Symphony of Death

Cain’s POV

“Cain!” Omisha bunched her skirt and ran up the hill excitedly.

“You never listen,” I steadied her in my arms when she stumbled forward right after reaching me. Her response was a cheeky smile like always. “Why are you always in a hurry?” I brushed the stray locks out of her face.

“I can’t control my happiness, that’s all.” She replied shyly.

I smirked at how quickly her cheeks turned crimson after her blunt confession.

I pulled her in a fierce kiss. It was not enough for me. I grabbed her sides and meshed her frame in mine while deepening the contact.

Her sweet moans only ignited the fire to infinity within me.

“Cain!” Omisha said breathlessly. “Stop” I glowered at her interruption and tried to kiss her again but she pushed me back again. “We are not alone.”

I raised a questioning brow to her statement.

“Come,” She yelled for someone behind me. “She is my best friend.” Omisha hugged my arm and told me happily. “I have been wanting to introduce you two but she is scared of you.”

“She is a Blue Blood too?” I asked Omisha.

“No,” Her smile dulled a little. The reality popped between us one way or another. “She is an Enchantress. She is still learning but she is the best out of all, I am telling you.”

“An Enchantress, huh?” I looked at the young woman making her way toward us.

Her eyes were downcast and she was fiddling with her hands nonstop. She didn’t look up even when she reached us.

“It’s okay, he doesn’t bite.” Omisha encouraged her friend. “Cain, this is Lyra,” Omisha gestured toward her. “And Lyra, he is The Cain everyone talks about.”

“Hello!” Lyra greeted me meekly. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Not scary, right? I told you.” Omisha smiled at her friend. “I hope you two get along.”

“I wasn’t expecting her to come with you willingly. I was prepared for the worse.” I was pulled out of the reverie by Xic’s voice. “This one is a walking spitfire. Omisha was more docile.”

“I still remember Omisha’s reaction when she came across us the first time.” Xic chuckled. “Anastasia’s response was her complete opposite. I mean she wasn’t even shaken after knowing our truth.”

“Xic!” Aeron grunted. “Can you be a little considerate toward the damn situation?” Xic just raised his hands and busied himself with his drink again. “What do you plan on doing with this?” Aeron pointed toward the key in my hand. “This one is a stroke of luck.”

“All thanks to Lyra.” I chuckled darkly. “I wouldn’t have known otherwise.” I twisted the key between my fingers.

“The symbol is not sitting well with me.” Aeron frowned. “I’m sure I have seen it somewhere.”

“We will find out about it, brother. No need to torture your memory.” Xic snickered. “You cannot use Laurel’s death to your advantage anymore.” He looked at me.

“You want Anastasia to come closer to you. That won’t happen if her hatred doesn’t dissipate.” He combed his fingers through his hair. “I can feel a headache coming when we are not supposed to have any.”

“It is going to be a lot of work. There is no denying it.” Aeron second Xic. “Let’s say, hypothetically” I looked up from my glass when Aeron spoke after a minute. “It’s true. All of it.” He took a pause. “What then?”

“We are the manifestation of evil, aren’t we?” I replied calmly. “Do morals matter to us?” Aeron and Xic looked at each other. “As long as she doesn’t know, I can use the truth to my advantage.”

“The Blue Bloods won’t sit quietly now that they know Anastasia’s identity.” Aeron scoffed. “They are going to try to come in contact with her one way or the other.”

I looked at him over my shoulder.

“I wasn’t expecting you to use Harold’s lapdogs and them. It could have waged a war.” He gritted angrily. “All that just to get rid of that protection charm?”

I kept a neutral face toward his inquisition.

“Larc could have taken her.” Aeron scowled darkly when I snorted in response. “Don’t be too conceited. Everything could turn against you if Larc succeeded in manipulating Anastasia. He could be her knight in shining armor, brother.” he snickered.

“I despise that bastard,” Xic hissed. “I don’t understand why you didn’t kill those motherf*****s. You massacred every last one of their kin except for those whom you should have gone for first.” Xic questioned. “Why?”

“I want them to watch and suffer every moment of their pathetic lives for what they did to us.” The flames became restless in the fireplace. “They will see their closed ones being ripped apart before their eyes and then they will pay the price for their crimes when none will be left.”

“I don’t think I can sit calmly.” Aeron stood up. “I have a hunch the key holds the answer to breaking the curse.” I looked at the key as well. “I’m glad you listened and called the servants back. Their presence will make the stay of that poor girl a little comfortable.”

“Clary is coming,” Xic informed. “You might want to keep your little doll away from her if you intend to extract your wing in one piece. If she came to know who Anastasia is” he glanced towards Aeron, “That’s another hell we are talking about.”

“It’s best if you don’t let her stay here as long as Anastasia is living with you,” Aeron suggested. “You need to make her come to you, not scare her away. That won’t be possible with Clarissa in the picture.”

“And then there is the issue with Serra.” Aeron added bitterly, “Our father is gone but her father is hell-bent on keeping their promise intact.” His gaze hardened. “Tying the two families by marrying you two.”

“I’ll take care of it” I brushed off his unwanted concern. “Serra won’t return unless I call her and Amon can’t do shit against my word.”

“He is one of the great Marquis of hell, Cain. Our father favored him above all, that’s why his daughter was chosen to be your betrothed. You won’t want to underestimate him. He won’t stop until he has his daughter standing next to you.” Aeron warned.

“They won’t come against your orders but they won’t spare the poor girl if they get the wind of things in the wrong way.” He rubbed his neck. “Serra’s obsession with you is,” Aeron left the sentence hanging. “Aren’t we enough nightmare for Anastasia?”

“Aeron, the kind-hearted demon” Xic slung his arm over Aeron’s shoulder. “Why do you have so much empathy toward mortals? You make me sick.” He growled at him. “We are twins for hell’s sake. Stop tarnishing my name.”

“Fuck off,” Aeron jerked off his arm roughly. “We’ll leave now.” he looked at me solemnly. “Nothing gets through your stubbornness but try to be a little gentle for a change. It might work in your favor.”

“Get out.” I snarled at him.

“Just saying,” Aeron raised hands in surrender. “Humans are simple-minded creatures. They crave what they are denied the most. Your case is not so different.” He added slyly. “Give her what she desires the most and she won’t be able to stop herself.” He faked a salute and they walked out of my study.

“I don’t need your advice.” I went to my table and put the key in the drawer. “I will know what it’s hiding.” I locked it away and looked up when the door knocked and Sibyl entered.

“You have aged, Sybil.” She just smiled in response. “I appreciate your services over the years as well as keeping a check on other servants.”

“It’s my family honor, master.” She put a hand on her heart. “Our generation swore loyalty to Black family until our dying breath. We will stand by it.”

“What brings you here?” I sat down in my chair and locked my hands together. “You don’t reach me until matters are out of your hands.”

“It’s about the young miss,” her brows creased in concern. “She refused to eat. I’m worried about her well-being. She has locked herself in the room.” Sibyl clasped her hands together and stepped forward. “She didn’t look like in the best of conditions, mentally and physically, when I came here.”

“How long has it been?” I inquired.

“It’s over a week now,” Sibyl informed. “And it’s not just that. She is not sleeping as well. I hear screams from her room at night. She sounds” she paused to think for the right word. “Terrified.”

“Is the dinner ready?” I inquired while getting up.

“Yes,” She answered. “Will you be eating as well?”

“No.” She nodded. “Anastasia is moving into the room across mine.” Sibyl looked at me in silent surprise. “You don’t need to bother. I will take her there myself. She will be having her meal tonight.” She nodded and left.

I walked out of my study as well and went to the opposite wing.

As expected, her door was locked.

“Anastasia!” I rapped on the door twice. “Open the door.” I could feel her rising temperature and hear her changing heartbeat. “I don’t need to ask but I’m still being polite. Open it if you don’t want to witness something unpleasant.” I threatened calmly.

It didn’t take a minute for her stubbornness to subside. I shoved my hands in my pockets when she opened the door.

“Can’t I even sulk alone because I am at your place?” Anastasia spat bitterly. “Just let me be.”

I grabbed the door when she tried to slam it shut and pushed my way inside by forcing her back on her steps.

“What the hell?”

“You look on the verge of death.” Anastasia turned away from me. “You need to eat.”

“Save the concern.” She bit back. “I don’t-” I grabbed her arm and forced her to face me. “Let go.”

“Listen!” I pulled her close and hovered over her intimidatingly. “If you are so keen on the thought of being chained and thrown in a crypt then be my guest,” I whispered darkly. “I don’t mind the thought at all.”

“I don’t care.” She whisper-yelled at me. “I will be a captive either way.”

“Come with me” I glared at her when she pulled her arm out of my grasp. “I won’t ask twice.”

I carried her against her angry protests and walked out of the room. I could easily teleport us but I didn’t want to frighten her more than she already was.

“Put me down” Anastasia was screaming and thrashing nonstop. “You asshole,” Her feeble attempts were nothing but her shrill voice grated my nerves. “CAIN!” She screeched.

I put her roughly back to her feet and glared at her murderously. I was going to gag her first if it ever happened again.

“You-” Anastasia stepped back when I put my finger on her lips. “Don’t touch me.” She glared at me and then at the door behind me. “What?”

Her tantrum was put on hold by Sibyl’s arrival.

“Shift her luggage to this room, Sibyl” I commanded her without looking away from Anastasia. “Is the table set?”

“Yes,” Sibyl replied.

“We are coming.” She nodded and left us alone.

“She knows your truth?” Anastasia looked at me incredulously. “All of them do? And they are still willing to work for you?” Her voice was laced with disgust.

I opened the door and motioned for her to enter but the stubborn woman held her ground while looking at me defiantly.

“I can use various means to make you enter this room,” I said calmly. “You want to take your pick or you want to make things easier for yourself?”

“You think this is what I need?” Anastasia pointed toward the room. “An upgrade to my cell? Is that all you can think of?”

“Those Anima won’t bother you here, Anastasia” I was losing my patience now and anger was the last thing I needed. “Have you forgotten who I am?” I stepped toward her. “They can’t even lurk around here. So, you don’t have to worry about such trivial matters.”

She kept watching me silently.

“What?”

“I can’t do this anymore.” Her arms fell by her sides and her shoulders slumped in defeat. “I will go crazy.” My brows furrowed at her outburst. “Let me go out.”

“That is out of the question,” I refused coldly.

“Why?” She responded spitefully. “It’s not that I can run away. You have banned me through the entire city and I am sure repeating this will be a piece of cake for you. I just want to work, that’s all. I need to put my mind somewhere.”

I crossed my arms over my chest and watched her closely.

“Please! Let me live freely a little until-” she looked away from me. “I will listen to every bizarre order of yours. I have lost everything because of you. This is the least you can do to make me feel less miserable about myself.”

The desperation was etched on her face and I could see how vulnerable she was right now. But I was not ready to take my chances with her.

“Where do you plan on working?” Her head shot up at my question.

“I want to open a studio boutique.” Her eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. “I don’t think I can work for anyone after my experience with you.”

I snorted at her contemptuous expressions.

“You will be needing a place first,” I muttered sarcastically. “You want me to lift the ban on you?” I smirked wickedly when her cheeks flared with anger. I can have some fun. “I can do that if” I stopped her with a raised finger. “You promise to stand by some rules.”

“What?” Anastasia asked eagerly.

I motioned toward the room again and she immediately entered. I was amused by her submission over something so trivial.

Maybe, Aeron was right.

“Will you really lift the ban on me if I listen?” Anastasia asked me doubtfully.

“I don’t lie, Anastasia, nor do I go back on my word.” I extended my hand toward her. She looked at it for a moment and shook it at last. “Excellent,” I smirked.

“What do you want?” Anastasia asked me cautiously.

“It’s nothing complicated,” I answered casually. “You can do whatever you want but I need you back here by the end of the day. If you run late for some reason or encounter anything uncanny or unusual, you have to tell me. No lies or mind games.”

“I can work with that.” She said happily. “That’s it?”

“Eat and sleep,” I said strictly. “I don’t want you to give unnecessary headaches to my servants.”

“Anything else?” she asked sarcastically. I turned to leave. “Cain?” I stopped when she called me suddenly. “I will listen to you only because you agreed to my terms.”

I looked to my side when walked up to me.

“But that doesn’t mean I intend to forget what you did to Laurel.”

“I’m not denying the fact” I mocked. “Enjoy your meal, Anastasia.”

I closed the door on my way out and went downstairs.

“It’s going to be taxing.”

****

Anastasia’s POV

I had butterflies creating a hurricane in my stomach.

It was finally happening. I was finally going to start my studio boutique.

I didn’t know how I was going to manage everything, whether it was going to be successful or not, but I was thrilled to do it.

I was happy yet sad.

It was such a big moment of my life, something I always talked about with Laurel and my friends but none of them were here with me to celebrate it.

“Ms. Grace?” I looked at Mr. Philip. “Have you decided?” He asked hopefully.

I looked at the place one more time. I have been looking up the places for a week and this was the best out of all.

It was in such a prime location and the view of the streets from the two full-glass windows was breathtaking. Most of the buildings in the area were made of stone and seemed ancient.

But what I loved the most was the cherry blossom tree across the entrance to this studio.

“I love it.” I smiled. “I will take this place, Mr. Philip.” He clapped enthusiastically. “I still can’t believe the rent is so cheap.”

“The owner doesn’t care much about money.” Mr. Philip informed me. “He is a cheerful and warm person. You will like him. All of the people in this building have been here for quite some time. And you know why they are still here?” He lowered his voice to make his statement sound mysterious. “Because the rent never goes up.”

“Why?” I was genuinely curious.

“As I said, the owner is not fond of money.” Mr. Philip nodded to himself. “I will get the paperwork ready. Once he is here, we can complete the procedure.”

“He is coming here?” I asked.

“His office is upstairs.” I was not expecting this. “But you don’t have to worry. He doesn’t interfere in his tenant’s matters. His hands are full with tons of work on his end. He is a big person, Ms. Grace.”

I cupped my neck unconsciously in response.

Mr. Philip left to get the task done and I surveyed the place once more. It was simply perfect. A little renovation would do wonders.

I could almost picture myself gliding around and making dresses without any restrictions.

This was going to be perfect.

“I assume you find the place to your liking?” A velvety voice interrupted my thoughts and I turned to face its owner. “You are Ms. Grace, the new tenant?” He walked up to me with a bright smile and extended his hand. “I’m Logan Usoro. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You are the owner?” I returned his handshake.

I was expecting an old man, not this Greek god of some kind. He was young, handsome, and tall with a nice lean build. But among every other feature, his icy blue eyes and platinum hair stood out.

“Is this your real hair color?” I blurted out unthinkably.

“Uh-yeah?” Logan chuckled. “As far as I can remember.” I suddenly felt highly flustered. “I have been complimented a lot but I must say yours was something else.” He mused. “Not my face or body but my hair caught your attention?” I pulled my hand out of his grasp rather roughly. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I am fine. Sorry.” He smiled politely in return. “I think we should complete the paperwork. It’s–”

“Have I offended you?” I blinked at his question. “I’m sorry if I–”

“No,” I felt stupid. “I’m in a hurry. I need to be somewhere.” I walked out with him.

Lucky for me, Mr. Philip came back and I was saved from another round of awkwardness. We signed the papers and I was handed the keys to my new workplace.

I felt accomplished when I hadn’t even started yet.

“You look happy to be owning this place?” Logan chuckled when I blushed at being caught. “I’m looking forward to seeing you in action, Ms. Grace. I’m sure that will be a sight to behold.”

“Please call me Anastasia.”

“Only if you call me Logan.” He extended his hand again. “To good days ahead.” I shook his hand.

I suppressed the shiver that coursed up my spine. He was handsome without a doubt but I was sure it wasn’t attraction messing me up.

“Anastasia?” I looked at Logan. “All good?”

“Yes,” I retrieved my hand. “I’ll take my leave now.” Logan nodded. “Have a good day.”

“You too,” I nodded at him and hurried out of the building.

I could very much feel his eyes following me to the exit.

“I better stay away from him.”

****

My heart sank a little and I got out of the taxi unwillingly. All the early hype and excitement perished within a second when I crossed the gates.

“He is given the right title. My buzz died at the mere thought of him.” I muttered acidly and dragged myself across the long driveway.

His place was more like a castle. I almost got lost twice while exploring it. There was a modern part and then there was a more archaic part of this place at the back.

I was amazed by how well-planned their transition was. There were so many rooms. I could access a few and there were rooms I was strictly prohibited to even cross.

His place was gothically beautiful but scary. Especially when I was living with only a handful of servants who were hard to approach and talk to.

“Ms. Grace!” Sibyl greeted me in the living area. “You are back.” She was a genuinely nice woman and I felt no need to act offensive towards her. “There is still time for dinner. Should I get you something?”

“Just coffee.” I dropped my bag on the floor and fell into the softness of the couch. “It was a hectic day.”

“I hope you achieved what you left for?” Sibyl smiled when I made a victory sign. “This calls for a celebration. I will make your favorite food tonight.”

“Thank you,” I smiled in gratitude. “I’ll be in my room.”

“Do you want me to serve dinner there?” I thought carefully. “Master Cain won’t be joining you.”

“Can I ask you something?” I sat up straight. “Does he eat?” I asked reluctantly. “Ever?”

“Occasionally, yes,” Sibyl answered, amused. “His system doesn’t require human food like mortals but he does indulge in certain cuisines from time to time.”

“I see,” I rubbed my arm and stood up. “Let me know when dinner is ready. I will have it in the dining area.” Sibyl nodded and left.

I was about to go to my room as well when the doom walked in at the precise moment. Cain stopped when he noticed me.

Something shifted within him in the blink of an eye.

He came upon me at lightning speed and grabbed my right hand rather roughly. He knew his hostility was not good for either of us yet he was getting feral towards me right now.

“Cain!” I whimpered when my left wrist began to burn. The murderous aura was all around him and it was scaring me shitless. “Leave.”

I cried out in pain when he twisted my arms behind my back rather brutally.

“CAIN!” I screamed in agony and he let go of me at last. Both my wrists were bruised. One bore burns and the other, the purplish marks of his brutal hold. “What was that for?”

“You stay out of my sight.” I was thrown off by the wrath in his eyes and voice. “I will kill you, Anastasia if you appear before me.” Cain stormed away angrily.

“I didn’t even say anything,” I mumbled to myself and looked at my right hand in confusion.

I couldn’t understand what made him this vicious.