I scoff outwardly.I bet he stares at himself a lot in the mirror, I mean how can anyone manage to look that good without putting so much effort into it?I shake my head thinking, there is only so much one can do to an extent with grooming but he was born with very attractive physical aesthetics.I snort. Probably spends half the night grooming himself before heading out on his killing spree.1Doesn't change his interior which is as ugly as the ugliest things that could ever exist! I huff in sudden anger.Rachael and Katie are nothing like him.Tilting my head, I think he's probably possessed by some demonic jinn... that could be the only reason he's such a cruel dastard and takes pleasure in killing people!"Are you alright in there dear?" Mrs...Agnelli queries from the kitchen. "The potatoes are right near the doorway, under the first shelf."I shake my head out of my irksome thoughts."Oh yes I'm fine, I'll be out!" I assure her as my eyes adjust over the sacks of potatoes.I gathe
HAZEL -My lips set into a grim line as the women lead me through the corridors.As soon as we arrive at the foyer stairwells, I spot Grigori in a black suit and a tie standing a few paces away next to Duffield the chauffeur, and Arielle.From a fancy box, Grigori holds out a cigar towards Duffield who examines and briefly sniffs it before handing it back.Arielle is tugging at Duffield's watch from his wrist, her red Shirley temple curls bouncing in the process. When suddenly she bites his hand and he yelps, snatching his hand away.She giggles at his reaction, hopping up and down before her eyes land on me descending the steps. She screams happily. "Princess Jasmiiiiiine!!" And then darts forward, I can only do one thing but smile and hold out my arms towards her. She jumps into my embrace and nearly tugs off my hijab in the process."Quit hollering so much, child," Bev comments as she walks past Grigori. "You'll cause us to go deaf.""Shut up Bev!" snaps the redhead in my arms."Ar
HAZEL -*Tick Tock* *Tick Tock* *Tick Tock*"Come on, come on!" I let out an impatient whisper harshly under my breath. "Any second now..."In complete anticipation, my eyes glued the digital Clock against the wall. I had been sitting there on the very edge of my bed for an hour, awaiting the clock to strike midnight already.Throwing consistent glances at the time in between watching the television. Yet the images playing on the screen did little to nab my attention from the slow minutes elapsing by or from the stuffy envelope clenched in my hands.The very envelope Mr.Mirza had entrusted to me since last I saw him. Many questions needed answering and I couldn't endure another entire night to pass.At midnight it will be the start of the next day, so I fully believe I've kept to my promise of waiting a week and now it needed to be fulfilled. The clock struck midnight and my fingers nimbly tore an opening through the well-sealed envelope.An unpleasant jittery mixture of nervousness
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