. I could have never imagined that I would want to hold it close forever.”

I was enthralled when his eyes switched to glowing electric blue.

“I never thought death would fall in love with life.”

I looped my arms around his neck and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.

“I told you, didn’t I?” I grinned widely. “You are an anti-hero. My anti-hero.”

“I guess I am,” Cain chuckled and kissed me hard. “But only for you.” His smile warmed my heart.

“What?” I asked when Cain got out of bed and wore his pants. “What’s wrong?” I sat up as well and held the blanket to my chest.

Cain grinned at my confusion and carried me in his arms along with the blanket.

“I’m not wearing anything, Cain.” I squealed in embarrassment and buried my face in his neck when he teleported us.

I shivered slightly when the cold and rain caressed my skin.

“You brought me outside in a freaking blanket!” I squeaked. “You are impossible, Cain.” I tightened my hold around his neck. I was bashful of my condition.

What if someone saw us!

I was sure his demon parade was watching us playing Adam and Eve in the open.

“Stop being so dramatic,” I fumed when he laughed. “Just look.” I shook my head furiously. “No one is here, Ana. It’s just us. You think I would let anyone see you like this!” I refused to listen. “You either listen to me or I will take you here for everyone to see.”

“You don’t dare!” My cheeks burnt in embarrassment when Cain laughed. “You are so mean, Cain,” I flailed in his hold. “I hate you so much.”

“Liar,” I pouted when he responded arrogantly. “Look.” I followed his line of vision.

The sight took my breath away.

The gardens were blossoming with red and white roses among black ones. The air was bathed in their exotic scent. I was awed when blue fireflies materialized out of thin air and pranced among the flowers.

Everything looked like a fairy tale dream.

“You planted them!” I beamed at Cain. “Thank you.”

“I told you, didn’t I?” Cain whispered affectionately. “I will give you everything you want.”

My smile fell a little and I lowered my gaze when a thought plagued me out of nowhere.

“What’s wrong?” Cain put me down and pulled my face up. “What happened?”

“Cain?” He hugged my waist with his free arm and hummed in response. “What if I was really Omisha?” His expressions changed in a flash. “I know it is irrelevant but I need to know.” I palmed his chest. “Would you have looked past everything and accepted my present?”

“You want an honest answer?” Cain asked coldly. I was reluctant but I nodded yes. “I’ll show you my answer.”

I gasped when the air stirred around us violently.

I frowned at myself and then at Cain. I was in a beautiful gown and Cain was dressed immaculately in a black suit. We were standing outside some grand door in a ridiculously familiar place.

“I didn’t think for even a second when I stabbed Omisha’s heart.” Cain caressed my face. “But if you were really Omisha,” I waited patiently for him to complete his sentence. “I would have eradicated the past from its roots.”

“You wouldn’t have cared?” I asked in disbelief.

“If it meant to be with you!” Cain smiled genuinely. “I would have swallowed my venom without any regret.”

“Thank you,” I threw myself in his arms. “Thank you so much.”

“You don’t have to be,” Cain murmured in my neck. “I would have and I will only look at you. Not the past but the present,” he stared into my soul. “And the future.”

His words made me happy. They lifted a weight off my chest that wasn’t even mine. Cain released me from the hold of that fear that plagued the corners of my conscience.

We were finally free of every dark shadow lurking in our lives.

“Where are we?” I asked Cain once he put me back to my feet. “This place” my eyes widened in realization. My heart pounded loudly when I looked at our attire properly.

“St. Basilica,” Cain smirked when the doors opened slowly. “I saw you that time,” he extended his arm for me. “I saw how you looked at that couple who had their wedding here.”

I was surprised to see the surprise waiting for me. But more than anything, I was surprised to see Hannah alive.

“Yes,” Cain answered my silent questions. “She didn’t die that time and she is now the head of Blue Bloods.”

I smiled when Shae came running to receive us. She was looking beautiful in her bridesmaid dress. Angie and Nat too. They were grinning ear to ear while looking at me.

“This,” I looked at Cain skeptically, “was the business you needed to tend urgently?” He smirked arrogantly in response.

“I’ll take it from here,” Einar came with Clarissa. “We don’t have time to dilly dally. Go now.” Cain went ahead with Clarissa. “Shall we?” Einar smiled and extended his arm. “I’ll do the honors.” I smiled and held his arm. Angie, Nat, and Shae walked ahead of us. “I’m glad you are alive, Anastasia.”

“I’m glad you are okay, Einar,” I whispered. “Thank you for saving me.”

“I promised to do what I could,” he passed my hand to Cain. “Take care of her or you will be dealing with me.” He threatened Cain jokingly and stepped back to let Hannah proceed.

I could not believe she was playing the priest for us.

But it was possible in their world. It meant a truce between them.

“Good to have you back,” Hannah chuckled at my expressions. “I guess Cain won’t want to exchange vows like humans so you can go ahead and mark her as your bride to complete the ceremony.”

“It won’t hurt,” I looked at him questioningly when he grabbed my waist and pulled the dress low on my chest. “I need to mark your heart.” I nodded and closed my eyes. I grunted softly when his fangs pierced my skin and plunged into my heart.

I felt the tug and my body throbbed with a strong pulse.

Cain fixed my dress and stepped back. His smile and eyes told me everything.

I was all his now. In every possible way.

“Congratulations,” Hannah beamed at us. “You are now husband and wife.”

My friends clapped happily. Everyone congratulated us.

This was the happiest moment of my life.

“You have my gratitude,” Cain nodded at Hannah.

“Keep her happy,” Hannah smiled. “Come to me if you ever need the help of any sort. But I highly doubt you will be in any dire need anytime soon.” I blushed at the hidden meaning behind her words. “I wish you two eternal happiness.”

“Thank you, Hannah,” she nodded and left with Sax.

“We are going back as well,” Einar and Clarissa came next. “I still need to recover my magic. Later.” They disappeared as well.

“I believe you won’t want us to interfere with your honeymoon phase!” Xic snickered when I blushed. “Don’t worry, brother. I have informed everyone not to disturb you for the long–”

“Can you shut up?” Aeron groaned in annoyance. “We are taking Angie and Nat back to the surface. Let us know if you need anything.”

“Play it safe,” Angie grinned. “Or maybe not.”

“Let’s just go,” Aeron dragged her away before she and Xic could have started their jest.

“Bye, Ana,” Nat and Angie waved at me and disappeared with Aeron and Xic.

I gasped when Cain pulled me into him and teleported us back to his room in Acreoterra.

“How do we proceed from here?” I giggled when he back paddled me to the bed and pushed me down.

“Can you read my mind now?” I wound my arms around his neck and played with his hair.

“Unfortunately, no,” Cain grunted.

“Is that so?” I mused and pulled him close. I undid his tie and threw it aside. Cain shrugged out of his coat and threw it away. “So you don’t know what is going through my head right now?” I undid his buttons and pulled his shirt apart to let my hands feast on his hard contours. “That’s disappointing.”

“Not really,” Cain smirked devilishly. “I can read your body like an open book.”

I burnt in the fire of pure love and sinful desire.

“Hey!” I protested when he burnt the dress to nothing with a single touch. “I liked this one.”

“You won’t be needing clothes anytime soon,” I moaned when Cain smashed his mouth on mine and dominated my senses in every fucking way. “We have all our lives, remember?”

“I want kids too,” I whispered breathlessly against his lips. “Not now but at some point in our lives.” Cain groaned when I grazed his jaw with my nails. “I want to start a family with you.”

“As you say, my love,” I smiled when Cain kissed me again. “Your every wish is my command.”

“I love you, Cain.” I gazed into his eyes with all the love I could muster.

“I love you too, Ana” Cain put his forehead against mine. “I’m eternally grateful to God for creating you for me. It was wicked of him but I don’t give a dime to his grand scheme.” He caressed my bottom lip with his thumb.

“Me too,” I mumbled shyly.

“You are my beautiful symphony,” I smiled when he smiled. “A symphony created only for death.” He kissed my cheeks and forehead before claiming my lips. “My very own symphony of death.”