White Roses

 

      Nikolae cursed as Someraella bounded him and Saphire with her spider's silk. Severen stood at the front door while Cypris guarded the back. Saphire was unconscious, leaving him alone to deal with the Sinners. Someraella walked over to Saphire, lifting her limp head.

      “Such a pretty face for such a stupid girl,” she sneered, spitting on her face.

      Nikolae tried to stand but couldn't move. He growled at her as she turned Saphire's face in her hand. His anger was boiling in his veins as Someraella dug her nail into Saphire's cheek.

      “Leave her alone, you freak!” Nikolae screamed, causing her to turn towards him.

      Nikolae glared at her as she backed away from Saphire's limp body, her own shaking with anger. Cypris cam up behind him and gripped his shoulder. As Nikolae looked up, he Sinner punched him in the face, causing the chair his was in to tip. As he hit the ground, the taste of blood exploded in his mouth. Cypris leaned over, getting in Nikolae's face, and smirked.

      “That'll teach you to speak up, punk,” he hissed.

      Nikolae looked up, his cheek bruised, and spat in the Sinner's face. His blood and saliva hit Cypris and he flew back yelling. Severen walked over and picked up Nikolae's chair, setting him upright again, then glared at Cypris.

      “Vlad wanted them to be unharmed,” he said through clenched teeth, “So knock it off.”

      Cypris and Severen took their places back at the doors and Someraella walked over to Nikolae, her beady spider eyes filled with anger. She said nothing but he shook with fear. She's beyond dangerous, he thought as she circled him, hissing. A ringing noise came from the house and Severen pulled out a device, opening it.

      “Yeah?” his voice sounded bored, “Alright.”

 

      He clicked the machine shut and put it back in his pocket. The other Sinners walked over to him and they began whispering.

      “So we can leave?” Someraella smiled, looking at Severen.

      He nodded, “Yeah. The girl is in Vlad's territory now.”

      Cypris turned, smiling at Nikolae, “You hear that? Your precious little friend is with Vlad right now. He's probably already claimed that pretty little neck of hers.”

      Nikolae screamed, his body shaking, “Screw you!”

      The Sinners dispersed, their laughter filling Alexiana's house. He sat there, still tied to the chair, tears stinging his eyes. His face hurt and he was exhausted, but he wouldn't rest. Alexiana, his mind raced around images of her laughing face. A fear grew in him as he wondered, What has he done to her? Saphire stirred in her seat, her golden eyes slowly opening. A gasp escaped her mouth as she struggled against her binding. She looked to Nikolae's beaten face and her eyes filled with guilt.

      “I'm so sorry,” she whispered, averting her eyes.

      He sighed, spitting out more blood, “It's alright...they are demons after all...”

      They sat there helplessly in silence, unable to break free. The front door opened and a girl stood before them. Her raven-black hair fell before her shocked green eyes as multiple white roses fell from her hands. White roses. Nikolae choked back a squeal as tears spilled down his face, burning his cheek. His body was shaking with uncontrollable anger.

      “What happened?” Amethyst asked, running to Saphire and untying her.

     “The Sinners took Alexiana,” she replied as amethyst helped Nikolae, “I'm so sorry.”

      When she finished, Nikolae stood, never removing his eyes from the roses now strewn on the floor. Amethyst pulled his face to hers, examining his wounds, but still he didn't look. All he could think of was Alexiana's pure smile...and blood. Anger was boiling within him, threatening to explode from his body. He was shaking and didn't hear either girls call his name. All he heard was Alexiana's fleeing laughter in his ears and he imagined her dancing by the lake, like she always would. A hand made impact with the untouched side of his face and he looked up to Saphire, her eyes filled with tears.

      “Nikolae,” she said, her voice stern, “Snap out of it! Now isn't the time to daydream. We need to figure out how to find Alexiana before something terrible happens.”

      Nikolae stood shocked at the fact that Saphire had slapped him. His face stung as he walked to the roses, ignoring what he was just told. White roses, he thought picking them up. Then he placed them in his pocket and ran out of the house, the two girls screaming after him. Alexiana, he held back tears as he thought to himself, I'm coming for you.