Symphony of Death

Anastasia’s POV

“Hey,” Einar grinned. “How was the nap?”

I was in Cain’s room.

“What happened?” My throat hurt when I talked. My entire body was engulfed in a green glow from his hands positioned over my chest.

I couldn’t recall what happened. I was standing and then I fell.

“My heart,” I looked at Einar again. “I thought my heart stopped.”

“All that traveling between different realms caught up to you.” Einar replied. “You need to stay in bed and let my healing do its work.”

We looked to the door when Aeron entered with Xic.

“Hey,” Xic grinned at me. “You look good, Anastasia.” Einar helped me sit when they came near. “I brought you something good to recover quickly.” He placed two paper bags in my lap. “Nat told me you loved our cheesecake. So, I took the liberty of bringing you some with your favorite coffee. I added blueberry and strawberry toppings to them.”

“Thank you,” my cheeks warmed up. “You didn’t have to.”

“No need to be shy and humble,” Xic cut me. “You can ask me for anything and anytime.” He winked playfully. “Besides, consider this our apology for the cold shoulder we gave you back then. We know it was not your fault.”

“Let us know if you need anything.” Aeron smiled at me for the first time.

“We should let her rest now.” Einar stood up to leave with them. “Sleep, Anastasia. I’ll tell Sibyl to serve your dinner in the room.”

“Where is Cain?” I asked them.

“He is at his office,” Xic replied. “You want him for something?”

“No,” I shook my head. “I just thought he was here when I fainted.”

“He doesn’t know yet,” Aeron informed me. “Sibyl found you when you fainted. She informed us.”

Informed them? Not Cain!

I let out a tired sigh when they left. My body felt so heavy and my eyelids hurt.

“Better sleep,” I unpacked the treats Xic brought me. “Heaven!” I moaned when the sweetness filled my system.

I needed this extra dose of sugar.

I felt much better after eating the cheesecake and drinking the coffee. I put the paper bags aside once I was finished and laid down again.

Cain didn’t know I fainted. I found it weird and hard to believe. He always knew when my wrist hurt.

Then why didn’t he know this time?

I thought I saw him running toward me when I fell. I could hear him yelling my name. That look in his eyes. It was nothing like I had ever seen before.

“Was that all my imagination?” I mumbled to myself and closed my eyes.

****

“Cain!” I whispered when my vision focused on his figure sitting on the couch. He was only in his sweatpants and was holding a glass of whiskey in hand. “When did you come?” I pushed myself up and rubbed my right eye. “What time is it?”

“You should sleep,” Cain said without looking at me. “Your body needs rest.”

“Where are you going?” I asked when he stood up and went to the door.

“Shae is outside so you can sleep peacefully,” Cain replied curtly. “I won’t be returning.”

If only I knew it was not only about tonight.

Cain never came to the room again. His behavior changed drastically toward me. If he was cold before, he was coldest now. He avoided me deliberately and openly.

Whenever I tried talking to him, he brushed me off. He didn’t say or do anything. He looked at me with his cold and ruthless eyes to convey the silent warning.

But that couldn’t equate to what I started witnessing a few days later.

Every night he brought a new woman.

I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t stumbled upon him sucking her companion’s tongue one night near the entrance. The worst thing was he didn’t stop when he saw me. He started touching her more intimately.

I couldn’t understand what was happening. Everything aggravated after we visited the Aether Estuary. Cain was only avoiding me before but now it seemed that he wanted me gone from his life.

It wasn’t like I was dying to be with him.

Nothing changed between us. He was still the monster who destroyed my life and snatched me away from my peace.

I was not going to forget it.

But he didn’t have to go to such extremes to state the obvious.

****

“Earth to Ana,” Angie flicked her fingers in my face. “What is wrong with you today?” She frowned at my lack of response. “Are you sure you are okay?”

“Yes,” I replied monotonously. “I’m sorry. I was just thinking about work.” Angie and Nat looked at each other. Shae was sitting quietly next to me and sipping her iced tea. “What?” I asked when they kept looking at me.

“Things are cool between you and Cain?” Nat inquired. “You don’t look your usual self for some reason and I met Cain this morning. His aura was oozing hostility.” Nat sipped her drink.

“Xic was super pissed as well when Cain left. I have never seen him like this before.” Nat cupped her neck and looked at Shae. “You know something?”

“No,” Shae replied singularly and busied herself with her drink again.

“I wasn’t expecting an answer out of you as always,” Nat huffed. “You two fought?” She directed the question back to me.

“Are we kids?” I snorted. “I don’t know a thing. I barely see him these days.” I twirled the straw in my glass. “I don’t know what’s going on with him.”

“Can we forget about them and focus back on us?” Angie groaned. “It’s your birthday.”

“It comes every year,” I scoffed. “What’s the big deal?”

“I swear, Ana,” Angie deadpanned. “If I didn’t love you as much as I do, I would have killed you for your dry humor.” I smiled sweetly to aggravate her. “Let’s do something fun. It’s not every day you turn a new page in your life.”

“I’m losing a year out of my life, Angie,” I said with a straight face. “And you want me to celebrate the shortening of my life expectancy.”

“We all lose a year every year,” she whined. “Please, let’s do something fun. It will be Shae’s first experience with us.”

“God, she is annoying,” Nat glared at her. “But yeah, let’s plan something. It’s been ages since we went out together.”

“Now we are talking,” Angie said happily. “What do you say, birthday girl?” She wiggled her brows at me.

“Fine,” I caved in. “But nothing extravagant and exaggerated,” I warned them. “Don’t forget that Shae is still a kid.” We looked at her.

“Leave it to us and be ready to lose another year of your life with a bang.” Angie was hyped.

“Oh, look” we turned our heads together. “If it isn’t the great Anastasia Grace.” Audrey with her bunch came to our table. I grabbed Shae’s hand to stop her from getting up. “What do you know? I wasn’t expecting to run into you, Anastasia.”

“The feeling is mutual, Audrey.” I retorted.

“You are still arrogant,” she said spitefully. I sipped my drink while looking at her. My passiveness was enough to spite her. “I guess the likes of you never learn.”

“Yeah, because the likes of me are born with innate talent,” I replied coolly. “That’s why I’m running a business and you are still stuck to the same table and crawling in the same hole.”

“Don’t get cocky with me,” Audrey slammed her palms on the table. “Don’t think that I don’t know how you earned everything you have right now.” She sneered. “You left the company but you kept your claws around Cain Black.”

“If I’m not wrong, you are living with him, right?” I showed no response. “I always knew you were nothing but a dirty little slut. Look at you, sucking up to him and leeching off his wealth.” Audrey mocked.

“Jealous much?” I snickered. “I bet you are dying to get in bed with him.” I leaned forward so I was face to face with her. “Why don’t you try a little harder, Audrey? Try to grovel by his feet like you always do.”

“Anastasia!”

“Tone it down, Audrey,” She stepped back when I stood up. “You won’t want to make a joke out of you.”

“Scram along, girl,” Angie waved at her dismissively. “Your cheap perfume is giving me a headache.”

“And your second-hand copy of Louis Vuitton is making my food come back to my mouth. So,” Nat motioned with her index finger. “Move along and let us breathe.”

Her face turned red with humiliation but her stubborn bone refused to bow.

“I won’t let this slide, Anastasia” Audrey eyed me balefully. “You are going to pay for this. I will make sure everyone sees your true colors.” She stomped away with her Chihuahuas.

“Bitch,” Angie muttered after her. “Don’t pay heed to her rubbish.”

“It’s already dumped in the garbage,” I chuckled.

“But how did she know you are living with Cain?” Nat asked. I just shrugged in response. “I know you are cool and all but people like Audrey don’t know how to mind their own business.”

“I don’t care,” I said offhandedly. “It’s not like I’m taking any favors from Cain. I’m only living with him because of some reason. Audrey can do shit about it. I know I did everything on my own.”

“We got your back, girl,” Angie patted my hand. “Let us know if she bothers you. We will teach her a lesson for good.”

“I don’t think Ana will need any help,” Nat grinned wickedly. “So, the plan is on?”

“Damn yes, it is,” Angie fisted her hand in the air. “Scott and Diana are coming tomorrow for the dress trial. It’s going to double the fun later. And it will be our first party with Shae.” Angie squealed at her.

My mind couldn’t stay focused on the conversation. It kept wandering back to that mystery of a man who created havoc in my life.

****

Einar grabbed Clarissa’s arm and dragged her inside Cain’s room.

“I heard of a very pretty lady’s birthday.” I smiled when a bouquet of lavenders appeared in his hand and he offered them to me. “Many many happy returns of the day, dear Anastasia.”

“Thank you,” I took the flowers from him. “How did you know?” I gasped in awe when one flower morphed into a beautiful bracelet of amethyst. “What is this?”

“A gift,” Einar replied. “You cannot refuse it, dear. It’s not just a bracelet.” Einar picked it from the bouquet. “May I?”

I extended my right arm and he clasped it around my wrist.

“I have cast a strong protection charm so you can be at ease even when we are not around.” He looked at his wife. “I will know when you will be in a pinch.”

“Thank you, Einar.” I touched the beautiful stones. “It means a lot.”

“Did you experience any pain or suffer other symptoms after that night?” Einar inquired. I just shook my head. “Let me know immediately if something happens again.”

“Einar?” He hummed in response. “Is everything okay?” I paused. “With Cain?” I looked between them when they looked at each other.

“Yes,” Einar smiled. “Why do you ask?”

“Nothing,” I clutched the bouquet to my chest. “It’s just I haven’t seen him much lately.”

“His mundane business is keeping him quite occupied these days,” Einar replied. It was a white lie. “But you don’t need to worry. He is absolutely fine.” I nodded. “Have a good day.”

“Can I talk to you, Clarissa?” I stopped her from leaving.

“I’ll leave you two ladies alone.” Einar left us standing across each other awkwardly.

“Nice,” I looked at Clarissa questioningly. “The dress,” she pointed behind me. “You sure are gifted.”

“Thank you,” I smiled awkwardly in response.

“I’ll leave you to your thing,” Clarissa turned to leave.

“Clary?” She stopped and looked at me. “One minute,” I went to the closet area and brought a bag. I extended it towards her. “I know you said my dresses were not to your liking but I designed it keeping you in mind.”

She kept looking at me.

“I wanted to apologize to you. For hurting Cain. It was not intentional and-”

“I know,” Clarissa interjected. “It was not your fault. I overreacted.” She took the dress. “I’m sure it’s great.”

“Will you come to my birthday party?” I asked her hopefully. “My friends have planned a small get-together tonight. I’d like it if you would come.”

“Sure,” Clarissa nodded.

“Cool.” I breathed out once she left.

I couldn’t believe the change in her attitude. Not only hers but the brothers were nicer to me than before.

Except for Cain.

I didn’t know why but his hatred took a new color toward me.

“What’s the point in moping over it,” I resumed working on the hemline of Diana’s wedding gown.

I grabbed my cup from the table and frowned. It was empty. I needed more coffee. I removed the measuring tape from my neck and went to the door.

My path was blocked by Cain.

“Sorry,” I brushed past him to leave.

I was seeing him this close after ages but I didn’t want to stay a minute longer. It was better to stay away. I was not sure of my emotions and the turbulence he stirred in them by his mere presence.

I scowled when he grabbed my wrist to stop me.

“What’s the rush?” Cain pulled me to him. “Why are you always running when I’m around?” His teasing seemed more vicious than playful. “I heard it’s your birthday today.”

“It’s the talk of the town today I guess,” I retorted. “I’m sure they spelled it out on every billboard out there.” Cain raised an amusing brow in response. “Can you” I raised my hand in his hold, “let go so I can be productive?”

I frowned at the bag he passed in my hand.

“Wear this tonight,” he whispered seductively. “I’d be looking forward to it. Take the car I gave you.” I opened my mouth to refuse. “It’s a request.”

“I thought you were avoiding me,” I couldn’t help but ask.

“I can never avoid you,” Cain caressed the stray locks of my hair. “I was just busy.”

“Yeah, I could see that almost every night,” I said bitterly. “It doesn’t concern me so don’t concern yourself over my matters.” I glared at him when he pulled me in his body and locked me in his arms. “What are you doing?” His penetrating gaze was burning me inside. “Cain!”

“I’m not a man to be affected by anything good, Ana” Cain whispered against my lips. “So whatever hopes you might have started brewing in your heart,” his eyes became dark and menacing.

“Crush them yourself before it is too late.”

****

“Woah, girl” Angie whistled. “What’s with this smoking hot dress?”

“It’s a gift,” I replied sheepishly.

“From?” Angie and Nat asked together.

“Clarissa” I facepalmed inwardly at the blunt lie. I was glad she was not at the table right now.

“Wow,” Angie mused. “For a second, I thought it was from Cain.” I bit my cheek at this.

Angie had no idea how correct her guess was.

I was so damn angry at myself for wearing this outfit. The arrogant bastard wasn’t even present to see his present on me.

I should have known better than to believe his mockery.

“Ana?” I was jerked out of my thoughts by Nat. I frowned at her and Angie when they kept looking behind me grimly.

“What’s wrong?” I looked back as well. “What the hell?” I couldn’t believe my eyes. The entire Allure was in the club along with the Black brothers.

Aeron and Xic looked visibly surprised to see us and Clarissa’s expressions were of confusion when she saw them.

But Cain’s face said otherwise.

“Ana?” Nia exclaimed excitedly. “Oh my God,” I stood up when she came. “It’s so good to see you.” I returned her hug. “What are you doing here?”

“We came to celebrate her birthday,” Angie replied. Nia oh-ed in realization. “Why is your entire company here?”

“Our boss threw a special party,” I groaned inwardly at Audrey’s voice. “I was expecting to run into you here tonight, Anastasia.” She cat-walked toward us. “I told you that you were going to see your precious friend tonight.”

Nia ignored her jibe and turned to me.

“Have you heard about Hannah’s death?” Nia asked. “It was a terrible accident, Ana. I still can’t believe she is no more.”

“Me too,” I whispered. “I miss her terribly.”

“Is that why you didn’t even come to her funeral?” Audrey taunted. “Some loyalty you hold for the one who fought for your right.”

“Enough, Audrey,” Angie stood up. “Go back to your crowd.”

“I’m not dying to breathe the same air as you either. Especially her,” she gave me a stink eye and turned on her heels. “By the way, Ana” Audrey’s loud voice made everyone look at us. “You look nice in the dress,” she jeered, “handpicked by me.”

Her expressions became sinister.

“Oh, my! You didn’t know?” She faked a gasp. “I thought Cain told you.” Audrey came to me. “And you said you weren’t sucking up to him.” She hissed.

“I saw the car you came in. It belongs to Cain.” She said loudly. “Didn’t I say our little miss Grace was climbing the ladder to success very skillfully.” She moved back and looked at me contemptuously.

I could see the questions and accusations in every pair of eyes around me.

“It won’t come as a surprise if the boss later announces that this party is in your honor.” Audrey sneered. “After all, you two are living together, no?”

“Get lost before I break your nose,” Nat pushed her back.

“Let’s leave,” Angie said angrily when she saw Aeron. “I’m suddenly not liking this place anymore.”

I fisted my hands when Audrey ran up to Cain and latched herself onto his body.

“Let’s go.” Angie tugged at my arm.

“One moment,” I freed my arm from her grip. “What’s your car’s plate number?” I asked Audrey.

“Why do you ask?” Audrey responded arrogantly.

“I think I don’t need you to dictate it out.” I walked away from them.

I surveyed the parking lot and smirked. I took the key from the valet and got in the car. I started the engine and pressed on the accelerator hard.

The loud thunderous noise caught the attention of everyone near the entrance of the club. I revved out of my spot and drove straight to Audrey’s car.

It started blowing noisily when I rammed into it hard. Twice.

Everyone came out of the club when the news of the commotion reached inside. I got out as well when Audrey came.

“My car~” she screamed. “Are you crazy?” She screeched at me.

“Don’t even try to piss me off again,” I smiled sweetly. “Or it will be you under my wheel next time,” I smirked at her petrified expressions. “Have fun sucking up your loss, babes.” I walked away from the crowd.

“Ana!” Angie and Nat rushed to me. “It was awesome.”

“Are you okay?” Nat asked, concerned.

“Yeah,” I smiled. “I think I have enough for tonight. I’m going back. And no,” I stopped Angie. “No one is coming with me. Scott and Diana are here. Don’t ruin it for them.”

I shook my head at Angie and looked at Shae when she came.

“I’ll see you guys later.” I left with Shae who teleported us back to Cain’s mansion once we were alone and without witnesses. “Go and rest, Shae.”

I removed my heels and ran upstairs.

Some birthday it was.

I wiped my face clean off the makeup and hopped in a hot shower. I changed and left the room and came downstairs. I sat in the living room and opened a magazine to distract myself.

“He didn’t do it purposely,” I convinced myself. “Why would he-” I looked back when I heard someone moaning.

It was entirely on purpose.

Cain pushed Audrey against the wall and plundered her mouth. Her dress was half torn and she was too lost to even notice that there was someone else in the room.

“Go wait for me in the room at the end of the hallway,” Cain ordered her. She left in a trance and I held a straight face when he turned to me.

The wicked glint in his eyes told me everything.

“You sure are mannerless,” Cain sneered at me. “You ruined my party.”

“No apologies whatsoever for you and your car,” I got up to leave but he blocked my way.

“You are so naive, Anastasia,” Cain chuckled. “I sometimes feel pity for you.” I slapped his hand away from my face. “Why the anger? Didn’t I give you a fair warning?”

“You are delusional, that’s all I have to say,” I replied calmly.

“I don’t require this anymore” he whispered in my ear. “I needed it out of the way so I could bed you.” I looked at Laurel’s pendant around my neck. “I’ve had my fill now.”

“I hate you, Cain,” my voice shook.

“Glad to know that.”

I looked up when he left and breathed deeply to push back the tears.

I was not going to cry. Not over that heartless bastard.