HAZEL - "Miss Rachael left for an important meeting at the corporations two hours ago," Anya exclaims, as she busily flutters the feather duster over objects in the foyers seating lounge area.My shoulders slumped in dismay. I really anticipated seeing her this morning to share with her the devastating news of Mr. Mirza's life-ending illness. I wasn't sure if I could reveal to her about Naheed and her evil implications concerning my brother's safety.Anya pauses dusting and pivots toward me with apparent concern. "Is there something troubling you Miss Kashani? Do you want me to have Miss Rachael phoned?""Oh no it's fine," I decline, shaking my head. "I'll just wait till she gets back, thanks."It was best that I spoke to Rachael face to face instead of breaking the news to her in the midst of what could be some crucial business interaction. I didn't want to cause her distress there."You look very tired!" Anya remarks as she places her hands on her hips and examines me with brows fur
Hazel -His close presence instills a torrent of despair within me. It serves only to immobilize my body.The unwieldy pressure of his cane across my stomach has entrapped my arms from mustering the strength to shove at him.Anyone who could incur this demon's wrath knowing full well what he's capable of would be just as terrified as I am right now.Under the dimmed lights of the kitchen, those frigid eyes glimmer dangerously.The drumming of my heartbeat increases against my rib cage. It's the only noise audible enough for me. I briefly wonder if he hears it.His lips twist in a sordid expression as he studies my face. Albeit there is a space of two or three steps between us, I can't help but feel a twinge of self-consciousness and sudden insecurity.I wanted to hide, bring up my hands and conceal my face from this intense scrutiny. As he continues staring, I perceive fully too well now what the saying X-Ray vision entails. And if looks could kill, I'd be very much dead by now.My mo
HAZEL -"Oh my Allah, I can't believe I've done this!" I weep dryly. A sudden regret fills me over the decision I took four hours ago. Having completed filing a court petition against my father and Naheed. They would soon be mailed a court order for an appearance next week. And then I'd arrive face to face with them in court.Could I endure that?"Shhh" Rachael pats me on my back reassuringly. "You're a brave young woman."The jeep ride jostles us a bit as Duffield steers the vehicle in through the opened gates of the Nikolay manor and estate."No," I shake my head in denial, "I'm not brave, I love my father, and yet...yet I'm going against him."Rachael suppresses a groan of frustration as she palms my cheek. "In due time, he will comprehend, believe me, he will.""No!" I interject, shaking my head again. "You don't get it! He's not at fault except for my stepmother!""I've never said he was at fault." Rachael frowns."Then why is he included in the petition? Why?" I query in concern.
HAZEL -I've run out of a certain yarn." Mrs. Agnelli discloses in disappointment as she continues rummaging through her dresser drawers."I wasn't aware how nice the shade would look otherwise I would have bought extras!"It was made apparent to me a few days ago, that not only was Mrs. Agnelli an excellent cook but also possessed exceptional skills with sewing, knitting, and crocheting.At present, I was reclining on her bed while digging into a bowl of fruit salad with a peaceful Charlie. Haruki the cat serenely purred at my folded legs. I was awaiting Mrs. Agenlli to show me how to embroider, an art I developed a newfound interest in while my stay here.A week had gone past, and it was yet again Sunday. I didn't think I'd last more than a week at the Nikolay manor. Truthfully, I had consequently expected to be dead by now and reported for missing. Since last Sunday when Rachael had revealed to the dastard my departure in three. , I had fortunately been allowed some reprieve.But t
"Why is he called the Silver Dragon ?" Instead, I ask.Duffield answers eagerly. "Legend has it that his ancestors on his father's side, the Nikolay were Dragon guardian Knights during the Middle Ages before they left for the crusades. The last dragon they guarded was in the highlands of Scotland, it was a silver dragon. So they forged a second coat of arms alongside the Scandinavian Nikolay coat of arms. A Christian cross with an encircling Silver dragon inspired by the Celtic Cross since they intermarried with Scottish women..""That is so cool!" I breathe in wonderment. "and here I thought dragons were mythical creatures!""Perhaps! But the title and legend have had to come from somewhere, right?" Duffield remarks deep in thought. "From a mediaeval portrait in his study, the last of his ancestor to guard a dragon bore an uncanny resemblance to the younger Mister Nikolay himself."My thoughts drift to the tea boxes in the kitchen pantry. So the contemporary hand paintings of a silve
HAZEL -"Don't scream when I remove my hand and let me explain why I wrote that note."My eyes widen in alarmed recognition of the voice belonging to none other than Grigori.So he was the author behind that ominous note!I want to scream for help. Bev is a few doors down the hall.Was she also in on it?I fear what he might do next. For all I know, he might just end up splintering my neck right then and there. That is if he possesses similar skills as that demon cousin of his."Don't scream, I wrote that note for your safety." Grigori continues with underlined discretion.My brows knit in confusion. Safety??He seemed unprepared to harm me in the least bit judging from his careful tone of words. This only leads me to the haste conclusion that Bev is unaware.I nod my head in agreement and he releases me from his grasp. I whirl around to pin him with a glare. He's dressed casually in sweatpants and a t-shirt when I've only ever glimpsed him In a suit and tie."Why?" I demand quietly.
HAZEL -"You've been cooped up in this bedroom for two days straight!" Rachael exclaims as soon as I open the door. "Please get outside and soak up some sun later, have fun and relax will you?"Three days have passed since the encounter with Grigori. I've been remaining in the security of the guest room except when I dined with the servants in the servant's quarter."I just don't feel like it," I replied glumly. I glance at the time, 5:40 am. How can I relax, knowing that I can't escape your enemies even after I have left your residence? And if I don't leave, your demonic brother will murder me instead."oh come on, tell me what's bothering you? Is it the upcoming court case on Friday?" She inquires sternly.Oh great, I forgot about the litigation I filed against my father. Not only was my life in complete peril, but chances of moving back in with baba were fully shattered beyond repair. He must have read the mailed court summons by now. He's probably wished death on me every hour sin
HAZEL -The despondency of the severest kind takes root ever stronger with each step I descend. Misery has engulfed me in the far recesses of my mind, expanding with each breath I inhale. Last year this time around, you lived a conventional life, as an ordinary teenager."Hazel!"I glance away from my shoes, only to spot Beverly and Serge ascending the foyer stairwell in my direction. Faces brimming with genuine concern.No, please don't keep asking me the same questions, she will see and she will ruin my reputation further, she will not hesitate... it's what she always says.They halt below me a step and Bev begins. "It's over a week since we've been seeing you in a depressed state. It's as if by removing your headscarf you have also lost your normal self."That's because I have indeed lost my normal self... "Yes, what's going on?" Serge pipes in expectantly. "As we've said before, tell us what's bothering you.""I told you I'm fine, please just don't ask me such questions," I utter
Six Years LaterHazel POV:In a vast Santorini sky, the sun's rays beam down upon a joyful occasion. The balmy breeze was laden with the scent of wildflowers. A gentle melody of an orchestra intermingles with sophisticated murmurs of the stylishly garbed guests, seated at tables adorned by sumptuous feasts.It is the wedding day of Serge and Katie.On a raised platform, the well-dressed groom eagerly awaits his bride to walk down the aisle. Next to him stood Bilal and the ever-reserved appearing Grigori and Huxley.As bridesmaids, Rachael, Rebecca, Bev, Arielle, and I, stood on the right of the altar's platform. The five of us, assembled in similarly lavish magenta-hued bridesmaid gowns. Except for the hijab on my head."I had always thought Aunt Katie and uncle Serge would make a great couple." Arielle's remark's fond to the rest of us. "Finally today they are getting married!""It took them long enough!" Bev snorts next to me, shaking her head. "Katie really shįt tested Serge every s
Sheer dread grips my heart in a strangling hold. Gradually, I raise my head from Vladimir's chest. His garments were soaked with my tears.My eyes meet with none other than Ivan Molotov's.He merely emits a sinister cackle, halting his applause. Eyes full of undiluted malice, regard me from across the room.In his gloved hands, he holds a closed syringe. Ever so slowly, he approaches ne arer. From his other hand, he drops a pile of slashed cords that were attached to Vladimir's body. My eyes trace them back toward the hospital machinery, now nonfunctional."Wh-What are you doing?!" Immediately, I vault from my seat. I nearly stumble, my footsteps retreating backward. My voice lets out in fearful disbelief. "Wh-What do you mean?"He sighs, shaking his head in seemingly mock guilt. "I'm afraid I have no choice but to also end you along Vladimir.""What?!" My eyes widen in terror as I look from his face to the syringe gripped in his palm. "Why?! What are you talking about?!""Shhh." He
My heartbeat thundered within my ears while my eyes brimmed with scathing moisture. The air around me continuously grew thin as my lungs burned with each breath I took. My legs refused to falter, I ran through the winding corridors of the hospital along with Rachael and Katie. The hijab on my head nearly slipped off. Yet my mind was only preoccupied with him."Doctor!!!" Rachael cries out as she grabs ahold of a man in a lab coat, strolling out of the Intensive Care Unit. "Please! We can't wait anymore, we demand to see Vladimir!!""Ma'am, neither you nor your sister's blood test is a correct match for your brother. We can not allow you to see him as of yet." The doctor's expression embittered as he shuffles through the papers on his clipboard. "We've discovered he's a rare blood type.""He's lost a great amount of blood!" One other doctor rushes out in front of us. "Whoever else is related to him, must get tested for the transfusion! RHnull type blood is rare and we don't have it in
After such a forbidden deed, would events always unravel in contrition like this? Can guilt be any more bitter than before? Will I ever learn from past mistakes?No, since when did you develop into such a weak mess?My head had been bowed under the clouds of shame drifting around the atmosphere of the jeep ride back. Five minutes had passed since Dimitri Molotov's intrusive phone call, disrupting the forbidden tryst I was involved with Vladimir in the back seat.Awkwardness never felt so constricting before to me as it did now. Yet Vladimir appears unaffected by it as if there is nothing awkward in regard to the physical exchange between us.Instead, his visage indicates a serenity that I don't remember witnessing ever before. As if he's repleted of a satisfied contentment that he lacked previously. It was increasingly evident, that he is very pleased with no regrets.His eyes had intensely remained locked on my face while he helped me get dressed in the back seat. Suffusing my blush
His brows crease in apparent concern as they caught the glimmer of tears swimming within my stare. I wasn't resilient enough to suppress the heartache of the past seven days. It took over me tenfold in his presence.He inches forward. "Hazel, wh-"Suddenly all of the lights switch on, impeding him mid-sentence. The entirety of the kitchen and connected lounge is illuminated."What's going on here?" I recognize none other than Rachael's miffed voice.She stands in her sleeping robes on the stairwell of the kitchen lounge. Confounded, her eyes flit between Vladimir and me.But she's not the only other presence besides the two of us here. My alarmed eyes catch sight of Katie and Bev. The lights had exposed them hiding behind one of the couches in the lounge. Guilt-ridden, they were smiling sheepishly at me.Within those awkward seconds, it dawns on me that this setup was construed by the two of them. With Rachael and I being unaware, they knew all along when Vladimir would be returning h
Dear Hazel Asalaam Alaikum, I hope you are safe and well. I'm writing to inform you that I'm admitted to a private cancer treatment hospital. I've discovered from one of my lawyers, that the wealth I've allocated to you has still not been touched. I had expected you'd find it beneficial once you had turned 19, but you haven't utilized any amount of it. Please no need to remain humble regarding the sustenance that Allah has rendered halal for you.The doctors say I've got an additional month left to live. I find it amusing, that these doctors can utter such words with firm conviction. After all, life and death are in Allah's hands.However, my condition is deteriorating. I'd like to see you and Rachael before I depart this world.Enclosed within this envelope are details and directions to the hospital center. I'm expecting you both soon, and if you choose not to visit me then it's alright, I would understand.Once I've completed reading, my eyes lock with Rachaels. Hers are just as gl
"What is it?!" I shriek in repleted panic. Besides me, Bilal is just as frightened. The overpowering stench of smoke engulfs us quickly as the helicopter malfunctions."There is good news and bad news," Vladimir responds jaw clenched in apparent ire. He pours all of his strength and effort into veering the helicopter off-course away from the villa. "Which do you want to hear first?""This isn't time for such games!" I shriek again as the helicopter continues impairing."Are we crashing?!" Bilal questions with eyes wide as saucers."Not we. The helicopter will crash, that's the bad news. We've been targeted by an enemy RPG." Vladimir replies eyes narrowed in focus as he ascends the helicopter to higher heights. "It seems someone within our circles has tipped the enemy off in regard to our whereabouts.""RPG?!" Bilal gapes horrified. "Enemy?!""What the hell is RPG?!" I snap in ensuing terror."Military weapon!" Bilal promptly answers before desperately asking Vladimir. "What's the good
I awake from a slight jostling, it's dark and I hear the soft continuous humming of some sort of engine. Then I instantly remember that I was on a plane.I groggily shift my body but freeze when I realize someone else lay beside me. The weight of their arm is firmly yet gently draped over my waist and I feel their minty breath shallowly caressing my neck. It seemed like they were asleep.I turn my face in their direction and lift my hand to touch their face in the dark. My fingers splay over chiseled angular features, and my heart hammers in recognition.But before I can shove at him, he murmurs in his sleep. "Hazel... hmm...so pure..."My eyes widen in alarm and I attempt to lift his heavy arm away from my waist, yet this proves as a failure. He draws me closer to his hard chest while murmuring again in his sleep."Hazel... I need you..."My face flushes with heat as my mind processes his sleep talk. I wondered what kind of dream he had about me.I try pulling away from him, yet tha
As soon as the vehicle approaches Bilal's private boarding school, my eyes distend in alarm. "You-How did you know?! Only Rachael knew about Bilal's school!""Don't worry about details, princess. Wait here, remember I've locked the doors and windows, so stay put." He provides lightly and exits the jeep without further word.The vehicle was parked a few blocks away from the school, in a vacant lot. No one would be able to catch a glimpse of me reclining in it since the windows were tainted dark from the exterior. I wait with my hands fiddling the hem of my sleeves as I continue glancing around nervously.Several minutes later, I spot the demon approaching along with my little brother, who is happily licking an ice cream cone. In one hand he's dragging along a small suitcase. My heart swells with so much emotion as I eagerly await Bilal's arrival.As soon as the demon tugs open my door, I fling my arms around Bilal, crushing his boyish frame against me. "Billy!! Oh my God!""Hazel!" Bil