Symphony of Death
Chapter 29

Anastasia’s POV

She was dressed elegantly in a royal gown, looking anything but ethereal. Her eyes were sparkling with the youth she lost over years and her hair shone. She was smiling beautifully and sitting on a huge blue rock gracefully.

I ran up to her and hugged her for my dear life.

“I missed you, Laurel,” I choked on my tears. “I’m so sorry for everything. I’m sorry for not listening to you. I’m so sorry.”

“Hush now,” she cooed softly. “Everything will be okay, sweetie.” She looked behind me. “Hello, Cain,” Laurel smiled. “I see you found the answer to my puzzle.”

“Always the same,” Cain smirked in response. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“Surprising is my specialty among many,” Laurel retorted. “What should I make of this, Cain?” She looked between us.

“I’ve got a few questions of my own, Lyra,” Cain remarked coldly. “You played. Now it’s my turn.”

“What’s going on between you two?” I frowned at Laurel’s stagnant expressions. “I want to ask you something, Laurel?” She looked at me. “Did Logan kill you?”

“Yes,” she replied solemnly. “They were looking for me for quite some time.”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because they didn’t want me to disclose their ugly truths.” Laurel looked at Cain. “Hannah died for the same reason.”

“She spouted the same nonsense you did along with something new,” Cain scoffed. “Who are Aisling and Cyrus?”

“Wait, did you lie to me that Hannah didn’t tell you anything?” My frown turned to a scowl. “She told you about my parents?”

“Your parents?” Cain looked at Laurel. “What are you playing at?”

“Nothing,” Laurel mused. “I assume your memory isn’t worth your title, Cain.” I stood between them dumbstruck. “I’d like to talk to Ana alone before I indulge your questions.”

“Don’t try to play tricks on me,” Cain closed in on her menacingly. “You can dig as many realms as you want to hide but I will replace you, Lyra.”

“This place is not for barbarism, oh Dalazar Daemmone.” Cain looked over his shoulder when hundreds of Astras appeared around us. The one who spoke, whom I presume was their ruler, stepped toward Cain.

He was dressed immaculately in a golden-white shimmering robe. His long white sleek hair gave competition to his attire and his staff with a golden dragon completed his powerful aura. He was as beautiful as his people.

“We are the guardians of everything that flows between time and space. You seek answers to your questions? You do it within the boundaries of our world and with utmost reverence. You are here because Lyra asked for this favor” He slammed his staff on the ground. “Or I can cast you out of here right now.”

“Forgive me, Dalim,” Laurel intervened before Cain could have bared his fangs at him. “I forgot the rules. He is not at fault.” She knelt before him with a hand on her heart.

“Don’t make me go back on my word, Lyra,” Dalim said firmly. “We are not going to interfere as promised but his presence in our world goes against the rules of the universe. Remember what price we will have to pay if things don’t go as you envisioned.”

“Yes, Dalim,” Laurel stood up with poise.

“Very well,” Dalim looked at us before going away. They kept their distance but they watched everything closely.

“I need to talk to Ana before I tell you anything, Cain” Laurel faced him calmly. “It’s this or you don’t get a single answer out of me.”

“I’m holding you to this condition,” Cain looked at me briefly before walking away from us.

“What’s going on, Laurel?” I asked as soon as we were alone. “Why didn’t you come back if you were alive? Why are you here? Do you have any idea what I went through after you left?”

“Ana!” Laurel held my shoulders. “I will tell you everything.” She took me back to the rock and we sat down side by side. “I couldn’t come back to you. I died that night.” I frowned. “I know it’s confusing but just listen to me first, okay?” I nodded. “I’m neither dead nor alive. I’m just like a fragment stuck between time and space.”

“What?” I looked at her hand holding mine. “But I can feel you.”

“Yes, because you are floating between time and space right now. Every living matter is reduced to miasma here. That’s why you can touch me.”

“But why are you here?” I asked.

“It was part of the deal I made long ago. My body,” Laurel stopped and breathed deeply. “It suffered the repercussions of my decisions. I lost my magic and my immortality.”

“I was living on the power Dalim lent me. I couldn’t cross the threshold of death because I broke a taboo. If not for Dalim, I would have been wandering around like Anima.”

“But,” her explanation confused me more. “What did you do so bad?”

“I want you to answer me first,” Laurel changed the subject. “I saw everything that happened,” she paused purposely. “between you and Cain.” I averted my eyes in embarrassment. “I’m not blaming you for your choices, Ana.”

Laurel cupped my cheek and made me look back at her.

“I’m sorry, Laurel if I disappointed you,” I mumbled.

“Oh, no” she palmed my face with both hands. “You can never disappoint me, Ana. It’s me who disappointed you.” I shook my head at her. “It’s true that I wanted to keep you from Cain. But more than that, I wanted to protect you from Blue Bloods.”

“Are they really the enemy?”

“Yes,” Laurel replied grimly. “They are the wolves in sheep’s skin. They want Cain’s power so they can control life and death and become God.” She looked into my eyes. “That’s why I want to ask you this before anything else. Do you trust Cain?”

Her question made me look at him.

“Ana, what do you feel for him?”

“I don’t know,” I whispered. “He is,” I trailed off when he looked at me and held my gaze. “Confusing me.” I looked at Laurel. “He is going to kill me, right?” I smiled bitterly.

“No,” Laurel squeezed my hands. “I’m going to change his mind and make him protect you.” Laurel stopped me from saying whatever I was going to. “Everything will come to light in due time, Ana. We are going to break this curse.”

“Laurel?” She hummed in response. “I don’t have the birthmark on my abdomen.” I took a pause. “I learned about their origin through Angie. I was so happy but then Einar said that they were part of a myth. I don’t know what to feel about it now. I don’t want to be that woman, Laurel. I don’t want to be such a hateful person.”

“Ana!” Laurel embraced me. “You are not Omisha.” She rubbed my back. “Birthmark or no birthmark,” she pulled away and held my shoulders. “It doesn’t matter. They are all garbage anyway. Their origin holds no truth. Einar was telling the truth.”

“But-”

“What matters is this,” she palmed my heart. “It always speaks the truth and we know that you are Anastasia. My sweet, loving, and adorable child.”

“Make him believe me, Laurel,” I held her hands pleadingly. “I almost betrayed Cain under their influence. It was not my fault but the guilt is eating me.” My voice cracked. “He could have gotten hurt badly because of me.”

“It was not your fault, Ana” Laurel reproached. “Stop blaming yourself.” She squeezed my shoulders. “Stick to his side. He will protect you from Blue Bloods and Harold and his minions.” I nodded. “We are going to put an end to this, sweetie. I promise I will set you free.”

“I love you, Laurel,” I held her hand on my cheek.

“I love you too, Ana,” Laurel kissed my forehead. “Believe in yourself, okay?”

“I will,” I remembered something. “Something weird happened when I was in Aessegar, Laurel. When I ran from the ceremony, something really strange happened.”

“What?” Laurel asked.

“I don’t know.” I failed to replace the right words. “When Sorush asked his men to capture me, I just screamed and raised my left hand towards them. Like this,” I mimicked the action, “and they went flying back with a bang.”

“Have you told Cain about this?” I shook my head. “Keep it to yourself for now. I will tell you to tell him when the time is right.”

“We will meet again, right?” I asked fearfully.

“Yes,” Laurel smiled. “We can always meet here.” My smile fell. “My body vanished from the human world, Ana. I cannot return there ever.” She sounded remorseful. “I am like frozen time and that’s because Dalim collected the fragments of my spirit and brought them here. I’m just a memory you are seeing right now.”

“I don’t want to be alone,” I choked. “I don’t want to be alone, Laurel.”

“You won’t be,” she looked over my head. “It’s time for me to answer some questions.” I looked at Cain as well. “You have my gratitude for always protecting her.”

“I haven’t done anything out of the goodness of the heart,” Cain held my hand and helped me off the rock. “She owes me her life.”

“I’ll wait over there,” I retracted my hand from his hold and walked away.

I couldn’t stop sneaking glances at them. I was curious to know what they might talk about but not brave enough to eavesdrop.

I strolled along the path near the hill and observed the rainbow-colored grass. I was getting agitated by every passing second between them.

It looked tense. It looked super tense between them.

“Do you want to play?” I was surprised by the bunch of young Astras around me. “Come play with us.” They dragged me to the stone monument all laughing and giggling.

“I don’t know,” I chuckled nervously when their boss appeared as well. “I’m sorry. They just-”

“It’s alright.” Dalim smiled. “You are free to explore.” I nodded in gratitude and looked around. The stone monument was a hollow pillar. “Do you know what it is?” Dalim asked.

“No,” I replied honestly and looked at the hollow pillared monument closely. It gave the feeling of a deformed mirror frame. “What is this?” I frowned when the space inside it began to fluctuate.

“Why don’t you see for yourself?” Dalim urged. I was reluctant to go closer. I had no idea what I would end up seeing in it. I was sure I was not ready for another heart attack. “It won’t harm you.”

“What is this?” I asked when I saw a ball of white light floating in place of my reflection inside it. “Why is it showing me light instead of my face?” I asked Dalim.

“Why indeed?” He mused and looked behind me. “I see you found the answers you were seeking.” I looked at Cain when he came and stood behind me. I couldn’t read his expressions or eyes. They were blank as they stared inside the stone monument. “And your eyes see it all.”

“There is something wrong with this mirror,” I murmured to Cain. “Look, it is showing a white light ball instead of my reflection and black light ball in place of yours.” I pointed out. “Oh look,” I said excitedly, “they are merging.”

But Cain remained silent to my non stop blabbering.

“Let’s go,” Cain grabbed my hand.

“Pay heed to my call, oh great Dalazar Daemmone,” I looked at Dalim in utter confusion. “The beginning is the end you seek.” Cain looked back at him darkly. “Time is like sand. It constantly slips out of your hand.”

He raised his staff and all the Astras flew away in the sky like shooting stars.

“While you try to mold its frame to your thoughts, it will play its trick and you won’t be able to discern what you lost.” Dalim looked at me and smiled. “May stars shine upon your existence, sweet Anastasia.”

He disappeared in the same manner.

“What is wrong with you?” I asked Cain.

His silence was concerning me now. He wasn’t even looking at me.

“Ana!” Laurel came to us. “It’s time for you to leave.” My heart fell. “Don’t look so sad, my child. I’m always with you. I am always watching over you.” She cupped my face.

“My sweet Anastasia.” She smiled affectionately. “My sweet, sweet child.” Laurel kissed my cheek and embraced me. “Everything will be alright now.” She whispered in my ear and let go.

“It’s time for you to go back.” She looked at Cain. “I hope you will think over my words at least once before passing the verdict.” Cain’s glare could kill. “Look into what I have told you. You will see how much truth my words weigh.”

I was gobsmacked by their cryptic talk.

“Laurel?” Cain dragged me away. I looked back at her fading form smiling my way until everything vanished around us in the same manner it appeared.

****

“I cannot believe you went on a month-long trip without telling us a thing,” Angie attacked me with her questions right after entering the studio. “Girl!” She dragged the word along with her fall on the couch. “What did you guys do?” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“It was a business trip, Angie,” I rolled my eyes at her snort and returned Nat’s hug. “I got dragged along with him. It was boring.”

“It doesn’t seem that way,” Angie scrutinized me closely. “Something seems different about you.” I cleared my throat awkwardly. “Doesn’t she look more beautiful than before? Like she is glowing.”

I couldn’t decide whether to be thankful for the hypnosis Black brothers casted on my friends or bang my head somewhere for this unwanted investigation that their altered memory stirred.

“Give her a break, Angie,” Nat chided. “We are here to spend some time and discuss the up-and-coming wedding of your brother, not feed your wild fantasies.”

“I was just joking.” Angie scoffed. “So bitter.” Nat made a face at her in response. “Anyways, the date has been decided and it gives us precisely three weeks from now.”

“That’s plenty of time for me to finish the wedding dress,” I winked at Angie. “I’m going to make it perfect for the perfect day.”

“I trust you,” Angie bowed. “But don’t forget us, okay? I want to bedazzle every last one of Scott’s hunk friends.”

“It’s his wedding,” Nat shook her head. “Spare him the humiliation that day at least.”

“I don’t know why we are friends, Nat?” Angie said with a straight face. “Oh, Shae baby!” She moved back when Angie tried to hug her. “Aww, why the cold shoulder?”

“Even Shae doesn’t replace your humor worth batting an eyelash.” Nat sneered. “We should leave before she forces Shae to behead her.” Nat stood up and dragged Angie along. “We will see you this weekend, Ana.”

“Yeah,” I hugged them both. “Be safe.”

“You too,” Angie said. “Don’t work too hard and take it easy.” She blew me a kiss and they left.

“Why is she always so hyper?” Shae’s question made me laugh.

“She won’t be Angie otherwise,” I wrapped up everything for the day. It was time to leave. My heart started racing at the mere thought of meeting Cain. “Who is coming to pick us?”

“Driver,” Shae informed. My mood fell at this. “He is here.” I nodded and we went to our awaiting car.

I barely saw Cain after we visited the Aether Estuary. He was always busy somewhere. I waited on him for a few nights but he never returned while I was awake.

Something changed in him.

Good or bad; I couldn’t replace out.

I noticed the dark expressions on his face after his talk with Laurel and how his body reacted to Dalim’s words. Cain was deep in thought when we returned. He didn’t talk to me for days and then he disappeared on me entirely. I was staying in his room but I couldn’t meet him.

It pissed me off.

At first, I returned his cold shoulder but as days passed, I started getting annoyed over his absence.

What was he up to now?

I was determined to confront him and talk to him tonight.

I rushed out of the car as soon as it stopped in the driveway and dashed inside. I was observing his patterns lately. He left precisely when I returned and came back when I fell asleep.

If I was right, he would still be home.

My wild chase was blocked by none other than the occupier of my thoughts.

“Watch it,” Cain steadied me. “You want to break your leg?” His scowl deepened and his mouth set in a deep frown.

“You are home,” I said breathlessly. His one brow arched up at this. “I mean–how are you?”

“Are you asking me about my wellbeing?” Cain mused. “What gives?”

“Just because,” I shrugged. “You were avoiding me like a plague these past days so I thought I’ll ask if your allergy is gone,” I muttered sarcastically.

“You sound so bothered by it,” Cain back paddled me. “Why? You missed me or something?”

“No,” I snorted, “Not at all. What’s with the arrogance?” I gasped when I tripped on an imaginary surface.

“Careful,” Cain grabbed my waist and pulled me into his body. “You sure know how to make me worry.” He whispered seductively.

“You worry for me?” I asked.

Cain stayed silent. But his eyes did not. Their intensity seemed on another level.

“Angie’s brother is getting married,” I told him. “I will be attending the wedding.”

“Yeah?” Cain asked with a raised brow. “You cannot set foot outside of here without my permission.”

“Then come with me,” I answered back. “Because I’m not missing my best friend’s brother’s wedding.”

“Are you ordering me?” Cain tightened his hold on my waist and narrowed his eyes at me. “May I know where this bravado is speaking from?”

“I have learned from the expert,” I retorted. “Company matters, you know.”

“You could have picked something more productive.” I got the double meaning behind his words. They burnt me from head to toe. “Ask me nicely and more creatively,” Cain whispered in my ear. “Then I can think of granting your wish.”

“Go away,” I pushed him back before he could have kissed me. “I told you I wasn’t planning on making a habit out of it.”

“Then start planning,” Cain winked and brushed past me. “I want an answer tonight.”

“I’ll see you tonight?” I couldn’t control the emotions in my tone.

“Get some rest for now,” Cain chuckled at my chagrin and walked away.

“Evil” I smiled at my own silliness. “I think I–”

I grabbed the handrail to support myself. I was still recovering from the sudden dizziness when a sharp pain shot through my left wrist. I grabbed my arm when the symbol burnt to the surface and something strange rose out of it.

I wanted to call Cain but I couldn’t replace my voice. My body burnt. My chest hurt and I felt immense pain in every cell of my body.

Like someone was squeezing the life out of me.

I fell to the floor with fading consciousness and while struggling to breathe.

I could hear my heart slowing until I couldn’t hear its beat anymore.