Chapter 35 THE TRAUMA
Ivan adjusted the strap of his bag, as he prepared to leave the campus grounds. His eyes will sight a familiar face.
"Anya?" he called out.
The girl turned back, her eyes widening in surprise before a soft smile played on her lips.
"Hey"
"It's been a while since we've seen each other," Ivan said, stepping closer, his expression softening. "A lot has been happening to me lately, that's why I've been so ghost"
"Oh my... what happened?" she asked, her voice tilting with concern.
"My mum’s sick," Ivan admitted, looking down at his boots. "I’ve been busy working extra shifts, gathering money for her treatment. It’s been a lot"
"That’s tragic!" she whispered, stepping into his space.
"I know, right? So... how have you been?" he asked, and as if by instinct, they began walking side by side toward the gate.
"Good, I think" she replied casually.
"I’m going to have to take your pictures again soon," Ivan said, managing a small, sheepish grin. "I lost the last set when my old camera finally gave up on me. It's completely spoilt"
"There’s no problem at all" she said, her eyes locked on his.
"Thanks"
She paused, letting her gaze sweep over him from head to toe. "You look extra handsome tonight" she murmured.
Ivan felt the heat climb up his neck. He looked away, but couldn't hide the smile. "Oh, Anya... you made a whole man blush"
They both laughed. Suddenly, she stopped walking and turned to face him fully.
"Maybe because I like you?" she whispered, her voice dropping into a sultry register as she reached out to poke his chest playfully.
Ivan’s heart skipped. "You... you like me?"
"Can’t I?" she giggled seductively, her fingers lingering on the fabric of his shirt.
Ivan took a deep breath, his courage finally catching up to his feelings. "I’ve been meaning to do this for a long time, but I was scared you would reject me"
"Try your luck" she challenged softly.
"Can I kiss you?" he asked, his voice barely a breath.
She didn't use words. Instead, she leaned in, closing the distance until her lips pressed against his. Ivan’s eyes widened in brief shock before he melted into her. Emboldened, he claimed her lips more firmly, kissing her passionately.
When they finally pulled apart, both were slightly breathless.
"I have to go. Later" she said, giving him a playful wink before walking away.
Ivan stood there, rooted to the spot, his fingers touching his lips as if to confirm they were still there.
"This must be a dream!" he whispered to the empty air.
From the top of the school’s rooftop, the wind whipped through Nikolai’s dark hair, as they remained fixed on the scene below. Beside him, Shadow stood tall in his human form, his hands shoved into the pockets of his black trousers, a sharp, knowing smirk dancing on his lips.
They had seen everything. From the way "Anya" had seduced the boy to the moment their lips met in that lingering, deceptive kiss.
"Fool" Nikolai smirked.
Nikolai and Shadow vanished from the rooftop, appearing instantly in the manor.
Inside the room, the real Anya was pacing frantically. She stood before the full-length mirror, staring at herself with a mixture of terror and confusion.
"Explain to me what's happening to me!" she yelled the moment she sensed his presence.
She spun around to face him, her eyes wide and wet with tears. "The blood... it was everywhere! And then it just... disappeared. I saw things, Nikolai! I saw things I wasn't supposed to know!"
Nikolai glanced at Shadow, who was leaning against the doorframe.
"Shadow, excuse us" Nikolai commanded.
Without a word, Shadow slipped out, closing the door behind him.
Anya didn't stop. She began rambling, her hands shaking as she gestured to her face. "Am I going crazy? Is this what living here does to people? You have to tell me what I am! You have to—"
Nikolai didn't let her finish. He crossed the room in two swift strides, closing the distance between them until her back hit the mirror. He slammed his lips on hers, a hard, possessive kiss that effectively shut her up.
Anya’s eyes flew wide before slowly fluttering shut, her senses overwhelmed by the scent of him.
"You were saying?" he whispered against her lips as he finally pulled back just an inch.
Anya swallowed hard, her pulse drumming in her throat. The fear was still there, but it was being drowned out by a desperate need for something she couldn't name. She reached up, grabbing his face with her small hands, and pulled him back down. This time, she initiated the kiss.
Nikolai groaned low in his throat, taking the initiative. He lifted her easily, his large hands gripping her thighs as he placed her on the table in the center of the room. He moved his lips from her mouth to the sensitive skin of her neck, his breath hot against her skin.
But as his hands began to slide up her waist, a cold, jagged memory pierced through the haze of passion.
Anya’s body went rigid. The room felt like it was closing in on her. The phantom sensation of hands she didn't want made her skin crawl.
"No!" she gasped, her hands flying to Nikolai’s chest. She pushed him away with a strength born of pure panic and scrambled off the table, moving back until she hit the far wall. "Don't come closer! Don't touch me!"
She collapsed against the wall, sliding down to the floor as a broken sob escaped her lips. She buried her face in her knees, her entire body racking with bitter, heavy tears.
Nikolai stood in the center of the room, his fists tightening at his sides until his knuckles turned white.
He watched her, watched the way she trembled, watched her precious tears fall for a man who was already dead, yet still found a way to hurt her.
A dark, murderous heat flared in his chest. In that moment, Nikolai realized that letting the uncle consume his own flesh hadn't been enough. He should have dragged out the man's suffering for an eternity.