Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

Anastasia!

I woke up with a jolt and looked around frantically. I was in an unknown place and I didn’t remember how I ended up here. I turned left and right but all I met was darkness and mist with no origin.

“Hello?” My voice echoed back from every direction.

I wrapped my arms around myself. It was so cold that my breaths were freezing in the air.

“Hello?” I called out again but no one responded. The mist was like a thick cloak and I could feel it against my fingers.

“Ana!”

I whipped around wildly when a ghost of a voice brushed past me.

“Ana!”

“Who’s there?” I asked fearfully. Nothing was making sense to me and it was only scaring me more. “Who-”

I felt a cold hand on my shoulder and heavy breaths against my hair.

I closed my eyes and fisted my hands when it moved closer. Its presence was so ominous that all the tiny hair on my body rose in fear. I grunted when a sharp pain shot through my left wrist.

I raised my hand and my heart dropped when the symbol burnt with clarity on my skin.

“Don’t let him know.”

My eyes flew open to the familiar ceiling of my room and I gasped loudly. I couldn’t bring myself to move. I was paralyzed and drenched in sweat. My reality felt too distorted.

Was it a dream? Then why is my body so cold?

I sat up slowly when my body felt in my control. I frowned at my wrist. It was tingly and the mark was visible on my wrist just like my dream.

I got out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. I undressed quickly and hopped under the shower without waiting for the temperature to adjust.

“Nothing is wrong.” I rubbed my face. “Nothing.” I pushed my hair back and tilted my face up under the water.

My body was calming down but my mind was not.

I turned off the shower once I was done and wrapped myself in a towel. I brushed my teeth, changed into comfortable clothes, and left my room.

“I am telling you to just go for it.” Nat and Angie were in a heated discussion. Their heads snapped up when they heard my approaching footsteps.

“I was about to come and wake you up.” I sat next to Angie and Nat passed me the breakfast. “Everything okay with you?” Nat questioned. “You look slightly pale.”

Angie looked at me at her statement.

“I’m fine.” Nat frowned in response. “What were you talking about?”

“You won’t believe it,” Angie said excitedly. “Nat got herself a man.”

“Seriously?” I looked at Nat for confirmation. “She is blushing.” I chuckled and high-fived Angie. “Miracle, Angie. It’s a miracle. But how?”

“She met him at the club that night.” My smile fell. “I wasn’t expecting that breezy meeting to turn steamy so soon.” Angie whistled.

“Have you met him?” I inquired Angie and she shook her head in negative.

“Nat is being stingy,” Angie said accusingly. “I didn’t even see him in the club. I just caught her talking to him one day.”

“How many days has it been?” I looked at Nat incredulously.

“I am not jumping the gun. And I was not going to hide it.” Nat said defensively. “We have been texting and talking and we met once for a coffee. You know,” she shrugged. “He asked me on a date last night.”

“I am telling you to just go for it.” Angie jumped excitedly. “You will have enough time to know him on the date. And then, you can introduce him to us.” She grinned. “We’ll help you in deciding whether or not you should sail further down the sea.”

“Can you sit down?” I shook my head at Angie. She was almost sitting on the table in her excitement. “You do what you want, Nat.” I said to her, “and you sit down, Angie, for goodness sake.” Angie sat down at last. “If it doesn’t feel right in the gut, just leave.”

“That’s what I am planning to do.” Nat nodded in agreement and we resumed our breakfast. “You want to talk about it now?” My head shot up at Nat’s question. “Ana?”

“I don’t remember a thing.” I huffed loudly. “I had the drink Angie gave me.”

“I swear it was not alcohol.” Angie raised her hands when we looked at her. “I checked. I made sure of it. I know Ana cannot hold alcohol.” Her brows furrowed. “Do you think someone spiked her drink?”

“I never let it go for a minute,” I said and paused. “Only for the refill.” We looked at each other. “Is it possible?”

“That is not the problem.” Nat shook her head. “You don’t remember meeting Cain and everything that happened before we found you?” I shook my head.

“He carried you back from the rooftop and he was pretty pissed for some reason. Your condition was messed up as well.” I rubbed my neck. “I’m just looking out for you, Ana. I’m not implying on anything.” Nat added.

“I know” I smiled at her in assurance. “It bothers me too but I am sure I didn’t say anything. I’m glad I didn’t run into Cain these past days. I may not remember but it would have been awkward.”

“I told you that you were not going to see him,” Nat said flatly. “I’m going on the date.” She said out of blue.

“Yay!” Angie squealed. Her excitement for Nat’s date was something.

I watched bemused as she talked endlessly about what Nat should wear and every other irrelevant thing.

“I’m going to call Laurel.” They paused to look at me. “I will be right back.” I went to my room.

It’s been so long since I talked to her. I grabbed my phone from the bed and dialed her number. I couldn’t stop tapping my foot.

“Hello! Ana?”

“Hey,” I greeted. “How are you?” I heard her breathe deeply.

“How are you, Ana?” Laurel sounded worried. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”

“I know,” I replied. “I’m sorry. I was just so busy with work.” I waited but Laurel said nothing. “I’m fine, Laurel.”

“Ana?” Laurel took a pause longer than needed. “Can I come? I won’t stay or take much of your time. I want to talk to you about something.”

“Laurel!”

“I’m sorry for leaving you alone all the time.” I clutched the phone tightly. “I know you are angry at me for a lot of things. You might hate me too.” She sighed. “But I did everything for you.”

“I know,” I whispered. “I know you did everything for me.”

“Ana?” I hummed. “Did your wrist hurt?” There was a pregnant pause. “You need to tell me, Ana. Are you wearing the charm I gave you?”

“All the time.” My hand went to the pendant around my neck. It was a small silver crescent moon on a delicate chain. “You never told me why I have to wear it.”

“I will tell you everything, Ana. Everything.” I nodded unconsciously. “If you feel anything, tell me right away. I will be there in a day or two.”

“I will be waiting.”

“Stay safe, Ana. You don’t know how precious you are to me.”

“I’ll see you.” I ended the call. “I’m sorry, Laurel but you would have panicked otherwise.” I leaned back on my palms and closed my eyes.

Laurel didn’t sound like her usual self. I could sense the distress in her tone. All these years and she never asked or visited me ever since I shunned her.

“Maybe, I was too harsh.” But she asked me about the pain in my wrist. I had no idea how she always knew when I never told.

Laurel always acted secretively. At times, her behavior and actions were strange and couldn’t be considered normal. I never questioned or tried to poke my nose in her matters.

I knew it would lead me to no good.

I might not have liked what I would have discovered or it could be something I should have never come across.

****

“All the best for your date, Nat” I walked out of the elevator. I balanced my phone between my ear and shoulder and held files with both hands. “I have to go now. I’ll talk to you later.”

I breathed in relief when I reached my cabin. I dumped the files on the table and jerked my hands to relieve them of the ache.

“Ana?” I looked at Chris. “Go to Hannah’s office right now.”

There was no break to it.

I tucked my phone in my pocket and left for Hannah’s office. I knocked twice on the door and entered.

“You called–” I halted right when the door closed behind me. My face turned hot at the mere glance of Cain. I looked around but there were no signs of Hannah.

“I called you here.” Cain unbuttoned his jacket and sat on the couch. “Sit.”

I didn’t want to but I had no choice. I sat on the couch to his right and clasped my hands in my lap. I waited patiently for Cain to tell me the reason for calling me here but he chose to stare at me instead.

“Yes?” I couldn’t bear his stifling presence anymore.

“Are you aware of the shoot next week?” I nodded. “You will be going to Switzerland as well.”

“What?”

“Is there a problem?” Cain asked sharply. I bit my tongue and shook my head. “I’m well aware that you are eager to leave but you are still obliged to do as asked.”

“Anything else?” I asked flatly.

“Make sure you do your homework well before leaving.” Cain leaned back in his seat and palmed the armrests. “Don’t trouble anyone with your thoughtless actions if possible.”

“Is that all?” I couldn’t stop fidgeting under his watchful eyes. “I’ll leave.” I stood up and hurried to the door.

“Do I intimidate you?” I stopped at his abrupt question. “Are you afraid of me?” His heavy footsteps approached me leisurely. “I asked,” I held my breath when Cain grabbed my arm and turned me to him. “Do I scare you?” His eyes bore into mine.

“I-” My heart pounded in my rib-cage when he pushed me against the door. “It’s-” I couldn’t make one coherent sentence under his intense gaze.

“Does it hurt?” Cain whispered heavily. I fisted my hands when he caressed my cheek with his knuckles. “Is it hurting?” He cupped my jaw so I couldn’t look away from him. “Is it that hard to answer, Anastasia?” His body pressed against mine.

He was too close.

“No,” I pushed him back and ran out of Hannah’s office. My heartbeat was ringing in my ears. “Arrogant bastard.” I reached my cabin and crashed into my chair. I grabbed my head with both hands and breathed deeply.

“What is seriously wrong with him?” I tried to ignore the pulse in my wrist. “Fuck it.” I grabbed my stuff and left the office. An hour left until we clocked out and I was not willing to wait that long.

No way in hell I was going to face Cain in any way.

I texted Angie on my way out and hailed a taxi. I couldn’t stop replaying what happened earlier. I closed my eyes and willed myself to forget everything.

It was a futile effort.

My phone rang and I answered the call.

“Hello?” I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“Anastasia Grace?” I pulled the phone away to see the number.

“This is my friend’s phone.” The said male laughed in response. “Where did you find it?”

“Aren’t you curious about the whereabouts of your friend as well?” I jerked forward at this. “She was pretty dolled up for her special night.”

“Where is Nat?” I asked angrily. “Don’t you dare touch her in any way. I swear I will kill you.”

“Come to the rooftop of Rose Raven hotel.” He barked coldly. “Don’t try to be funny, baby. You won’t want to receive your friend in pieces for your wrong choices.”

“Hello?” I cursed loudly. “Take me to Rose Raven.” I told the driver and dialed Angie’s number. “Pick up, Angie. Please, pick up.” I couldn’t stop tapping my foot. “Hurry, please!” I almost yelled at the driver and kept calling Angie. “Shit!”

I was afraid to go alone but I was more scared for Nat’s safety. I had no idea who the creep on the call was and why he abducted Nat. I didn’t want to think about what he would do to Nat if I involved the police.

“We have reached.” The driver announced after stopping the taxi.

Why would he call me to this place?

It was no ordinary hotel.

I paid the driver and got out. I hurried inside and went straight to the elevator. I pressed the button to the rooftop and dropped Angie a text about the whole situation.

I looked at the numbers as I moved up each floor.

“Be safe, Nat” I bit my thumb. My phone rang again and I frowned when I saw Laurel’s number. “I’m sorry, Laurel.” I disconnected the call and tucked the phone back in my pocket.

The door opened and I dashed out. I climbed the stairs to the rooftop and pushed past the door. My feet halted right when I crossed the threshold.

It was not about me.

“Nat?” I called her. It was darker than I thought it would be. “NAT!” I looked around frantically. “Nat, where are–Nat!” I rushed to her.

She was lying motionless on the cold floor.

“Hey!” I knelt next to her. Nat was stone cold. “Wake up, Nat.” I shook her but she didn’t budge. “Nat, wake up. Please.”

“She won’t,” I turned violently. “Not unless I want to.” He stepped out of the shadows.

“You!”

“I told you we will meet soon,” Harry grinned at me maliciously. “Anastasia!”

“Why?” I was lost. “What did she do to you?” I looked at him warily when he came closer. “Who are you?”

“Ah! Forgive me.” He shook his head. “I am Harold Crawford.” His smile was so poisonous. “The supposed date of your beloved friend.” My eyes widened in shock. “Did I surprise you, my dear Anastasia?”

“What do you want?” I held Nat protectively against me. “Your agenda couldn’t be small if you played such a sick game.”

“My!” Harold started laughing. “Such a crude mouth for such a pretty face.” He mused. “Aren’t you a smart little thing?” His gaze was sinister. “Trying to be brave when you are scared shitless? How admirable!” He crouched before me. “But the real fun will start from here.”

My eyes widened in horror when hundreds of dead entities appeared behind him.

“You can see them, don’t you?” Harold stood up and stepped back. “Have you ever wondered why when you are a mere human?” His expression twisted evilly when my eyes switched.

I crawled back when their formless arms reached for me and their spine-chilling voices painted the air.

“You are–”

“Not human” Harold laughed at my horrified expressions. “I am a demon, dear Anastasia, and not just any ordinary demon.”

A dark aura rose from the floor and surrounded him. He was cloaked in a black shadow.

“This world is not what your fragile mind weaves it to be.” Harold raised his hand covered in flames. “It’s much darker and uglier than you can even imagine.” He flicked his fingers and every last of those entities disappeared into thin air.

I staggered back to my feet when Harold sauntered toward me.

“You should be worried about something else than me right now,” Harold whispered darkly and stepped out of my sight.

The space across me slashed open. It looked like a black hole covered in fire. My eyes widened in shock when someone stepped out of it.

Harold got on his knee and placed a hand on his heart.

I couldn’t comprehend one thing from the other. My mind went numb at the mere sight of him.

“Why?” I heard myself asking.

Cain!

His brothers stepped out of the same rift and stood behind him.

“You unleashed them again.” His cold voice made me shiver uncontrollably. “Haven’t your lot learned enough?” Cain looked at Harold coldly when he stood up to face him.

“You wound me,” Harold replied coolly. “I’m merely trying to help your cause.”

I held my left arm when Cain looked at me over his shoulder. That glance was enough to freeze my blood.

“Don’t mess with my end unless you wish to be ripped apart limb to limb,” Cain warned him. “Xic!”

He lifted Nat in his arms on his command.

“No, wait.” I stopped when Cain looked at me. “Where are you taking her?”

I couldn’t do anything against them. They were not humans.

“I’m not going to deal with those Blue Bloods on your end, Harold.” Cain spat acrimoniously. “You are on your own.”

“Blue Bloods are not your only concern, Cain.” Harold countered. “So, you are ready to give up on those bastards of Ice Crows and Crimson Jackals?”

What are these people?

I kept looking from Cain to Harold. The animosity between them was evident. Their presence was stifling and reeked of evil.

“I don’t care either way, Harold.” Cain remained impassive to his instigations. “They are tools of the uprising that your father created. I don’t care how they mess with Blue Bloods. It is your war. You are responsible for their existence.”

“Fair enough” Harold turned toward me. “Sorry, baby. Change of plans.” I stepped back from him. “My life is at stake now and I won’t be able to survive if I don’t stake yours.”

“Do-n’t co-me any closer,” I was forced back on my steps and I couldn’t even look at what was waiting behind me.

It was the precipice of death.

His expressions turned malicious and so did his eyes. I was once again stumped when they changed color to glowing orange.

“Unless you fall, he won’t rise.”

****

Cain’s POV

They would be on their way.

There were too many disruptions for them to ignore. I didn’t want to encounter those Blue Bloods right now. It would only soil my plans.

“What do I do about this one?” Xic looked at the girl in his arms. “It will bring trouble to us if they open their mouths.”

“Are you going to leave her here?” Aeron asked me. “Why did Harold involve her? She is just a human.”

I looked at Anastasia over my shoulder. She looked more lost than scared.

“She is not our concern.” My scowl deepened and I looked away from her. “Neither is she.” I pointed to her friend in Xic’s arms. “You can do as you please with her. It’s unfortunate of them to encounter so many demons in this life.”

A sharp pain shot through my left shoulder blade and my eyes turned when the same sensation coursed through me.

“Cain!” Aeron called me cautiously. “What’s wrong?”

“Looks like you will be waiting for another millennium.” I looked back right when Harold pushed Anastasia off the roof. “You would thank me for this later.”

Harold disappeared before any of us could have moved.

“He opened the port to Acreoterra, Cain.” Aeron rushed forward. “Damn that bastard. It won’t end well. She is not dead.” He looked at me. “Cain!”

Save me.

Another strong pulse coursed through me, making me growland beastly. My right wing appeared to surface and I jumped after Anastasia on instinct.

“Cain!” Xic yelled after me.

“It was you.” I snarled.

I caught her arm and pulled her toward me. My wing coiled around us and we were standing on the rooftop in the next instance.

Aeron and Xic rushed forward when my wing recoiled and disappeared.

“What?” Aeron looked at Anastasia’s still form in my hold. “Is she?”

“Yes,” I replied coldly. I grabbed her neck and pulled her back a little. “She is her.” I hissed. “She is the reincarnation of Omisha.”

I raised her left hand and rubbed her wrist. The mark was fading.

“The bearer of the curse.” I pulled her face closer to mine. “She has my wing.”