𝐒𝐂𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐄

22.𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆

In the last couple of days, Death's demons have been frequently visiting me. Every time I asked them politely to leave, they refused. They said they could not leave, even if they wanted to. Death's commands were clear. Stay close to me. In a literal way. While Rowan has been busy with things he didn't want me to know about, I spent my days with the demons. I had no other option than to just listen to their fighting, weird questions, and random inspection of my belongings. And this was my perfect opportunity to get close to them and find out why they had to guard me.

It was Sunday evening, and the three of us began to play cards on the floor in my room. The game was intense, and after an hour, we had to take a break because Keliah almost killed Azra. He couldn't swallow the defeat when Azra won.

"I can't believe you're playing fair! You rarely win against me." Keliah huffed.

"It's because I'm not you who cheats every damn time we play. And I use something called a brain, which you don't have." Azra bickered.

I watched them slap each other and elbow each other like in a TV show. Occasionally, I laughed. But I was concerned if Grandma heard them. Those guys were unbearably loud. And despite their bodies looking slim, their strength was unsettling.

"V! Tell him something. Are you not upset that you haven't once won?" Keliah said frustrated.

I chuckled, mixing the cards in my hands. "Not really. It's just a game." I replied.

Azra stopped moving and stared at me intently. "Do you intend to lose every game you play, Vivienne?"

I stopped mixing the cards and cleared my throat. "For hours, you two have been invading my space and asking me stuff I don't have the answers for. Isn't it time for you to go? Hunt other people or something?" My gaze shifted between the two of them.

Keliah suddenly stood up and dusted his clothes. For a few seconds, he looked out of the window, narrowing his eyes. Azra did the same a moment later. Lastly, I stood up and came close to the window, but I could see nothing but the woods.

Keliah grabbed my shoulder and pulled me out of the window view. I cocked my head, and my forehead creased. "What are you doing? Didn't I say no touching?" I burst out.

He did not reply to me; he just stood still as a statue, looking ahead. Azra crept to the window, exhaling. He turned his head toward Keliah and nodded. I looked back and forth between them, and I finally understood.

"Is the one you're protecting me from out there? Outside of my house?" I pulled from Keliah's grip roughly. I hurried to the window to see nothing again. I turned to the demons with fury, coiling in my veins. I had enough of their silence. I wanted an answer immediately.

I ran through them, giving them no time to react. I flung the door wide and rushed down the steps. I quickly grabbed the kitchen knife, which I intended to use on Death, and hurried to the front door.

Azra appeared next to me out of nowhere. "What are you trying to do?" He asked.

"End this charade," I said, my voice low and stern.

I reached for the door handle, about to twist it open, when two unexpected knocks on the door made me jump. I stepped backwards, my eyes wide in shock. Keliah and Azra's expressions mirrored my own surprise. Their hands balled into fists. Their shoulders tensed, bracing for a potential threat.

Azra's gaze hardened, and Keliah's face became stern. I took a deep breath and steadied my voice. "What now?" I whispered.

"Open the door," Azra replied.

I did as I was told because I trusted they'd save me. I slowly opened the door, hiding the knife behind it.

There stood the tattooed man, who gave off weird vibes, and visited my bar. This time, he was covered in black clothing and even had gloves on. It looked like he wanted to rob me, or worse, kill me.