Anna Alexander: queen of fire

Chapter 11.

The outcomes of power

The firewood crackled fiercely in the fireplace, scattering sparks and embers into the corners. In the very heart of the fire, through the dancing tongues of flame, a sharp scent of raw wood broke through, and soon the room was filled with acrid smoke. The old man continued to hold me by the elbow, refusing to let go. At one moment, as if a veil had lifted from my eyes, I realized: there could be no more delay!

Pulling my arm from his clutching grasp, I turned to the old man and whispered:

– Are you not tired of flailing in one direction like a trapped beast, venting your frustrations to your nephew?

His eyes, glaring dangerously with a vicious squint towards the bridge of his nose, flashed ominously, revealing an abyss – the true face that lay hidden behind a mask of politeness, merely one of the hundreds of shadows dancing in the depths of his being.

The smoke spiraled in a whirlwind. The acrid smog stung the eyes and burnt in the throat. In the next moment, Lion, who was with us in the office, began to choke from coughing.

– Finally, I can clearly hear your voice, miss! – the grandfather said with unexpected calmness, as if nothing unusual was happening.

There were notes of concern in his voice.

He suddenly turned to Lion and said:

– We need to talk! Alone!

Ivan, only coughing and grinning, waved his hands around.

A premonition of something evil crept into my consciousness, and I, not lingering in the office, stepped out into the hallway.

At that same moment, as if by the wave of a magic wand, the acrid smoke dispersed, leaving only a sharp smell of burning behind. I had not the slightest doubt: it was all the work of my grandfather.

“But how did he do it?” – I wondered to myself.

The hallway was in the same chaos as before. Everyone was in a hurry, bumping into each other, mumbling incoherent phrases and rolling their eyes to the ceiling.

At the end of the corridor, barely distinguishable through the billows of smoke that had thickened again, I saw Azazel. She sat motionless, staring into the void. A sadness was frozen in her eyes, as if they were filled with tears, and I hurried to her, wanting to understand the reason for her strange calmness and perhaps her tears.

Out of the dark maw of one of the rooms, young Maria burst forth like a whirlwind. Her gaze darted to me, and she froze, as if struck by lightning. A mask of genuine, primal terror was etched on her face… I couldn’t understand what had so shocked or frightened the girl?

Time suddenly came to a halt. I turned away from her, but immediately, from the office I had just left a minute ago, a heart-wrenching scream echoed. Maria had vanished without a trace, and I, turning back, rushed to the office. As I barely touched the doorknob, I suddenly felt someone reaching for it in unison with me. Raising my eyes, I saw Anastasia and Azazel. The terrified expressions on their faces and their fearful, darting eyes foretold something dreadful, something that the Lion house had never seen before.

– It’s better to come with us, don’t go into the office! – Azazel said in a tone as if a monster lurked behind the door.

– What about the owner?! Am I really going to leave him to his fate? – I blurted out.

– Don’t interfere, Anna, they will sort it out themselves, as family! – replied Anastasia, squinting against the bright light coming from the open door across the way.

– No way, that restless old man could harm Lion! – I protested and swung the door open.

Beyond the door, the ground split open. Lion writhed on the floor in agony, his groans shattering the silence. The grandfather stood nearby like a stone idol, coldly indifferent as he counted on his fingers, as if measuring the last seconds of Lion’s life. A strange woman stood aside, her gaze burning into me with undisguised interest in this dark scene.

At that moment, as if by the wave of an invisible hand, the dormant forces within me awakened, spreading their wings and gaining all their devastating power. I flew up to the old man and, grabbing him by his prickly vest with both hands, lifted him high above the ground, looking over his head at the stunned woman who was spellbound by this truly spectacular scene.

She was so frightened that she had only one option left – to flee the same way she had entered the house, but apparently remembering something, she stayed. The woman was afraid to reveal herself, yet she did not dare to intervene.

– So, will you continue your observations or will you save your companion after all? – I asked in a tone of a hostess.

At those words, my powers increased. It was as if something foreign inhabited me, for I had never experienced anything like it before.

The stranger approached me as if she were floating in a mortar and whispered in a thin voice:

– Could you let him go? He is just an old and sick man!

“And even if that’s the case, why did Grigory start something that could have been stopped in a second?” – I thought.

The strange woman stretched her neck like a giraffe. Her head pierced the ceiling, and upon ensuring some matter was concluding on the upper floors, her face suddenly darkened.

– Why on earth should I pity him when just a couple of minutes ago he was holding my elbow so tightly that there might be a bruise? – I said in a voice that wasn’t my own.

At that moment, I lifted him almost above my head and threw him aside, where he collapsed onto a dresser with two porcelain vases and bronze candelabra, in which candles were flickering out.

Amazed, Azazel and Anastasia rushed towards Lion, while the stranger came towards me. Grabbing her hand raised for a slap, I pushed her back, sending her rolling across the floor.

At that moment, the old man, risen from oblivion, was not about to retreat. Like a shadow, he approached me with such speed that he himself was taken aback.

– Who are you?! – he growled, like a cornered beast.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the confusion around Lion. Women, like agitated birds, surrounded him, confirming my worst fears – Lion was wounded.

And then, driven by an unknown force, I stepped towards Grigory. Preparing to deflect the next blow, I unexpectedly clapped my hands. A sound wave, like a magical barrier, swept through the house, instantly calming the chaos. Everything froze in deafening silence.

Where this thought came from, this impulse, I didn’t know? But the result was stunning and truly magical.

Opening my eyes, I saw the astonished Azaziel, Anastasia, and Lion lying on the floor. Grigory and his companion had disappeared as if they had never existed.

Approaching the women, in whose eyes bewilderment flickered, I knelt down, touching the floor beside them. Gently turning Lion over, I saw a gaping wound from which a red liquid oozed. Closing my eyes, I interlaced my fingers in a complex, almost mystical gesture, and at that moment, a scarlet stream seemed to obey an unknown force, halting, leaving only a crimson dew on his skin.

– But how is this possible? Why me? What is this unknown force that pulses within me, and where did it come from? – I whispered, drowning in a whirlpool of unsolvable questions.

The man, opened his eyes and met his wife’s gaze. She rushed to explain what had happened with a strained smile, then threw herself to hug him.

Lion slowly rose, followed by his wife and Azazel. In that moment, Azazel’s thoughts screamed in her soul:

“She must go,” – she said to herself, – why does her master keep her, knowing the truth?

– What truth, Azazel? Or maybe you will tell me? – I addressed Lion.

He froze, stopping blinking. I saw how his cheeks were red, that he was eager to tell something, but he couldn’t!

– I don’t know what you mean, you’re Anna! – Lion replied sharply.

– I don’t believe it! – I snapped and stamped my foot like a capricious child.

Silence hung in the corridor, broken only by the melodious cuckooing of the clock. The house was filled with peace after the nightmare dissipated like smoke.

Neither Azazel not Lion answered my question, but they were sure that it would happen again. Grigory had not played an important role in Lion’s life for a long time, and the latter decided to erase him from his life forever. Lion remembered that his grandfather had come for his share and might soon come back again, and again not alone. In such a short time, Grigory managed to do a lot of foolish things, and his companion frightened Anastasia so much that for several days she drank chamomile tea and applied cold compresses to her head.

Her fragile nature could not withstand the harsh onslaught of these hypocritical people, who sowed turmoil in the house.

It must be admitted, Grigory was far from good and love. He radiated destructive hatred toward everything around. Every word he spoke, every step he took, and every glance he cast revealed that the old man had either gone mad or had become involved with sinister people and their dark deeds.

Lion suspected that his cousin was simply unwell. Long before these sad events, he had suggested that Grigory take a rest in nature, amidst the singing of larks and the hooting of owls, but Grigory was unyielding and did not want to hear about any rest.

After some time, following all that had happened, Grigory appeared again to Lion in the middle of the night, as if nothing had happened, while he was working in his study. He planned to surprise his nephew, like a ray of sunshine breaking into a gray day – an unexpected visit to brighten his solitude. However, the anticipation of the meeting was overshadowed by the knowledge that Grigory, as always, was mired in a sea of irritation and anxiety.

– Grandfather, will you tell me what’s troubling you? – asked Lion, yawning and stretching.

Grigory was taken aback by the question. He had prepared for his reproaches, anticipating the bitter taste of condemnation for such a late visit and his vile behavior.

– I’m not troubled by anything, I just wanted to talk; I have no one else to talk to! – the old man’s voice sounded almost pleading.

Lion rolled his eyes, realizing that Grigory was being evasive. The host knew that the guest would soon ask for a favor, and decided to play along.

– Grandfather, maybe you could stay with us? In the morning, we’ll go fishing in our pond, – Lion suggested.

– No, grandson, thank you. I wanted to talk to you about…! – and his eyes sparkled with a wicked glint.

Lion knew that the conversation would turn to the factory and the share that the old man believed was his. The guest jumped to his feet and began to explain how important this factory was to him, how many plans he had, what dreams he would fulfill if he had a part of it!

– I have nothing to promise you, grandfather. We need to deal with the problems first, and then we’ll see, – Lion replied.

Lion turned away. Grigory’s words seemed so repulsive to him that he had no desire to continue the conversation. Taking a step forward, he felt as if he had fallen through to the first floor, as if there were a hidden door in the floor, another exit. Grigory, however, was left alone in the haze from the smoldering wood in the fireplace. His grandson’s words echoed in his mind like a sentence…

– How could he leave me alone, and with a negative answer?! – Grigory was angry.

He waited for some time, but fatigue took over. After a while, the old man decided to go out through the front entrance, where a servant girl was waiting for him on the doorstep, sleeping standing. She opened the door in a half-asleep state and immediately closed it without touching the handle. The girl, without saying goodbye and not looking back, slammed the door and, like a ghost, slipped into her room, lost in a world of dreams.

Meanwhile, Grigory was pondering how to bring more trouble to his relative, for he harbored resentment against him, and such people as Grigory never forgave anything.

Chapter 12.

A fairy tale proposal

My calmness was filled with illusions. The miracles that happened in the house would not leave my mind. I looked at myself from the outside and understood that I was not like everyone else. I am different!

Another confirmation of my uniqueness was a different perception of life. I felt my strength so deeply that I had no doubt: my world and the world of others are different.

– You know, Anna, it’s as if you are filled with pure thoughts, and clarity of mind comes to you! Such feelings a person experiences only in harmony with themselves and the world. Your thoughts resonate with the time when youth demands action, push, determination… One must take everything from life to the last drop! – Lion once remarked to the maid at the dining table.

“I wanted to live, to live for myself, for the wonderful people who inhabited this beautiful house and knew how to enjoy everything around. After all, what I saw in myself was truly wonderful, and my surroundings felt it too!” – I thought.

Azazel… My fairy, my faithful friend, the soulmate with whom I wanted to share every thought. She did not take Lina’s place in my heart, but to her, I could entrust any secret, any worry, knowing that she would do everything in her power, and even more, for me. Azazel gave hope where it seemed that everything was irretrievably lost. She dispelled my worries and fears, turning them to dust, giving them no chance of return.

Many in the house craved her attention, but this prickly soul, like an impregnable cactus, erected an invisible wall around herself, allowing no one into her inner garden. She bristled with needles at anyone who tried to take the first step. But, upon closer inspection of this mysterious girl, it was impossible not to notice her pain – incomprehensible and evident. It seemed that the bleeding wound would never heal, and the grievance, screaming at the top of its lungs, would never quiet down.

Azazel was extremely silent. She spent her time doing crafts she had recently learned or with the children, taking care of them and getting involved in games. Work had become her passion, a way to escape from reality.

One day, with a beckoning gesture, she called me over and placed a key in my palm. It seemed light, almost toy-like, yet it felt noticeably heavy, as if it concealed the burden of unspoken secrets.

– Here. When the soul seeks revelations or the heart longs to share its innermost thoughts, I will be waiting for you in my room, in the house of the spirit! – purring this like a little sorceress, she giggled mischievously and melted into the air.

I was given a room next to the children’s. I often visited the little ones at night, singing lullabies under which they sweetly fell asleep, which delighted Anastasia. However, I was often drawn to Azazel, to her strange and uncomfortable abode, which, to be honest, was not appealing either externally or internally – dark, dull at first glance, and damp.

Azazel did not seek guidance or help from her friend. She was older, and the questions originated more from me. At times, it seemed to me that she was completely uninterested in anyone in her surroundings, but I was mistaken. Azazel learned everything she needed to know about the person that interested her. How she managed to do this remained a secret, but it was evident that something magical hid behind Azazel’s life. Perhaps she is the secret priestess of the Lion family’s sorrow?

The house was strong and warm – stronger than any rock and warmer than any stove. Heated conversations took place only in the kitchen, and Azazel drew me into an aura of mystery and interest.

Sometimes time flew by quickly, other times it stretched slowly, as if it were being drawn out, lingering for a long time. For me, those were the longest weeks. Attempts to learn details about the Lion children from any of the servants ended in failure. Everyone was silent, as if they had taken water into their mouths. Any conversations about the house and the master, especially about Lion’s double, were cut off by silence. The entire staff conspired against me, not wanting me to learn what everyone else seemed to know.

Some time passed, and at the end of october, significant changes began to occur in Anna’s life.

One morning, Lion asked the girl to come into his office immediately. She exchanged glances with Azazel and shrugged questioningly. Azazel only raised her eyebrows in surprise. Anna quickly jumped up, smoothed her dress and rumpled apron (there was no time to iron it), and in an instant, she found herself at the threshold of the office. She stood by the door for several minutes, gathering her thoughts, and, taking a breath, reached for the handle.

– Come in! – I heard a woman’s voice.

“Apparently, something serious has happened since Anastasia is in the office!” – I thought.

Upon entering the office, I saw two adults sitting in chairs opposite each other. Books floated before their eyes, which they were reading. I was surprised, although I had seen even more miraculous phenomena that left me speechless. I could catch fragments of phrases:

– Keep flipping! – said either Orlova or her husband.

They repeated these words in the same way, with similar voices, timbre, and intonation. It seemed as if the same person was speaking.

A few minutes passed, and Lion hurriedly slammed the book shut. Following her husband’s example, Orlova did the same, mumbling something to herself. Both of their eyes reflected some uncertainty, and I did not yet understand the cause of this anxiety.

– We would like to know your answer, Anna. Do you have a desire to travel with us on a long journey? – she began.

I felt as if I was floating in the clouds, overwhelmed with joy, even though I did not show it.

– Of course, I agree, madam! How could I refuse such an offer? – I exclaimed.

– Another person will be traveling with us, but don’t worry, you know her well! – Lion said slowly, and his eyes sparkled.

– Wonderful! And who is it? – I asked impatiently.

Lion and his wife exchanged glances. Sparks lit up in their eyes. It was clear that this would be a gift for us.

– This is Azazel. She will be going with us! We know you became good friends, so you won’t get bored, and it will be easier to look after the kids. We’ll be more at ease, and you will have more fun! – replied Anastasia.

I froze, amazed by the unexpected proposal, and although Azazel didn’t know about it yet, I had no doubt that this news would delight her as well.

– This is wonderful! – I jumped up in excitement.

– You can tell Azazel about our wonderful trip to sunny or snowy Italy yourself. Anastasia and I are giving you this opportunity! – Lion announced solemnly.

That day, I felt as if I was swept up in a whirlwind of excitement, and I was soaring on wings, refusing to believe my ears. Azazel was not just happy – she was sparkling with joy! We played like children in a raging sea of jubilation, overwhelmed by the feelings that filled us. After such a fireworks display of emotions, the rest of the day passed in a gentle haze of pleasant aftertaste.

Time began to stretch slower, and a strange fatigue weighed down on me by nine in the evening, as if the burden of the day had fallen all its weight on me. Exiting the room where I had been talking with the maid about her injured arm, I felt an overwhelming desire to lie down. I don’t know how to explain such drowsiness, but sleep seemed to envelop me from all sides.

– Where are you in such a hurry to, Anna? – called out the gardener, preparing the tools for the morning.

– I’d like to think in silence! – I replied.

– On the big sofa? – he chuckled.

I nodded affirmatively. It was the favorite resting spot for almost all the staff. There, thoughts calmed down and came into order. The gardener shook his head and headed towards the kitchen, from where one could get to the stable and the garden tools. I went to the hall, where there was a huge soft sofa, upholstered in ivory-colored leather, shaped like a curved semicircle. I sat down and, like in a comfortable rocking chair, fell into a deep sleep.

In an instant, everything changed. I dreamed that one evening I saw fiery horses harnessed to a carriage of an unusual color in the windows of the hall. You don’t see such fiery horses, quite literally, every day. A tall, thin woman with beautiful features hastily exited the carriage, holding a knit – a burgundy-red scarf. The woman was dressed elegantly, but she emitted a sharp smell of tar. As she approached the house, the color of the scarf changed, and when she reached the porch, it turned yellow-orange. I felt her piercing, harsh gaze. As if through a veil of mist, I caught a trace of her thoughts: by the last rays of sunset, the scarf must take on an emerald hue, otherwise the shadow of inevitable disaster will loom over the house.

With incredible speed, she began to knit, deftly manipulating the stitches. An unknown force suddenly drew me toward the exit, to a huge oak door adorned with images of eagles clutching snakes in their claws. The first thing I saw, standing face to face with the eagles, was two burning stars on their heads. Chains hung around their necks, and in the chains were small horseshoes. As I approached the door, the heads of the eagles started to move, the snakes hissed and lunged at me, spraying their venom. At that moment, I heard voices. The clearest was Lion’s voice, insistently urging me to turn the right horseshoe, which I did.

At that very second, lightning flashed around me, darkness thickened above my head, and a deafening roar echoed in my ears. Turning around, I saw the woman’s eyes, fixated on me, beginning to change shape. They elongated into narrow slits, the pupils disappeared, leaving only black spots. At first, I didn’t understand what was happening, but then I heard the woman speaking words in a strange, incomprehensible language.

– It begins! – she shouted at the top of her lungs.

The scream made my ears ring. Lion, standing nearby, rushed towards us.

– Who is she? Who is this person waiting for happiness but never receiving it?! – the woman insisted.

– Don’t do this! She’s still just a child! – Lion protested.

– Not at all! You violated all four rules! I have to send her back! – the woman continued.

– I am guilty and I admit it, but she must not be harmed! – Lion shouted, his neck muscles tensing.

A gigantic hurricane rose above my head. It seemed that in the blink of an eye, everything around would be under its dome. The rolls of thunder and the vast circle of smoke and fog descended lower and lower, showcasing their power. Everything around darkened, and two servants, who happened to be nearby, suddenly disappeared. I don’t know why, but I raised both hands with palms up, as if protecting myself from the dreadful overhang.

Before I could blink, I found myself inside an abyss. The endless circular movements, like in a whirlpool, did not stop for a moment. My head was spinning, and I realized that I had entered some other world. The element played its lullaby, rocking me to sleep with every movement.