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
HAZEL -"Come in here!!" I holler at them while frantically motioning them to get in my room. "Hide in here quick!!"They all clamber in, some nearly tripping on their dresses. Suddenly I feel tiny arms encasing my legs. I glance down and find a frightened Arielle, clutching onto my dress. Immediately, I haul her up into my arms and slam the door shut. The women are crying and sobbing."What's going on?" I question apprehensively while peering at all of their faces."We don't know, oh God it's horrible!" One of them wails. The rest voice their agreements and fall into a crazy chatter. Sounds of gunshots start piercing the air relentlessly, and we all let out shrieks while falling to the ground in discretion. Arielle begins bawling in my arms. "I want my mummy!!!"I clasp her tightly against my chest, vehemently hoping that Rachael, Katie, and Bev were safely hiding somewhere. That no innocent people be harmed in this nightmare come to life.Ya'Allah please please please make this all
HAZEL -Thank you for shopping at Waldorfs, return soon and have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!" Chirps the cashier, clad in a Santa Elf costume.Katie, Arielle, and I exit the upscale retail shop, carrying fancy plastic bags thickened with purchased merchandise. Huxley and a dozen undercover Molotov Mafia members trailing closely behind us.It's the holiday season and two days prior to Christmas. The shops are brilliantly illuminated and enhanced with Holiday ornaments. Mini Christmas trees embellish each corner of the pedestrian walkways. The streets are flooded by festive holiday shoppers, ecstatically piling in and out of stores. The absence of snow which I was adjusted to back in America, was the only detail missing from the exuberant setting"Miss Katherine, we should be returning to the manor now." Huxley reminds while momentarily peering at his wristwatch. Katie nods in acquiescence and then cautiously whispers into my ears. "Let's hope Arielle forgets about meeting Sa
It's-It's just that..." Anya croaks, holding back her sobs. "I wish he would at least come out for the holiday week, it really pains me to know he's chosen loneliness."Damn, these people are so attached to a conspicuously detached killer. I thought it was incredible really, how close-knit even the servants of the manor are to him. In all my stay here, I haven't witnessed him solidly display affection to any of them. For the exception a month ago of his kiss on Mrs. Agnelli's forehead."Shhh don't cry," I console, patting her back gently."You know, he's saved me from a terrible life.." Anya clarifies somberly as she sets the plastic carton on the countertop. "He's not as bad as you think he is. I refuse to believe he means you harm deep down especially since you've rescued Arielle."I bite the inside of my cheek, suppressing to refute her opinion. Without noticing, she proceeds. "Before I was offered employment here..I-I was..a..sex slave in Russia.""What?!" I gape at her. She nods