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 -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

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 -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 -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