Symphony of Death
Chapter 43

Anastasia’s POV

The silence was amicable. It drowned the restlessness of my heart in its serenity.

My fears calmed down the moment Cain held me in his arms.

I was lying on top of him with my head nuzzled in the crook of his neck. His fingers running in lazy patterns on my body felt soothing and rose goosebumps on my body at the same time.

I was completely exhausted right now.

Cain didn’t spare me. He took me over and again until I was close to fainting.

One moment he was talking and next he was ravishing me on the bed in every possible and impossible way.

It was like something snapped in him. He didn’t say anything but his eyes and touch told me everything.

Everything I wanted to hear.

“Cain?” He hummed in response. “What are you thinking?” I looked up at him. His expressions gave away his thoughts. “I can barely feel my legs and you have spared no place on my body,” I muttered shyly. “How am I going to hide all the love bites?”

“Why do you need to hide them?” Cain hovered over me. “I told you, didn’t I?” He licked my bottom lip slowly. “I couldn’t wait to hold you in my arms.”

I arched up when his mouth traveled down my neck, breasts and stopped on my navel.

“You have no fucking idea,” Cain attacked my breasts. He sucked on one and fondled with the other.

“Cain,” I moaned loudly when his free hand cupped and rubbed my swollen and tender folds.

I screamed his name and writhed in his hold as he claimed me once again. My body begged me to stop him but I didn’t. I couldn’t and I won’t. I wanted him all over me, inside me and next to me in every way.

I wanted to live every second with him without any regrets.

“Ana,” Cain grunted when I pushed him back and climbed on top of him. He groaned in pleasure when I attacked his body with kisses and seductive touches.

I was not sure what to do to please him but I was going to do everything in my power to make him happy.

It was the only way I wanted to live until the day I had to leave his side for good.

“Fuck,” Cain rolled us around and climbed between my legs. “Ana,” he kissed me deeply and roughly. I latched on to him with all my might as he entered me again. “You are mine.” He growled in my neck and sucked on my pulse.

“Yours,” I whispered breathlessly against his cheek. “I’m all yours.”

I didn’t know how many more hours passed to our lovemaking. But Cain finally stopped when my body couldn’t take it anymore.

I knew it was only until his beast raged again.

“Are you okay?” Cain kissed my forehead when I looked at him. “You need to eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” I whispered in contentment. “You are voracious, Cain,” I giggled. “I can barely feel my body anymore.”

“Is it hurting?” Cain asked, concerned.

“I’m good,” I smiled. “What?” I felt highly flustered when Cain pulled the blanket away from my body. His mouth set in a hard line and his eyes darkened. “Cain?”

“Why didn’t you stop me?” He looked at me darkly. “Ana, your body is fragile. I could have–”

“Stop,” I palmed his mouth. “You didn’t hurt me. I’m fine.” His scowl deepened. I kissed his cheek and buried my face in his neck. “I want this. I want us.” I wrapped my arms around his torso when Cain pulled me in his lap. “I don’t care if my body can take it or not but I don’t want to spend one moment without you.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Cain kissed my head. “You are not going anywhere.” He kissed my temple and forehead. “We have all the time in our lives, Ana. So don’t be afraid.” I nodded and snuggled further in his hold. “Let me help a little.”

His palm engulfed in bluish black flames.

I sighed softly when Cain ran his hand all over my body. The ache in my muscles subsided when the warmth seeped into them. The marks on my body faded and disappeared as well.

“Any better?” Cain asked.

“You were sneaky with your kisses when you could always heal me like this.” I pouted when he grinned. “Thank you,” I smiled when Cain kissed my nose.

He got out of the bed and helped me up as well.

“As much as I want to fuck you over and again,” I blushed at his words. “I know you have some worldly needs as well.” Cain carried me and took me to the bathroom. “We have all our lives to–”

“Shut up,” I palmed his mouth. “You have no filter.” I pouted when he laughed against my palm.

Cain took me straight to the bathtub. It was decorated with different flower petals. The entire atmosphere of the bathroom was drowned in the soft glow of candles and the exotic smell of flowers.

“Very charming,” I said playfully when Cain helped me in the bathtub. I settled between his legs and leaned into him. I sighed and closed my eyes when hot water began its wonders.

“How are you feeling?” Cain grabbed my hands and entwined them with his. He was being so gentle right now.

“So good,” I moaned. Cain kept showering soft kisses on my shoulder and neck and caressed my body with tender touches. “Cain?” He hummed on my shoulder. “I want to see your garden.” I turned slightly in his hold. “I want to see all of the Acreoterra.”

“Ana!”

“Please,” I blinked at him innocently. “I will be fine. I will dress warmly.”

“You know how to play dirty,” Cain glared at my beaming smile. “I will take you on a tour but after you have eaten. Don’t leave my side. It is not a safe place.” I nodded. “And then we are going back. We have spent enough days here.”

“How many days has it been?” I asked, perplexed. I completely forgot that time flow in Acreoterra was different from the human world.

“Enough to make everyone worried,” Cain pinched my nose. “Aeron and Xic told your friends.” I nodded. “You need to see Einar.” I yelped when he pulled me flush against him. “But we will come back again. Very soon.” He kissed my hand. “I promise.”

“Will you throw a ball for me then?” I joked.

“Yes,” Cain said seriously. “I’ll do everything that you want.” He got up and helped me out.

“We will be fine, right?” I asked him suddenly.

“Yes,” Cain cupped my face. “Just don’t give up. I am going to save you.” I held his wrists. “You will be fine, Ana.” Cain embraced me tightly. “Everything will be fine.”

“Cain?” I whispered in his chest. “I can’t breathe.” I chuckled when he loosened his hold on me.

Cain carried me to the walk-in closet against my protest to walk. It was a room on its own. Everything in his place was substantial and sumptuous.

I was flabbergasted to see the number of dresses doubled compared to last time. When I asked Cain, he said the same thing again.

All these dresses were for me.

I just shook my head instead of arguing again. The dresses were beautiful without a doubt but too luxurious for casual clothing. They looked like the dresses of a queen.

I would need to think of something to convince Cain. I won’t be able to survive here if this wardrobe was not altered.

I chose the simplest one I could replace for now and paired it with a long coat. I hoped it would keep me warm enough.

Cain took me to the dining area. The table was set before our arrival. It looked like a feast. There were many scrumptious dishes and cuisines.

Cain was extra attentive to my every need and want. It made me smile and feel warm.

I felt the love he denied so strongly.

I was fine with it. It was fine this way.

I trusted Cain. He was going to replace a way. But if he couldn’t then at least he would be able to move on someday. I was glad Cain didn’t say he loved me. If he did, he would have been chained to the emotion.

I didn’t want that.

“Wow,” I looked around in wonderment. The gardens were a sight to behold. “It’s so beautiful.” Cain pulled me under the umbrella again when I moved away unconsciously. “But why are all the roses black? Why didn’t you plant any other flower?” I asked curiously.

“Black represents a lot of emotions,” Cain plucked a black rose and gave it to me. “It represents hatred and passionate love.” He caressed my face with his fingers. “A tragic ending and a new beginning.”

“Can I ask you for something?” Cain nodded. “Will you let me plant white roses here?”

“White roses?” Cain arched one brow.

“Yes,” I smiled. “I love white roses. They symbolize the beginning of new relationships.” My cheeks turned warm when his gaze became intense. “I like the thought of having white roses among your black roses. They remind me of that reflection in the helirum.” I smiled at the memory. “Black and white. Like us.”

“Anything else?” I was astounded when Cain produced a pouch in his hand suddenly. “Your wish is my command, my love.” He kissed my forehead. “You can plant as many flowers as you want in these gardens. They are yours.”

“Thank you,” I whispered shyly and took the pouch from him. I knelt with his help and scattered the seeds in the rose beds. “What?” I blinked in surprise when they sprouted instantly. “Cain?” He smiled when I looked at him.

I forgot everything.

His smile took my breath away. It was the first time Cain smiled genuinely around me.

“They are so beautiful,” I took his hand and stood up. “Your smile is so beautiful, Cain.” I hugged him sideways. “I’m going to plant red roses next when we come back here again.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” he murmured against my forehead. “Let’s go.” Cain took me to our awaiting car.

“I wasn’t expecting a car here,” I said amusingly when we drove out of his castle. “I was looking forward to riding a carriage or a horse.”

“You have read too much into your fantasy tales, love,” Cain grabbed my hand and kissed its back. “I’m not very fond of carriages and horses but if you want, I can arrange them for you.”

“I’m good,” I got comfortable in my seat. “So Acreoterra is well developed?”

“Only Essorus,” Cain replied. “Rest of the creatures don’t care about the technologies and other mundane things. But everyone has created a world in their regions.”

“Where are we going first?” I asked and looked out. The sky calmed down once we left Thunder Dominion. But it was still night.

“Whispering Redbud,” Cain answered. He took off the road and entered a path surrounded by thick forest. “You are only seeing everything from a distance, okay?” I nodded.

Cain stopped the car once we were deep in the woods and came to my side.

The forest was magical. I couldn’t help but look at every tree and plant in amazement.

“Look,” I heard a whisper. “It’s Dalazar Daemmone.” I looked around but there was nothing. “He brought his queen.”

“You can come out,” Cain commanded.

My mouth fell open when Wenix appeared from within the trees. They were so beautiful.

“My children were curious to see their queen.” An Auburn-haired pixie flew toward us.

I watched her astonished when she transformed into the size of a normal human woman. She was fair-skinned and beautiful. Her wings glittered like diamonds.

“Greetings, my lady,” she bowed courteously. “Welcome to Whispering Redbud. My name is Jillian and I am the queen of Wenix.” I held Cain’s arm when every Wenix bowed to us like we were Gods.

“Tell your children not to try anything funny,” Cain warned her.

“They won’t,” Jillian stood up gracefully. “They just want to meet her.” She smiled at me. “It’s okay. You can come.” I looked at two Wenix girls holding a head wreath. “They made it for you.”

“Can I?” I looked at Cain expectantly. He nodded and the young Wenix girls flew toward us happily.

“Thank you,” I smiled when they put the wreath on my head shyly. “It’s beautiful.”

“You are beautiful,” one of them said shyly. “Thank you, my lord.” They bowed to Cain and flew back.

“We will leave you two to your exploration,” Jillian bowed to Cain again. “Let us know if you require our service.” She disappeared with rest.

“Does she know her husband-” I trailed off.

“She does,” Cain replied coldly. “Erlking was a traitor who didn’t think about his wife and children when he fled. They don’t care whether he lived or died.” I put my head on his chest when he hugged me.

“It’s a beautiful place,” I tried to lighten the mood. “I liked them. Jillian seemed like a nice woman. The kids were so cute and so small.” Cain chuckled and pinched my cheek softly.

I enjoyed the walk around Whispering Redbud. The place was ethereal like Cain said. I didn’t want to leave but we had to move to the next destination.

It was Stubarat, the region of Nukgales. They were humble and simple. I loved their village a lot. The Nukgales weren’t modernized but their territory was equipped with every basic necessity.

We spent half an hour in Stubarat and then drove off to Ochelas. Cain didn’t let me get out of the car and I didn’t dare to as well. Ochelas reminded me of hell. We didn’t stay there for more than five minutes.

I saw the Seisc at last. They were exactly like the pictures I saw. They didn’t mind us but they scared the hell out of me.

Especially the screams from The Abyss Sea.

“Are you okay?” Cain squeezed my knee once we drove out of Ochelas and to Essorus. “Do you wish to return?”

“I’m fine,” I grabbed his hand on my knee. “I’m curious to see the most developed part of Acreoterra.” Cain’s eyes held a wicked gleam. “What?”

“Nothing,” he chuckled. “It will be amusing.” I frowned when he mused to himself. “You are in for a lot of surprises I guess.”

“What?” I asked curiously. Cain just shook his head.

I was awestruck when we reached Essorus. It was like a second New York. The buildings were modern, sky-high and the roads were well developed and bustling with humans.

“There are people here,” I said incredulously. “You said there were no people in Acreoterra.”

“They like to look like humans,” Cain drove to the tallest building in the city. The gates opened and he drove straight to the entrance of the building. “Wait till you meet the queen.”

“Queen?” I got out after him.

“My oh my!” I gaped at Sharon when she glided out of the building. “What a pleasant surprise, my lord.” She bowed to Cain and looked at me. “Dear Anastasia or would you prefer my lady?” She smiled at my stumped expressions. “You look good.”

“Sharon?” I looked at Cain, perplexed. “She is not human?”

“No, my dear, I’m not.” She grinned. “By the way, thank you for this lovely dress, Anastasia dear.” She spun. “It fits perfectly with my position as the queen of Naxoris.”

“No worries,” I chuckled nervously.

“I’ve arranged a party in your honor, my lord,” Sharon looked at Cain seductively. “It’s not every day you bless us with your presence.”

“I want the rooftop of your building,” Cain commanded coldly. I was amused by how he didn’t give a rat’s ass to her approaches. “Arrange tea with a moderate setup on the rooftop right now. I don’t want to be disturbed as long as I am here.”

“As you wish, my lord,” Sharon bowed respectfully. “You can take the exclusive elevator.” She walked with us. “I’ll ask them to get the penthouse ready as well. I’m sure Anastasia would like to rest.” She smiled at me. “You will love the view.” She stopped outside the elevators. They were made of gold and thrice the size of normal ones. “Enjoy your time here.” She left.

“You didn’t tell me,” I looked at Cain once the elevator started moving. “I’m shocked.” I threw my arms in the air. “That was so mean of you.”

“I never expected this day to come,” Cain hugged my waist. “But I admit it was amusing. You wanted to claw her face when she flirted with me.” I fumed when Cain laughed. “So you are possessive of me?” He kissed my ear. “Can I say how aroused I am right now?”

“Cain,” I pushed at his chest halfheartedly when he nuzzled my ear. “Stop it.”

“Only until we are back home,” Cain pinched my chin and kissed me softly but firmly. He walked me out when we reached the rooftop. I was surprised to see the majestic tea set up in the middle of the rooftop. “Look,” Cain turned me around.

The view took my breath away.

I could see his Castle and the vast spread of every other region from Essorus. Thunder Dominion was at the center of all the regions. I never knew how high it was until now. This building couldn’t reach half of its elevation.

“Beautiful,” I smiled when Cain hugged me from behind. “Thank you” my lips connected with his cheek when I turned my head slightly. “Thank you for everything.” I kissed his cheek. “This is so beautiful.”

“Nothing compares to you,” Cain cupped my jaw and angled my head on his shoulder. “No amount of beauty in the world can compare to the one in my arms.” I smiled against his lips. “Ana. My sweet little Ana.” He nuzzled my neck.

We basked in each other’s warmth while soaking this moment to the fullest.

“Are you okay?” Cain turned me in his arms and held me protectively. “Don’t hide your pain, Ana. Let me know immediately.” He palmed my cheek. “I didn’t say anything when you kept your pain before but I won’t forgive you if you repeated the same thing twice.” He said sternly. “Let me know if it hurts.”

“I will.” I leaned into his touch. “I promise.” I closed my eyes when he hugged me tightly. “Cain? Are they dead? Harold and Blue Bloods?” I rubbed his chest. “You destroyed that realm, didn’t you?”

“I don’t know yet,” Cain replied darkly. “It would be in their best interest if they are dead,” he looked down at me. “Because I will give them something worse than death if they have survived.” He hugged me when I shivered involuntarily. “You don’t need to worry about such things,” he palmed my head. “I will protect you.”

I never want to get out of his arms.

“Let’s go,” Cain brushed the hair out of my face. “A new battle awaits us.”