13• Crimson SHADOW 3

A month later:- 

Azrael sat at the head of the table in a tense mafia meeting but his mind wasn’t on the business at hand. 

His thoughts were elsewhere- back to Zafira.

She had locked herself in his bedroom ever since that day, refusing to leave. She followed a strict routine: eating, sleeping, and taking her medicine on time, but always within the confines of his room. 

She barely spoke and most of all, she wouldn’t let him near her. Whenever he approached, she’d turn away, ignoring him completely. It was as if he didn’t exist in her world.

Azrael clenched his fists under the table and his jaw was tightening as his men continued their discussion around him. 

He had never been ignored like this before. He was used to control, power, and obedience. But Zafira - she had turned his world upside down and was testing his patience like no one ever had.

The fact that she wouldn’t let him touch her burned at him more than he cared to admit. He wanted to pull her close, remind her of the connection they shared but she had built a wall he couldn’t break through. And it infuriated him.

His eyes drifted to the men sitting around the table, nodding absently to whatever plan they were discussing. But inside, his mind kept circling back to one thing: Zafira. 

'What do I have to do to make you mine completely?', Azrael thought and waited patiently for the end of the meeting. 

.. .. 

After the meeting, Azrael joined his brothers and fathers in the family lounge. 

The room was quiet and was filled with the soft glow of lamps and the rich scent of leather furniture.

Vesper and Valerian sat across from Azrael and their expressions were serious. 

Azrael's brothers Draven, Throne, Cassius, Magnus, and Seraphim stood nearby and watched their eldest brother with concern.

Vesper spoke first, "Azrael, we need to talk about Zafira". 

Azrael's eyes flickered with a hint of frustration, "What about her?"

Valerian leaned forward as said in a calm tone, "It's been a month. She has not left your room and she will not speak to anyone- not even you."

Draven nodded while listening to his fathers as he said, "This is not good for either of you, brother."

Throne crossed his arms and responded too, "You can't keep her locked away like this. It's not right."

Azrael sighed weakly while running a hand through his hair, "I am not keeping her locked away. She chooses to stay there".

Cassius raised an eyebrow and spoke, "Does she really have a choice? She feels trapped, brother". 

Magnus added gently while glancing at everyone, "Maybe she needs to feel more at home. She doesn't know us, and she barely knows you, brother"

Seraphim looked at Azrael and also spoke thoughtfully, "Have you tried giving her some space? Let her come to you."

Azrael shook his head, "I can't risk losing her". 

Vesper exchanged a glance with Valerian before saying, "Son, you care for her- we can all see that. But holding on too tight can push her away."

Valerian nodded, "You need to earn her trust, not force it."

Azrael frowned, "I just want to protect her."

Draven stepped forward and said, "Brother! We understand, but maybe she doesn't see it that way. To her, it might feel like she is a prisoner."

Throne agreed, "Let her see that she has the freedom to make her own choices."

Cassius suggested, "Why don't you try talking to her? Really talk. Listen to what she wants."

Magnus smiled slightly and said, "Show her the side of you that we know- the one who cares deeply about his family."

Seraphim added, "Invite her to join us for dinner or a walk in the gardens. Small steps."

Azrael looked around at his family and their words were sinking in. He knew they were right. 

"Alright! I will try", He said quietly. 

Vesper gave him an encouraging nod, "We are here to help you, Azrael. We all want Zafira to feel welcome."

Valerian smiled, "And who knows? She might come to care for us as much as we already care for her."

Azrael managed a small smile in return, "Thank you."

His brothers got relaxed and were relieved that Azrael was willing to consider their advice. 

... ... 

Azrael stood outside his bedroom door and was hesitating for a moment. His brothers' words echoed in his mind and he had to approach Zafira differently. 

Differently with patience, not force.

Taking a deep breath, he knocked softly on the door.

No answer.

He knocked again and when she still did not respond. He quietly unlocked the door and stepped inside. 

Zafira was sitting by the window and her back was turned to him, gazing out at the night sky. 

She did not acknowledge his presence but he knew she was aware of him. Those memories flooded in her brain and stirred that desire again but she controlled it. 

"Crimson, we need to talk", Azrael's voice was softer than usual.

She did not move and her silence was like a barrier between them. He walked closer and stopped a few feet away. 

He fought the urge to touch her, to pull her into his arms like he always wanted to, but he held back. This wasn’t the time for that.

"I know you are angry, not comfortable and feeling trapped here But that’s not what I want for you. I am not trying to control you", Azrael said and after listening to him, Finally, she turned her head slightly. 

She glanced at him with guarded eyes and asked him, "Then what do you want, Mr. Sartori?".

He exhaled slowly and was trying to find the right words to say to her. 

"I want you to be safe. But more than that… I want you to feel like this is your home, not a prison", He said gently.

But Zafira looked back out the window and her hands were clenched in her lap as she responded, "It doesn’t feel like home. It feels like I am just waiting for the moment you decide I am no longer useful to you"

Her words hit him harder than he expected. 

"It's not true. You are not here because you are useful. You are here because...". 

He stopped himself and was unsure if he was ready to admit it. But Zafira turned to face him and was waiting for him to continue, "Because? Because I saw your face. Face of Mafia Boss who killed people in broad daylight?". 

Azrael's eyes softened and he knew that it was a waste to waste his time hiding matters from her.

He stared at her and said boldly, "You are here because I want you with me. Not as a prisoner, but as someone who belongs here. With me."

Zafira’s expression didn’t change, but something flickered in her eyes, something that told him she was listening.

"I know I have not given you a reason to trust me but I am willing to give you space, if that's what you need. I don’t want to force anything. I just… I don’t want to lose you. I love you", He said while stepping closer but still keeping a decent distance from her.

Zafira’s gaze softened for the first time in weeks and her heart thumped at his last three words,"I don’t know if I can believe you or trust you because I am scared. I feel useless here and I don't know about your love. You just met a month ago and are already in love with me, huh?".

Azrael took a step closer and his voice was low, "Then let me prove it. Come downstairs tonight. Have dinner with me and my family. No expectations, no pressure. Just… be there and about love then yes, I do love you." 

Azrael said as he did not reveal much about his heart and feelings. He did not want to present himself as a stalker to her. 

Zafira hesitated as she was searching his face for any sign of deception. But all she saw was a man who was trying, for the first time, to meet her halfway.

After a long pause, she gave a slight nod. "Okay."

Azrael’s heart lifted, even though it was a small victory but her acceptance made him happy, "Thank you"

He turned to leave, giving her the space she needed. 

But before he walked out the door, he glanced back at her and said, "Crimson, I meant what I said- you’re not a prisoner here. You never were. You are my queen. Queen of my Crimson world"

And with that, he left, closing the door gently behind him. 

...

Thank you 

ShineeSunshine ♥️