Today makes it one week since I've been staying at my parents house, and honestly, it's been fun. The wound on my finger has healed, leaving only a small scar behind. Liam hasn't called me to return to his house.
Today, Helen Dad is celebrating his birthday and he invited us. Normally, my dad would quickly come up with an excuse to avoid us going because of my health, but this time I pleaded with him. For crying out loud I only have a few months left on this damn earth. I just want to enjoy it.
"Alina, be fast!" Mom yelled from downstairs.
"I'm coming already," I called back, hurrying down the stairs.
"How do I look?" I asked with a smile when I reached them.
"You look like the princess you are," Dad said, stretching out his hand. I placed mine gently in his, and he helped me down the last step.
"Okay, let's go," he said warmly.
We walked out to the front, Mom following behind us. Grandma stayed back in her room she wasn't joining us tonight.
Stepping outside, we got into the car as the driver started the engine and drove us off.
A few minutes later, we pulled up in front of the grand house. The place was already glowing with lights, laughter spilling out from within.
"I've been waiting for you all!" Helen squealed the moment she spotted me, throwing her arms around me in a warm hug.
"Hope we're not late?" I asked.
"Nope, you're right on time," Helen reassured with a wide grin. "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Cole," she added politely, bowing slightly in greeting.
"Good evening, Helen," my mom smiled back.
"Please, come in," Helen said, leading us inside.
The moment I stepped through the door, the atmosphere swallowed me whole. The hall was alive with music, the speakers blaring a fast tune while people moved in rhythm, dancing without a care. The golden chandelier overhead cast shimmering lights that reflected off glittering gowns and polished shoes. The air smelled of perfume.
In one corner, a group of men in business suits were seated, deep in conversation. My dad wasted no time in joining them, while my mom quickly found a circle of women to chat and laugh with.
I stood there for a moment, unsure of where to go, until Helen tugged at my wrist.
"Come on," she said, pulling me toward a quieter section of the hall where the music wasn't as deafening.
"You don't know how happy I am to see you here, at my dad's birthday," she said, nearly shouting over the noise.
"Me too," I replied, smiling at her excitement.
"Wait here! I'll go get my brother. I've been dying for you two to meet."
"Wait, Helen....." I tried to stop her, but she was already gone, her dress swishing as she disappeared into the crowd.
I sighed, staring after her.
Not long after, she came running back, and this time she wasn't alone. A tall young man walked beside her, his presence commanding without effort. His dark hair fell neatly into place, his sharp suit tailored to perfection.
"Alina, meet my brother, Daniel. Daniel, meet my best friend, Alina," Helen said with an excited smile, looking between us as though she'd just pulled off the greatest introduction of the century.
"Nice to meet you, pretty," Daniel said, his voice smooth as he extended his hand toward me.
My heart gave a sudden jump. "Uh… yes, nice to meet you too," I managed, fumbling slightly as I placed my hand in his.
His smile widened, and to my utter shock, he didn't just shake my hand. Instead, he lifted it to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss against the back of it, and it sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. My breath caught no guy had ever done that to me before.
Helen giggled, clearly amused. "Well, I'll just excuse myself and let you two talk," she said mischievously. Before I could stop her, she darted off, ignoring the pleading look I shot in her direction.
Great. She left me stranded with her brother.
I turned back to Daniel, who was still smiling at me, his eyes calm yet piercing, like he could read right through me.
"Relax," he said, his tone warm. "Let's sit first."
He led me to a small seating area tucked into a corner. As we sat, a waiter appeared almost instantly and placed two glasses of juice on the table before us.
"As I said, my name is Daniel," he began, leaning back casually in his chair. "I suppose my sister has already told you a lot about me?"
"Yes… she has," I said softly, my fingers tightening around the glass of juice. Helen had often spoken about her older brother who lived in Country Z, he had been there for years now.
"You look nervous," he said, tilting his head slightly, observing me with a faint smile. "Calm down, I'm not going to eat you up."
I couldn't help but laugh at his words, though my cheeks burned with embarrassment.
He opened his mouth to say something else, but before he could finish, his name was called over the microphone. His father stood on the stage, introducing him to the guests.
"I'll be right back," Daniel said, standing up smoothly. "And when I am, I expect a dance with you." He gave me a wink before walking away, leaving me a little stunned.
I sat quietly, watching as the hall erupted into cheers for him. My eyes wandered, people were laughing, clinking glasses, lost in the music. My mother was still chatting happily at her table, while my father seemed deeply engrossed in his business talk.
I searched for Helen, but she was nowhere in sight. Probably off enjoying herself.
The music felt too loud, the air too heavy. I needed a break.
I stood up and slipped toward a side door, pushing it open. The cool night air kissed my face as I stepped into the garden.
It was serene outside, the faint rustling of leaves and the soft perfume of roses instantly calming me. I folded my arms across my chest and walked further in, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the flowers. For a while, I smiled, tracing the soft petals with my fingers.
But then, suddenly the garden lights went out.
Darkness swallowed the space, and the hair on my skin prickled. My breath hitched as I felt a presence. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a shadow tall, still, watching.
I gasped and spun around, but there was no one there. Only silence. Only the endless dark.
"Get a grip, Alina," I whispered to myself, forcing a deep breath. Maybe I was just imagining things.
In the distance, I could still see the faint glow of light spilling from the hall. Surely someone would fix the garden lights soon.
I turned back toward the roses, taking a deep breath to calm myself. Their fragrance was soothing, but the silence felt heavier now, as though the night itself was holding its breath.
Just as I decided to head back, a sudden gust of wind rushed past me. I froze. The air shifted, carrying with it a scent so sweet, so intoxicating, it made my knees weak. I closed my eyes instinctively, breathing it in. It was unlike anything I'd smelled before. Familiar yet strange. Comforting yet dangerous.
Then something warm and heavy settled on my shoulders.
My eyes flew open.
Daniel stood in front of me, as he adjusted his jacket around me.
"What are you doing out here alone?" he asked, his voice low, calm.
I couldn't answer. I just stared at him, like he was something unreal, something that shouldn't exist yet somehow did.
"Are you okay, Alina?" he asked again, his gaze searching my face.
"Yes...yes, I'm fine," I said quickly, turning my face away.
At that moment, the garden lights flickered back to life, flooding the space with brightness.
"It's cold out here. Come, let's go back inside," Daniel said gently, reaching for my hand.
I nodded, allowing him to lead me in. But deep down, I wasn't ready to leave. The mysterious sweet scent still lingered in the air, pulling at me, making me wish I could stay out there just a little longer.
---
From the far end of the compound, Liam stood, letting out a low growl as his eyes fixed on Daniel, who was holding Alina's hand as they walked back into the hall.
He hadn't planned to be here tonight. When Mr. Parker had sent him an invitation to the birthday party, Liam had almost declined. But something made him change his mind at the last moment. Who would have thought he would meet her here?
From the shadows, hidden where no one would notice him, Liam had been watching. He had seen Daniel's hand touch Alina's. Worse, he had seen Daniel bend down and kiss it. At that very moment, Liam's control had slipped, and every instinct in him screamed to stride over, rip her hand free, how dare him touch his property.
But instead, he restrained himself. Barely.
When Alina slipped away to the garden, Liam followed, cloaking himself with his magic so that he remained unseen. The sudden blackout in the garden, that had been him.
But then Daniel came, walking out and covering her with his jacket. He clenched his jaw as he watched the two walk back inside together.
Turning slightly, he said to Caleb who was standing behind him. "Tomorrow, you're going to pick Alina."
"Yes, sir," Caleb replied immediately.
"And tomorrow… schedule a meeting with Mr. Parker. Tell him to bring his son along."
"Yes, sir."
"Now," Liam said, his voice dropping, dangerous and sharp, "take me out of here."
Caleb hesitated. "But sir, you haven't been introduced to the guests yet....."
"You know what I hate, Caleb?" Liam cut in coldly. "Repeating myself."
His assistant bowed quickly. Liam pulled out his golden mask, covering his face so no one would recognize him as he turned and strode away, Caleb hurrying after him.
---
Meanwhile, inside the hall, Mr. Parker was pacing in agitation, scanning the crowd. He had been waiting for this moment. The Devil himself had accepted his invitation, the man everyone whispered about, feared, yet respected. This was his chance to finally introduce him to his son.
But now… he was gone.
"What do you mean he left?" Mr. Parker thundered, his face draining of color.
"Yes, sir," his personal assistant stammered nervously. "His assistant informed me before they exited the premises."
"No, no, no…" Mr. Parker pressed a hand to his chest, almost in disbelief. "Did someone offend him? Why would he leave so suddenly?"
"I don't know, sir," the assistant muttered helplessly.
"Daddy, is everything alright?" Daniel's voice cut in as he walked toward his father.
Mr. Parker forced a smile. "Everything is fine, son. Don't worry about me." His eyes softened as he looked at Daniel. "Have you had time to talk to Alina? She's a good girl. Innocent. She would make a wonderful daughter-in-law one day."
Daniel's lips curved into a slow smile. "Yes, Dad. I think I like her. She looks… so pure." His tongue darted across his lips absentmindedly.
"That's my boy," Mr. Parker said with pride, clapping his son's shoulder.
"I'll go to her now," Daniel said eagerly. "Don't want to keep my future wife waiting." With that, he rushed off, leaving his father chuckling proudly behind him.
Mr. Parker's expression then hardened as he turned back to his assistant. "Find Caleb. Speak to him. And find out exactly why his master left so suddenly."
"Yes, sir," the assistant said, hurrying away.
*
The next morning, Mrs. Cole rushed into Alina's room, where she was still fast asleep.
"Alina," her mother whispered, gently tapping her shoulder to wake her.
Alina groaned softly, turning over with her eyes still shut. "Mom… I still want to sleep a little more," she murmured.
"I know, sweetheart," Mrs. Cole said softly, her voice tinged with worry. "But… the Devil's assistant is here. He's come to pick you up."
At those words, Alina's eyes snapped open. She sat upright in bed, her heart racing, her face twisting into a frown as though she had just heard terrible news.
"They… they're here to take me back?" she asked, her voice small but laced with dread.
"Yes, baby," her mother said, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter's face. "Don't worry. Soon, your father will find a way to get you out of there."
Alina pouted, her lips trembling as she reluctantly swung her legs off the bed. Slowly, she dragged herself toward the bathroom.
Afterwards, she dressed and began packing a few of her clothes into a small bag. The ones in Liam's house were all the same colours.
When she was done, she paused, standing in the middle of her room. Her eyes swept over every corner, she knew she would miss it.
Taking a shaky breath, Alina walked out and embraced her family, saying her goodbyes, before finally stepping outside where Caleb was waiting.
She got into the car, and Caleb drove off.
---
Caleb stepped down from the car and opened the door for Alina. She walked out slowly, like a little puppy being forced out of its cage.
Her eyes lifted to the towering mansion, and she let out a heavy sigh before walking inside.
The moment she entered, she spotted Liam seated on the couch, his long legs crossed elegantly.
Alina hesitated, then moved closer, standing quietly before him. She opened her mouth to greet him, but the cold, piercing stare he fixed on her made the words die in her throat.
"I sent you to your parents' house to heal, not to attend parties," Liam said finally, his voice sharp and icy.
Alina blinked at him in confusion. Parties? What was he even talking about?
"Just go to your room," Liam dismissed her, turning his face away. He didn't know why he felt so irritated, but since last night, he hadn't been able to settle himself. Yet, oddly, the moment he saw her face again, a flicker of relief passed through him. Strange.
Swallowing her words, Alina walked toward the stairs. At the top, she paused, staring at the familiar black-painted door, hesitant as though afraid of what waited behind it. Finally, she pushed it open and stepped inside.
Her eyes widened instantly. The first thing she saw was a massive bookshelf, lined with countless books.
Her small bag slipped from her hand and fell to the floor as she rushed to the shelf, running her fingers across the spines with pure delight.
"Wow," she breathed, her eyes sparkling. She hadn't expected this.
Unable to contain her excitement, she spun around and screamed, "Liam!!!" before dashing out of the room.
Liam had just risen from the couch when suddenly someone jumped on him. He stumbled back, falling onto the cushions as his arms instinctively wrapped around a slim waist.
He looked up and froze. Bright, beautiful eyes were staring down at him, so close he could feel her breath. For a moment, he forgot to breathe himself.
At that very second, Caleb walked in to remind Liam of his meeting with Mr. Parker. But the words died in his throat as his eyes landed on the scene before him: his master the devil himself was holding Alina around the waist, while she clung to him with her arms looped around his neck.
Caleb blinked rapidly. What… what in the world is this?
He even pulled out his handkerchief and rubbed his eyes, but no, it wasn't a trick. Liam, the feared devil, was holding Alina as though afraid she might slip away.
Even the old butler peeked in from the corner, his jaw nearly hitting the floor.
Caleb couldn't hold it anymore. He cleared his throat loudly. "Ahem!"
The sound snapped both Liam and Alina back to reality.
Flustered, Alina quickly scrambled off him. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. She had only wanted to thank him for the books, but in her foolish excitement, she had jumped onto him, sending them both crashing onto the couch.
And the moment she had landed on him… his scent. It was intoxicating sweet, fresh, like the garden last night. She had wanted to stay there, just breathing him in.
"I... I'm sorry. So sorry…" she stammered, refusing to meet his eyes.
Liam was still stunned. Why hadn't he pushed her away? He easily could have. But instead, his arms had tightened around her waist. Why? The thought unsettled him.
"What is it, Caleb?" Liam asked coldly, hiding his confusion.
Caleb, still smiling like he'd just witnessed the impossible, replied, "It's time for your meeting, sir."
"Let's go," Liam said briskly, brushing past Alina.
"Wait!" she called after him.
He stopped, though he didn't turn around.
"Thank you… for the books," she said softly.
For a split second, Liam's lips curved into a cold smile. "Get ready for your punishment tonight," he said, his voice low and dangerous. Then he walked away, leaving her frozen.
Alina's breath caught. Punishment? Tonight?
Fear clawed its way into her chest. What kind of punishment did he mean? She didn't know, but every instinct told her it wouldn't be pleasant. For a fleeting moment, the urge to run away gripped her.
But all she could do was turn back and walked to her room.