Symphony of Death
Chapter 40

Anastasia’s POV

“Baroque,” Dante said once I read through the file. “You need to create a blend of baroque with three different fashion styles of three different periods.” He explained. “The number of dresses might increase depending upon the extravaganza. You will be on your toes to the end.”

I was still in denial.

I couldn’t believe it when I received a call from him. I wanted to jump and squeal but I maintained my professionalism.

Dante wanted me as their lead designer for the entire campaign.

He was one of the biggest fashion exhibitors.

“When is the show expected?” I asked.

“In about two weeks,” Dante informed me. “I have been hearing admirable things about you, Ms. Grace. A lot of people in the industry adore and idealize your spirit for fashion and creation.” He leaned back in his seat and observed me keenly.

“That’s why I came to see it personally.” He twisted the rings on his fingers. “You have the fire in you.”

“Have you decided on the models?” I put the file on the table. “The designs will be done. I would need the measurements as soon as possible.”

“How about the day after tomorrow?” Dante suggested. “The final listing will be done today. I’ll send the models to you then.”

“Very well,” I stood up when he did. “You’ll get the designs by tomorrow.”

“I’ll be looking forward to them, Ms. Grace.” We shook hands. “My assistant will finish the paperwork with you. You will be paid half today and the remaining half on the day of the show.”

“Works for me.” I nodded.

“This show,” Dante smiled to himself. “It’s going to be a masterpiece of times.” he spread his arms wide. “It’s going to bring a lot for you and me.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” I smiled politely.

“Until we meet again, Mio Amore,” he saluted with two fingers and glided out of my place elegantly.

“That’s a pretty long coat,” Shae commented after him.

“He is a fashionista,” I chuckled. “Oh my God! Shae,” I hugged her and squealed.

“Is it that amazing that you are jumping like a kid?” She mused. I nodded and hugged her again. “I’m happy for you.”

“We have a lot to do. I need to design the initial sketches and finalize the fabric and material. Let’s prepare a list first.” I huffed. “Go and see the material we have in the storeroom. Make a list and then we will see what more we need.”

“Okay,” Shae nodded and left.

I went to the sewing room. I set everything on the table and touched Cain’s ring.

“You know you can call me too.” I jumped on him. “Alright,” Cain chuckled and lifted me in his arms. “What’s the occasion?”

“You won’t believe what just happened,” I looped my arms around his neck and looked at him excitedly. “Dante came. He wants me to be the lead designer for his next show.” I squealed excitedly and hugged him again. “I can’t believe it, Cain. I feel like I’m dreaming. I can’t believe he came by himself.”

“Dante Vozenilek?” Cain confirmed. He looked around my place with a frown.

“Is everything okay?” I asked when his expressions darkened a little.

“Yes,” Cain replied. “Congratulations.” He put me down and hugged my waist. “You are going to do great.”

“Thank you,” I smiled brightly. “I have a lot to do. I need to sketch all the initial designs today, then finalize the material and fabric.”

“Slow down,” Cain put his finger on my lips. He chuckled when I pouted. “Hold your horses a little, love.” He kissed my forehead. “I know you are excited but don’t push yourself.”

“I will be careful,” I said happily.

Cain cupped my face with both hands and kissed me. He put his forehead against mine and sighed deeply.

“I want to ask you something.” He hummed in response. “Will you come to this show with me?” Cain opened his eyes and looked at me. “I want to tell you something.” I could feel the heat of blush in my cheeks.

“What is it?” Cain asked curiously.

“Not today.” I smiled mischievously. “After the show.” I caressed his jaw with my fingers. “Will you come?”

“Yes,” Cain grabbed my hand and kissed it. “I’m leaving for Acreoterra.” He embraced me tightly and breathed in my neck. “I’m going to replace all the answers, Ana.”

“I know,” I smiled. “I trust you on this.” I looked up at him. “Be careful though.”

“Aeron and Xic are on their way with your friends,” Cain brushed my hair behind my ear. “They will be here so you don’t have to worry.” I nodded. “Don’t go out alone. Stay with Shae.”

“I will,” I rubbed his back. “You will be back before night, right?” He nodded. “Can I ask you for something?”

“You can ask me for anything,” Cain kissed my cheek.

“Take me out on a date when you return.” I looked at him shyly. “I don’t care how late. I want to go out with you tonight.”

“Where do you want to go?” Cain asked tenderly.

“A long drive,” I grinned when he arched one brow in response. “And someplace high.”

“I was looking forward to hearing some fancy demands.” Cain chuckled.

“Fancy is boring,” I touched his nose playfully with my index finger. “Every other human man uses the same tricks to woo the women. I want something different from you.” We walked out of the sewing room. “I’ll leave it to you. Surprise me.”

His demeanor shifted when we entered the main studio. His eyes switched and he looked around the place warily.

“Cain?” I called him cautiously when his hold tightened around my waist. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” his eyes returned to normal. “Everything is fine.” I frowned at him. “Drop the look. I just thought I sensed Harold.” Cain eased the crease between my brows. “The protection around this place is impenetrable. You don’t have to worry.”

“Okay,” I leaned into his touch when he palmed my cheek. “You are going right now?”

“Yes,” Cain pulled me in his body and kissed me deeply. “This is torturous on so many levels.”

I giggled when he showered kisses all over my neck.

“I can’t wait for the day when I will hold you in my arms without any obstruction,” Cain sucked on my bottom lip. “No fucking curse, people and clothes.”

“You are impossible,” I moaned when he grabbed my head and gave me a loud smack. I pushed myself into him when his hands lowered on my hips.

“What are you doing?” I squeaked when Cain pulled my dress up over my hips and rubbed them sensually. “Cain–” he silenced me with another rough kiss.

“I don’t give a fuck,” he grunted against my swollen lips. His hands kept fondling my buttocks through my underwear. “I’m being patient enough,” Cain kissed his way up my neck and to my mouth.

He locked our lips in another heated kiss.

“Take care, love,” Cain murmured against my cheek.

I breathed loudly when he disappeared.

“And I thought I had to stand outside all day,” I blinked at Clarissa in surprise. “Long time, no see.” She made herself comfortable on the couch. “I’m your bodyguard until my brothers return.”

“I’m sorry,” I sat across from her on the opposite couch. “I know you-”

“You are not Omisha, Ana.” Clarissa cut me. “There is no reason for me to hate you. We are cool. So, relax and do your thing.” She grabbed a magazine from the table. “I’ll be here.”

I got up and went to get coffee for us. It was awkward between us but I appreciated Clarissa for going out of her way. She appeared crude but she was not bad.

“Einar went with Cain?” I asked after giving her the cup.

“Yes,” Clarissa sat up straight. “He is the only one who can dare to approach Cain when he is angry,” Clarissa looked at me, “other than you.”

“His anger is that scary?” I asked curiously.

“You bet,” Clarissa chuckled. “Everyone in the Underworld doesn’t fear him for nothing.”

I couldn’t imagine Cain all wrathful. I have seen him snapping but I didn’t think it equated to how Clarissa described.

“You know,” I looked at Clarissa, “Cain has changed a little.”

“Is it bad?” I asked.

“No,” Clarissa twirled her cup. “It’s good provided that you stay with him always.” She looked at me meaningfully. “You are his miracle, remember? It’s only because of you.”

I looked at my left hand. The ring.

“Don’t lose to this curse, Ana. Don’t give up on Cain ever. I know we are demons and all but we didn’t choose to be.”

“It doesn’t matter to me,” I smiled at her. “It never mattered to me.”

“You are going to survive,” Clarissa smirked. “You are a fighter so I’m not that worried.”

“Angie is back, baby.” We looked at the door when Angie made the grand announcement. “Hey, Clary,” she waved at her.

“Can you stop with the antics?” Nat shook her head at her and came to us with Aeron and Xic.

“Now this is a major upgrade.” Angie whistled while looking around.

“Hey,” I hugged her and Nat. “Welcome back.”

“You are looking good,” Nat commented. “This place is suiting you like...wow.”

“Thanks,” I smiled and looked at Aeron and Xic. “Hey!”

“Hey,” they greeted back. “Clarissa is here so you will be good.” Aeron looked at Xic.

“Come to the hotel once you are done,” Xic said to Nat. “There are a few things I need to discuss with you.” Nat nodded. They left and we sat down together.

“Where is Shae?” Angie asked, looking around.

“She is making a list of the material,” I told her. “You won’t believe what happened today.” I grinned widely. “You are talking to the lead designer of Dante’s next show,” I said proudly. “He came a while ago.”

“No shit!” Nat said incredulously. “The Dante!” I nodded. “Holy shit!” She exclaimed loudly. “This is going to be epic, Ana. You finally did it.” I laughed when she jumped on me. “Give us the exclusive seats in the front row. I’m not missing this for life.”

“Alright, alright,” I patted her back. “Get off now. You are behaving like Angie.”

“Hey!” She pouted and high-fived with me. “Congratulations, girl. This calls for a serious celebration.”

“Yes,” I nodded. “We’ll have a bang if this show hits the high.”

“It will,” Nat winked at me. “So, how did you land the place this soon and the replica?”

“Courtesy of my landlord,” Clarissa snickered when I looked at her. “Cain Black.”

“Say what?” I cringed when they yelled in sync. “Wow!” Angie whistled. “That dominating and intimidating man is a goner for you.”

“He said it was partly his fault that my studio was destroyed,” I told them. “He provided all the tenants with new places.”

“That’s lame,” Angie said smugly. “But we’ll believe it for the sake of the argument.” I narrowed my eyes at her when she snorted.

“I guess we should leave now and let you get back to work.” Nat looked at Angie. “All the best, Ana.” She stood up and hugged me. “I knew you were going to make it big one day.”

“Rock it, girl,” Angie patted my shoulder. “Let us know if you need any help.”

“We’ll see you later,” Nat said. “Bye, Clarissa.”

They left and I went to the sewing room.

The day passed in a blur. I worked on the initial sketches until evening and then tallied the list Shae brought.

Dante’s assistant came late in the afternoon. I signed the papers and sent a few samples to Dante for approval.

My head was buried deep in work that I didn’t see when night fell.

“I told you not to push yourself,” I looked back, startled.

“Cain grabbed my face with both hands and kissed me hard. I gripped the table to support myself when he pushed me back roughly and deepened the contact. His hands moved over my waist as his mouth moved against mine urgently.

I could feel the agitation.

“What’s wrong?” I asked breathlessly. “Cain?” I cupped his face. He just grabbed my hand and kissed my palm. “Is everything okay?”

“Except the fact that I’m getting fucking addicted to you,” he buried his face in my neck. “I’m fucked.” I frowned at him. “Are you done?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“Let’s go,” Cain grabbed my hand and took me out of the sewing room.

“Where is Clary?” I looked around for her. “And Shae?”

“I’ve sent them back,” Cain informed me. I nodded and checked everything before locking up and leaving with him.

“Did things go well?” I asked once we got in the car and he drove off. “Did you meet Erlking?”

“We are on your special date, love,” Cain glanced my way slyly. “Rest can wait once we return home.”

I didn’t push the topic further. It was best not to probe this question for now.

“Where are we going?” I asked curiously when Cain drove out of the city.

“The long drive you wanted,” he smirked. “Did you eat?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Can I turn on the music?” Cain nodded. I surfed through the playlist until I found the song I liked. It was soft and slow and suited the atmosphere. “I didn’t know you listen to music.”

“You don’t know a lot of things about me,” Cain smirked.

“I would have if you weren’t so secretive.” I countered. “You didn’t even tell me what you like to eat.”

“Would you have cooked for me?” Cain asked huskily.

“I would if you want me to,” I bit my lip nervously. “I want to know everything about you.”

“You can,” Cain replied, looking into my eyes. “Is your wrist alright?”

“Yes,” he nodded and focused back on the road.

My heart skipped a beat when Cain grabbed my thigh and rubbed it casually. I was not used to such gestures and when it came to Cain, I felt everything to the extreme. I was sure I would never get used to his touch ever.

Everytime sent a jolt of electricity throughout my body.

“What’s wrong?” Cain asked suddenly. “Why are you so quiet?” He glanced at me briefly.

“Nothing. It’s just–” my thoughts took a dangerous turn. “What are you thinking?” I asked back.

“Do you really want to know what I’m thinking?” I gasped inaudibly when Cain squeezed my thigh and moved his hand up a notch. “This conversation could be quite dangerous on the road.”

“Uh-huh!” I breathed deeply and looked outside.

I bit my lip when Cain kept rubbing my inner thigh and inching closer and closer to my throbbing core.

“You are so lewd.” I grabbed his hand before it could have touched me. I felt highly flustered when he looked at me arrogantly. “Cain!”

“Ana!” I pouted when he mimicked me. “So I can’t even touch you this much?”

“I never said that,” I whispered shyly. “But is sex the only thing that comes to your mind when you see me?”

“In a way, yes.” I was baffled by his reply. “But you are wrong. It’s not the only thing that comes to my mind when I see you.”

“Then what else comes to your head?” I asked curiously. “Come on, tell me,” I whined when he chuckled.

“It’s better if you don’t know.” My mouth turned down at his answer. “I’ll tell you someday.” His eyes held a strange gleam. “You can count on it.”

“It better be something good,” I crossed my arms and looked outside. It felt nice, being with him like this.

Cain stopped the car after some time and got out. I looked at him questioningly when he opened my door and helped me out.

“We have reached the final destination.” He turned me in his hold.

There was nothing but a road. It was so dark that I couldn’t see on either side.

“Where are we?” I looked at Cain over my shoulder.

“Is your dress warm enough?” I nodded. He grabbed my coat from the car and helped me in it. I wound my arms around his neck when he carried me. “Ready?”

“Is it okay if I say that I’m feeling a little nervous?” I laughed. “Surprise me.”

“I will,” Cain brushed his nose with mine. “Don’t close your eyes, okay? You won’t want to miss this.”

I gasped loudly when Cain jumped. I could only gape at the scenery that unfolded before my eyes.

We crossed the thick blanket of clouds and came face to face with the moon in all its divine glory.

“Is this high enough?” Cain chuckled at my expressions.

“Wow,” I whispered in awe. The clouds looked so beautiful drowned in the moonlight. “I feel like I’m in a movie.” I looked at Cain in wonderment.

Everything was surreal.

Especially his black wing with flame against the blanket of the night sky with the moon in the background.

I closed my eyes when his mouth neared mine.

“We are going to dive,” Cain murmured against my lips. I blinked at him in surprise when he smirked devilishly.

I buried my face in his neck when he plunged.

“Ana?” Cain murmured in my ear. “Open your eyes.”

“I don’t want to,” I mumbled.

“You don’t trust me?” This made me peel open one eye reluctantly. “You think I’ll let you get hurt?” I shook my head timidly and looked around.

My breath was taken away by another fairy tale vista.

“Where are we?” I asked when Cain put me down. I walked to the edge and looked over the vast spread of nature. “What is this place?”

“Machu Picchu,” Cain came to me. “We are in Peru right now.”

“What?” I asked incredulously. “This is amazing,” I murmured in awe.

“So!” Cain hugged me from behind. “Is my lady enjoying her date?” He whispered against my cheek.

“You have spoiled me,” I giggled when he nuzzled my neck. “Thank you.”

“No need,” Cain kissed my neck. “I will give you the world, Ana.” He turned me in his arms. “I will give you everything you want.”

“I don’t need much,” I held his face in my palms. “I have everything I want.”

In you.

Cain wrapped me in his arms and kissed me deeply. I clutched his shirt tightly and kissed him back as passionately as I could.

“Cain?” I cupped his neck in desperation and panted harshly against his lips.

I wanted to say it. I wanted to tell him.

But now was not the right time.

“What?” Cain rubbed my cheek with his thumb. “What’s wrong?”

“Please break this curse,” I held his hands. “I don’t want to–” my eyes moistened up. “I don’t want to go away from you.”

“You won’t,” Cain said firmly. “I won’t let you. I will fight every fucking force if I had to, Ana, but I won’t lose you.” I hugged him tightly. “You are not going anywhere.” he kissed my head. “You are mine for eternity.”

“Even if I age?” Cain chuckled at my question. “It’s not funny.” I slapped his chest. “I don’t want to look like a grandma next to you.”

“You are not going to age anymore.” Cain brushed my nose with his finger. “You crossed the time rift, Ana. There is a price one needs to pay to go against time.”

“But Laurel aged,” I said confused.

“It took her immortality and powers,” Cain explained. “And it took away your mortality and froze your time.”

“It’s scary,” I buried my face in his chest. “I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t met you.”

“You don’t regret it?” Cain asked.

“Not even a bit,” I kissed his chest. “It’s going to be alright, right?”

“It will be,” Cain grabbed my wrist and kissed the symbol. “Forget everything for now.” I nodded and turned in his arms.

It was beautiful. This moment and us in it.

If only, the reality remained far fetched forever!

Because time started ticking against us.