Chapter 21 THE NEW GIRL
NEXT DAY AT THE VOLKOV MANSION
The high-definition screen of the television illuminated the living room.
Mr Volkov sat rigidly on the couch, eyes fixed on the television. The early morning news blared loudly, the reporter’s voice tight with unease.
"…ten students have been found dead in their dormitories overnight. Authorities describe the scene as disturbing, with no clear signs of forced entry. This is the first case of its kind in the city. The killer remains unidentified…"
He stood before the screen, his back rigid. In his hand, a crystal glass shattered, the shards falling harmlessly against his skin, which didn't bleed. He was seething, his breath coming in low, dangerous hitches.
Mrs. Volkov walked into the room, her silk robe trailing like a cloud of smoke. She didn't look at the TV but at her husband’s trembling shoulders.
"That's definitely your son's hard work" Mr. Volkov roared, turning to face her. His eyes flashed a dull, metallic gray.
"Is he trying to get us exposed? Why would he kill ten students from my university!? Is he that bloodthirsty!?"
"Calm down," she replied coldly, adjusted a vase without touching it. "He’s a demon, Silas. He can’t hide what he is forever. He’s reaching his peak. He’s hungry"
"He's going to ruin everything we've built!"
Alina strutted in, her heels clicking sharply against the marble. She looked bored, as if mass murder was a mere inconvenience.
"He probably did it because of that useless scholarship girl" she interjected, checking her manicure.
"What do you mean?"
"Those people he killed... they’re the ones who bullied her at the fresher’s party where she almost drowned. I'm actually surprised Katya isn't dead yet, since she was the leader of that little circus"
"Why would he kill for a girl?" Damian’s voice boomed as he entered, his expression one of pure disgust. "It doesn't make any sense! Nikolai is heartless. He doesn't give a shit about humans"
"Apparently, he does now" Alina smirked.
Mr. Volkov turned away from the news, his face set in stone. "I need to see this scholarship girl as soon as possible, and tell your brother to come home tonight"
Alina didn't move. She simply flicked her wrist toward the kitchen. A cup of chilled orange juice lifted off the counter, floated through the air, and settled neatly into her hand.
Mr. Volkov’s gaze turned murderous. "And what did I say about using powers in this house? It is banned forever! We are normal here!"
He stormed out of the room, his footsteps shaking the very foundation of the mansion.
Alina took a sip of her juice and rolled her eyes. "Oh, please"
Leonid walked in last, his thumbs flying across his phone screen, completely tuned out. He stepped over a piece of shattered glass without looking up.
•••
Anya’s lashes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw were two glowing gold eyes. Shadow sat on the edge of the bed, his yellow eyes unblinking, watching her breathe.
She sat upright, her heart hammering against her ribs. The realization hit her like a physical blow, it was morning and she had spent the entire night in Nikolai’s manor.
In the corner of the room, Nikolai leaned against the wall, his silhouette dark against the morning light.
"Welcome back to life, little doll" he said, a sickly, smile playing on his lips.
Anya didn't hesitate. She sprung from the bed, rushing toward the door, desperate for the exit. But she hadn't taken two steps before her body froze. It wasn't that the door was locked, it was that she literally could not move. Her feet were rooted to the floor as if the air around her had turned into solid lead.
She turned her head with effort to see him smirking.
"Please... release me" she sobbed, tears blurring her vision.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Nikolai asked, his voice low. "A 'thank you' for dealing with those who thought they could bully you?"
"You killed them!" Anya cried. "I didn't send you to do that! I didn't want this!"
In the blink of an eye, the space folded. Nikolai teleported, appearing inches from her face. She was still paralyzed, forced to stand still as he reached out, his hands cold against her skin.
He began to kiss her, his tongue walking its way in smoothly.
"I'm going to do more than that for you," he whispered against her lips, his golden eyes burning into hers. "So you better get used to it. I. Am. Not. Joking"
Suddenly, the pressure snapped and she was released.
Anya didn't wait for a second. She bolted out of the manor, her lungs screaming for fresh air.
The campus atmosphere was heavy and mournful. Whispers travelled through the air, and the usual chatter of students had vanished. Posters for cancelled classes were plastered on the notice boards. The week’s lectures had been suspended.
She got into her hostel room, expecting silence and solitude, but she found Olga sobbing uncontrollably on her bed. Katya, the fierce leader, was curled into a ball like a frightened child, her eyes wide and glassy.
"Daria is gone" Olga choked out.
Anya felt a pang of guilt. Daria had been cruel, but the finality of it was staggering.
Suddenly, the door swung open. A girl walked in, dragging heavy luggage behind her. She looked bright, untouched by the gloom.