Mysteries and Books (open)

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

The youngest Dolohov had just been from her private waltz class and was now book shopping with her guard Janine. As she passed shelves of books, both new and old, she could not help but feel quite tired. After buying a book about Advanced Transfiguration and a novel about murderers and mystery, which earned her quite a look from Janine, she told the older woman to escort her back to school. Janine just smiled, nodded, took her hand, and apparated to Hogsmeade Village.

In a flash, Vasilisa found herself walking toward the school beside Janine who held her hand casually. To the eyes of the untrained, Janine looked like she was slacking off. But, Vasilisa knew better. She knew Janine would shove her firmly to the sidelines if someone attacked. Vasilisa knew that the older woman who held her hand wouldn’t let anything happen to her. It was one of the reasons why she convinced her father that Janine would be able to keep her safe. The other reason was that nobles outnumbered skilled guards and Vasilisa did not want to rob other royals of security… particularly the campbells who needed them now more than ever. Ever since her father, Macon Dolohov, became the Viscount, the security of the Dolohov family had been upped; and, most of the Dolohovs now walked with at least two guards so it had taken a while before Vasilisa was able to get her way.

After having a restful two-hour sleep, Vasilisa adjusted the lacy black ribbon that rested on the side of her head, fixed her Slytherin blouse and her checkered Slytherin skirt, that did not quite reached her knees, and walked out of the school toward the lake. It was a nice Saturday afternoon and the school grounds were filled with students. After exchanging greetings with some students, she made her way to the lake quietly for she intended to read the mystery book she had in hand. She was just about ten meters away from ‘the spot’ beside the lake when someone bumped into her. "Sorry. I wasn't looking." She said automatically, sounding apologetic, as she regained her balance with poise.

[christian]

It was a nice Saturday afternoon, and Christian Rosier sat down under one of the trees near the lake. The afternoon breeze was cool, and he was glad he had chosen the right clothes to wear: a long sleeved black dress shirt with the Slytherin colors of green and silver on it, black trousers and black shoes. As he smoothed out his clothing, he could not help but feel glad that there were no classes, since he haven't done any homework yet. Actually, he already did it; however, he spent his nights swinging his twin swords and one particular night he swung it a little too excitedly and managed to cut the parchments containing his homework. He winced slightly to himself as he remembered the memory. Surely that was a stupid reason to tell the professors when they asked him why he haven't done it.

He then contented himself watching his fellow students having fun by the lake's edge. He sighed as he suddenly remembered his girlfriend Vasilisa and how they would always be together in this very spot, looking out into the same scenery. Since it was Saturday, he knew that she would be in her private waltz class and maybe she would have already been back right now since the class ended by noon. He then wondered whether he would visit her back at the Common room to talk or just try to cram his slashed down homework. He then chose both options, since he would be in the same place anyway. He got up, smoothed out his trousers and walked absentmindedly towards the direction of the castle when somebody suddenly bumped into him. He was about to tell off who it was when he caught the familiar scent that made him hold the person by the arm gently. "There is no doubt that it was you, Vasilisa," he then said, as he smiled and gazed into her eyes.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

The second the other person spoke, Vasilisa’s bluish violet eyes found his blue ones. “Hello Christian.” She smiled warmly at him, tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek. “I knew you’d be here somewhere. Are you planning on going back in?” Vasilisa inquired, hoping he would say no. The youngest Dolohov drummed her fingers on the hard book cover of the mystery book she held on her left hand absently as she waited for his answer.

She could not help but think about the attack on her father’s turnover ceremony. Yes it was postponed but her grandfather already decided to give all the power and the authority to her father Macon Dolohov without going through the traditional ceremony. He said the turnover ceremony would be rescheduled for the sake of formality and while it still wasn’t rescheduled, her father could use the practice. Gazing to the lake and smelling the fresh afternoon air of spring, she could not help but feel glad to be alive and that Christian was too. “You look nice, by the way.” She smiled and said after a few moments of silence.

[christian]

The moment Vasilisa kissed his cheek, Christian could not help but blush furiously. It had been weeks since they last met, with the last time ending in an almost near death experience. He could not believe that he almost got himself killed when he recklessly challenged the murderer apparent to a sword fight. Sure he could match up to his skills but he admitted the guy was ten notches higher when it comes to technique. It was a good thing she showed up and through his cousin Justin’s help; they managed to chase him away. He could not help but think that the murderer would definitely get his revenge given that his elaborate plans got ruined.

He then reached out his right hand to touch her hair lightly and his fingers then moved to her cheek and touched it lightly once more. He could not help but say to himself that she was beautiful beyond compare and he was fortunate to be with her. He just smiled awkwardly when she complimented him on his looks. “Thank you very much, and you always look stunning, as always,” he said, as he bowed low to her as a gentleman should. He then found himself shaking his head when she asked him if he was planning to get back inside. “Well actually I was planning to but seeing you here makes me think otherwise,” he replied, smiling at her. His eyes then darted to the cook she held at her hand. “You’re planning to read that today? Do you want me to accompany you?” he asked as he continued to gaze at her intently.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

Vasilisa was known for her warm greeting hugs and cheek to cheek actions to all girls she considered friends. However, Vasilisa never did that to boys. She greeted them normally with poise and regality for that was how she was raised. But, due to her all out sweetness to girls, one might think that she was an overly sweet girlfriend who kiss her boyfriend every chance she got. But, the truth was, that was the second time she ever kissed Christian. The first time she gave him a kiss on the cheek was his birthday and Vasilisa still could remember his reaction. It was similar to his reaction now and it made her smile now like it did before.

Christian was a confident person so it was a rare sight to see him awkward-looking. Vasilisa had to stifle her chuckles at the look on his face. As she watched him bow like a gentleman would, she wondered how on earth was that overwhelming amount of cuteness be bestowed on one human only. It was almost unfair. “Thank you.” She said softly, smiling at him. “Very good answer. I was hoping you’d join me by the lake.” She squeezed his hand and started leading him toward the lake. “Yes and yes. I think it’s a good book, Christian.” She handed the hard bound book over to his free hand. “It is a mystery book written in a mad killer’s perspective. I know it’s nowhere near my normal… choice of reading material but ever since I met, I mean heard of the murderer at the turnover, I had this desire to grasps the intricacies of his complex mind.” She told Christian as she sat down on the near the shady tree. “The lake is lovely at this time of the day.” She commented awkwardly after just saying she met the murderer at turnover.

[christian]

Christian touched his cheek lightly, on the spot where he was kissed. He could not help but remember that this was actually only the second time she kissed him. He absolutely valued the memory very much for she was not exactly the type of girl who would show openly her feelings for him through kissing him and stuff. Truth be told, he preferred it that way because it meant that she focused on him even more and she was indeed sweet and affectionate in her own simple way.

He then felt her hold his hand as she led him towards the lake edge. He just let himself be led by her and he could not help but wonder what the book she was holding could be about. He was not really the type who chose reading materials for himself and he would just usually read the books she recommends for him. When he found out that the book was a mystery novel written in a mad killer’s perspective, he could not help but think about the murderer he crossed swords with during the turnover ceremony. He then nodded in earnest agreement, knowing that she would never really choose such a book however her noble intentions spoke legions. “I understand. I mean, it’s certainly very fascinating to find out what they really think about,” he then said to her, looking serious. “I thought when I crossed swords with him I would be able to understand why he was doing all those things but I guess I’ll never really know what’s on his mind. I almost got myself killed in the process. I am just glad to be alive,” he then added as he held her hand tighter, as though he would not let go of it. “Yes, the lake is lovely but you are indeed lovelier, my dear,” he then said in a false manly tone, smiling at her. He really loved to make her swoon and be caught off-guard by his words.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

After explaining to him her thoughts on the book she had been intending on reading, she turned to him and waited for his reaction. She remembered how Janine looked at her when she saw her buy the book. Her guard did not have to speak, her face always conveyed over a thousand words. Knowing Christian was not as fond of book shopping and looking for something new to read as her, she was excited to hear what he had to say in her new reading material of choice.

She nodded in agreement after hearing him out. “Me too. I’m so glad you got out alive. I still can’t believe you left your guard’s side.” Vasilisa gave him a disapproving look for a while before feeling guilty of the same act and sighed. “I wish someone as insane as him could explain himself clearly you know… just for us normal humans to understand how his mind wo-.” She stopped in midsentence for she noticed some rude Slytherin boy looking intently at her skirt. Vasilisa blushed and fixed her skirt. When Christian reached for her hand, she let her hand be held by him and it was not long when she was, once again, caught off guard by one of his romantic as much as it was random compliments. “Thank you,” She turned to him, a warm smile on her lips. “Oh I’m so sorry about that.” Vasilisa blushed when she saw that her lip gloss left a very obvious glittery lip-shaped mark on Christian’s cheek. She took out her pale pink handkerchief and started to gently remove the mark, feeling her cheeks burn hotter and hotter as seconds passed by.

[christian]

Christian just smiled at her as he continued to hold her hand. As he gazed into the lake, he could not help but be enthralled by its pristine beauty. He could not believe that he would still be able to enjoy this view of the lake, with the girl he dearly loved. He merely listened to her talk about what had transpired during the Turnover ceremony and he merely chuckled as she scolded him for leaving his guard to join the battle. “Yeah, well Eddie already knows my capabilities and he trusts me that I would not get myself killed,” he then said, looking thoughtful. “He almost lost his guard status because they said he failed to secure me. That’s not true, I was the one who insisted on leaving,” he added as he remembered how he talked to his father about it, saying that he himself was the one who wanted to go through the danger.

As she talked about wishing that she would be able to know what was inside the psycho killer’s mind, he merely gave her a look that signified concern, because if he who was already battle hardened, had been unable to understand him, how much more someone who was vulnerable, like her? Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he saw a Slytherin boy looking intently at her skirt. His hands balled into fists and he could not help but get angry for daring to do such an act to her. “That boy better be ready when I meet him at the corridors, I’m really going to attack him,” he said in a menacing tone.

He then turned to look at her as she thanked him for his utterance of those lovely words. “You’re welcome, I have always loved to say that to you,” he then said, returning the warm smile she gave him with his own. Suddenly, he saw her blush and it was then that he noticed that she took out her handkerchief and began to remove the lip gloss mark on his cheek. If she was blushing at that point in time, it was nothing compared to the hot feeling creeping up on his face at that very second. He just could not understand how she had made him feel that way.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

Vasilisa rolled her eyes upon hearing Christian laugh at her little chastising. “I know I’m not good in telling people off. Well telling only you off, actually. No need to rub it in.” Vasilisa said in a teasing manner, a smile on her lips. “Well, you seemed to have earned Eddie’s trust and I don’t know if that’s a good thing. All I know is that it’s good he did not lose his job because of it.” Vasilisa grinned up at him and sighed. “I wish Janine would learn to trust me just like Eddie does you.” She added, a small pout on her lips.

“Hey, relax.” Vasilisa patted Christian’s hand, hoping it would calm him down. Deep within, she felt glad that he wanted to defend her but she did not want him getting in on a fight and possibly end up hurt. “I bet the way you look now is enough. Look, he’s already walking away.” Vasilisa added, watching the rude guy walk away hastily. She knew that whoever he was, he would not dare cross Christian after seeing his facial expression. “I know you do, that’s why you always surprise me with those types of line.” Vasilisa reached up and mess his hair up.

As she enjoyed the ever wonderful scenery in front of her with her boyfriend after the embarrassing lip gloss incident, she could not deny the fact that she felt safe beside Christian. Despite the danger the attacker posed at the turnover ceremony, Christian was able to keep Prue and her, unknowingly, alive. She had been wanting to thank him for saving her life and Prue’s too but she could not admit to him that she was the one who ‘looked like Prue’ at that moment in time. “Thanks for saving Prue’s life, again, Christian… She told me everything and she asked me to give you her thanks.” Vasilisa said sincerely, her gaze focus on his face alone and it was evident on her bluish violet eyes how truly grateful she was.

[christian]

Christian gave her a goofy grin as Vasilisa started telling him that she was not good in telling people off, especially him in particular. “Well, apparently you’re still too soft with me. You ought to start teasing me more,” he said as he placed his hand lightly on the top of her head, stroking it gently. “Well trust is certainly something that is earned over a long period of time. I’m sure Janine trusts you very much; she is merely following your father’s orders to keep you safe. Apparently it seemed that you were trying to escape her at some point in time isn’t it?” he added, looking at her intently. He himself was guilty of that last statement he had just said; it was only right that he always have to save Eddie whenever his father asks him to explain why he wasn’t doing his job.

Despite the fact that the rude guy had already left, he still followed the guy’s movements through his peripheral vision, apparently trying to memorize his features. When Vasilisa patted his hand to try and calm him down, he felt his anger dissipate into nothing. Deep inside, he silently thanked her for doing so, because if his anger got the best of him, he would’ve leapt down and engaged him in a fist fight. “Thank you. I guess my anger almost got the best of me. I bet he wouldn’t want to mess up with me if we meet in the corridors,” he then said apologetically. He knew that whatever he was thinking to do would just get him into trouble. He was then caught off-guard when she messed his hair up. He merely smiled at her and enjoyed the attention she gave him.

When Vasilisa expressed her gratitude for saving her cousin Prudence’s life, he merely nodded fervently to show his affirmation. Deep inside, he felt quite sad for Prue because she would be the constant target of the murderer and he knew that the man would not stop until he puts her into eternal sleep. “Tell her I appreciate her thanks and that she should always watch her back,” he then said in response. “You know, I feel sorry for her. She seemed like she was suffering too much. Is she having problems? You know, she must have a guard of her own. She’s a noble after all. Maybe that would keep her safe until we managed to put this murderer behind impenetrable prison bars,” he added, looking very serious. His blue eyes caught sight of her bluish violet ones and he could see her concern on them. “I guess you should take care of her more. You know when I saw her there at the ceremony, she seemed lost, and thinking that giving up her life to that madman would solve everything. It was a good thing I managed to change her views on self-preservation,” he then said, as he remembered vividly the event.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

Vasilisa raised one delicate eyebrow at him. “Tell me, how does one tease a Christian Rosier?” Vasilisa eyed Christian, her expression quizzical. The smile on her lips widened when he gave her head gentle strokes, both similar and different from the way her father patted her head whenever she did something that he was ‘specially’ proud of. When it was Christian doing it, however, she always felt that she was cared for and loved and as a result, she could not help but smile at him, one the turned upside down at the mention of Janine.“I knew that. It’s just, she always seems to think that I’m still a seven year old girl who will get her hand stuck on a cookie jar if she let me out of her sight even for just a second. But you’re right, I sometimes go out of my way to get out of her sight.” Vasilisa sighed. “You should have seen the way she looked at me at turnover.” Vasilisa shook her head, exasperation vivid on her face.

Vasilisa noticed how vexed Christian was and she could not help but be relieved that he seemed to have calmed down at her little gesture. As she pretended to not notice how Christian seemed to be trying to memorize the rude guy’s facial features, Vasilisa kept an eye on the guy. He seemed familiar the first time she saw him and then all of a sudden she knew why. She knew exactly why he had acted like he did a while ago. He was the same maniac she met in the girl's bathroom when she was in her second year. He just sported a new haircut and a new hair color. It was good that Christian did not seem to recognize him or he would have been angrier than he already was a while ago. “Magnus.” Vasilisa said, a tinge of hate and fear tainted her soft voice. She regreted uttering his name the moment she let it slip. Just then, Christian’s apologetic remark snapped her out of her reverie. “I’m sure he wouldn’t. I’m positive you scared him off.” Vasilisa forced a smile, not wanting Christian to noticed how she felt about seeing Magnus once again, not wanting him to realize anything at that moment.

The urge to say thank you to him for saving her life was almost too much for her to stifle but, thanks to her amazing self-control she managed. “I’ll let her know.” Vasilisa smiled once more, feeling lucky to be with a person like Christian. Not only was he caring, he was also someone who could defend you when danger comes. “Me too… I agree, she should have a guard….” Vasilisa paused for a while, pondering ways on how to secure a guard for Prudence after the advance guard numbers diminished. “I’ll try sending my father an owl. I’m sure he can assign her at least one guard. That is a very good idea, Christian. Thank you.” Vasilisa said after a few moments of silence, a smile on her face. “She became that hopeless? I saw her ran off from the south chamber… I had no idea she intended to give the murderer her life. I- I thought she went to fight him alone. I thought it was foolish of her but I did- I- Thank you for telling me this.” Vasilisa told Christian sincerely, and just from the way her cheek rested on her palm to the tone of her voice it was obvious that she was troubled.

[christian]

Christian laughed loudly when Vasilisa asked him that ‘hard’ question. He knew that even though she did not realized it, she was already showing him her many ways of ‘teasing’ him, and he loved that. “Are you always that naïve? Even though you do not realize it, you are ‘teasing’ me in many ways, and that’s what I like a lot about you,” he said, smiling at her and playfully ruffled her beautiful hair. He then noticed her smile turning into a frown and realized that whatever he said must have hit her hard. “I’m sorry; I didn’t really mean it that way. I guess Janine is just too zealous with her job. Remember the guard’s mantra? ‘They come first.’ And every guard has to live by it. You know, Eddie once told me that he was starting to hate that mantra and I told him he didn’t really need to save me, he must save his life first,” he then explained to her, trying to enlighten her on her guard’s over protective behavior.

As he studied the guy’s features, he realized for a brief moment why his blood boiled so suddenly upon seeing him. Apparently, it seemed that he had already encountered him at some point of his life; however, one bad thing about him was that he has a terrible memory, and that he always had a lot of trouble remembering past events that happened to him. When he heard Vasilisa utter the name of the supposed rude guy, he tried racking his brains as to what role that guy played in his past memory. “Magnus huh? So that’s his name…” he then uttered, looking a bit puzzled. He then surveyed her face and he could sense something wrong with her. It seemed that the rude guy had a lot to do with her and he wondered what could it be. Suddenly, everything clicked into place and he remembered. “Oh I remember now! He was that maniac who was trying to harass you in the girl’s bathroom back in second year. I only know him by his surname, Tarus. Now I know why my blood boiled automatically upon seeing him,” he then said, apparently enlightened. He then remembered the event and realized that if not for my timely intervention, that guy would have succeeded. And that was also the start of him falling for her. “Don’t worry, I won’t tail him in class or something. You know, I have to thank him because if not for him, I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you.”

Christian looked at her once again and realized that Vasilisa looked really troubled about her cousin. He could see that she was indeed concerned with her welfare. He could not help but feel the same way also, because he himself had seen how fragile she seemed. “I hope your father manages to find a skilled guard for her, the guard numbers are really dwindling. If not for that murderer killing them, everyone should have had a fair chance,” he stated, looking livid. “I guess she thought that by doing so, she would be able to put a stop to all this. I appreciate her altruism but apparently, giving up her life for the sake of satisfying that murderer’s bloodlust is really a waste. I mean, that maniac stated himself that he even killed his own mother? Where’s the justice in that?” he then suddenly stood up, a mixture of emotions showing on his face. He just could not understand why he suddenly felt such emotions. “I just could not understand him. This is so unlike me,” he merely said, his face showing signs of resignation.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

“I hate it when people call me naïve.” Vasilisa said coldly, staring at Christian intently and looking dead serious. After about five long seconds of heavy silence, she laughed. Vasilisa just wanted to see what his reaction would be. “No ruffling the hair. You may touch it but no ruffling.” Vasilisa reprimanded with a hint of grumbling as she hit his hand with hers playfully, still laughing. Vasilisa was quite shocked at Christian’s reaction. She was just being her usual expressive and dramatic self and he, apparently, took her frown seriously. Despite this, she could not help but smile at him. He obviously was just taking care of her feelings. If she really was hurt by Janine’s lack of trust, he would have been there to make her see things in a different way. “I know that. I was just being grumbly. You know me. I know how lucky I am to have Janine as my guard. She’s not only dedicated but also, she is one of the most skilled guards out there.” Vasilisa sighed. “The problem is she’s too skilled. It’s hard to get away from her whenever I…. have to do things on my own.” Vasilisa half-stated, half-asked.

Vasilisa kept an eye on Christian discreetly, not wanting to look like she was ogling at him for that would be, under any circumstances, unbecoming of a noble. As she did this, she also observed Magnus’ retreating form, as if to make sure that he won’t go anywhere near them. Vasilisa secretly feared him and hated him at the same time. But, she had something on him and she probably always will. And just as she remembered everything that she discovered that lazy afternoon, Vasilisa found herself wanting to tail him… to remind him of what she knew. Just like that, Magnus turned around and faced her. It’s good you’re not losing your touch. She thought coolly to herself, remembering how skilled of a legilimens Magnus was. He was unlike any wizard. He could actually read minds and hear the words one was thinking. She gave him a look that clearly meant: I remember everything. She would have been relieved by then but the look she gave him reminded her that everything was mutual in their ’relationship’. She felt something like a brick drop in her stomach as she remembered that he had something on her too… Vasilisa cringed when Christian suddenly spoke up. For a moment, she actually forgot that he was there. And to her surprise, he seemed to have realized it. “Right. Um yeah, I guess you should thank him.” Vasilisa said awkwardly, trying to sound casual.

Vasilisa’s face, which had been the home of concern and worry for a while was replaced with cold anger. “That ripper must be cursed to the fiery pits of nothingness. How can someone be so incredibly bad?” Vasilisa suddenly said, her desperation and rage obvious in her tone. Christian was right. Prudence would have had a number of guards if it weren’t for that ripper ripping them all apart. “I’m so thankful you put a stop to her altruistic actions at that point in time. It would have been a disaster, Christian. She would have died. I don’t know what I’d do if Prue died.” Vasilisa sighed and buried her face in her hands. When she felt Christian stand up, she turned to him and when she saw the look on his face, she automatically stood up and said. “I’m happy you don’t understand him because I’ll be afraid if you do. It’s obvious that he’s too far gone and to understand someone like him, you’d have to be like him. And, I’m glad you aren’t.” Vasilisa said softly, staring at his eyes intently as she absently played with his hand.

[christian]

Christian was surprised when Vasilisa’s demeanor suddenly changed. He realized that she seemed not pleased with his so-called ‘sweet’ gestures. He immediately got the hint and he slowly withdrawn his hand from her hair, looking really apologetic. He casted a glance once again on her and he could see the mixture of her emotions regarding what he had just said. Deep inside, he wanted to curse himself for talking too much. He should have had enough tact and insight to know that the very topic about her guardian was probably one of the most serious topics that struck a particular nerve with her. He listened to what she had to say and he realized that he utterly misunderstood her plight. He then averted his eyes, unable to look at her for he was ashamed for what he just did. “I understand. I also feel the same way. We all have a desire to be independent…to somehow prove to everyone that we could do things on our own,” he then said, looking extremely down. He could feel his own aura darken for he never felt such emotions before. He hoped that she would not notice the change.

He then continued to observe the rude boy’s retreating figure and immediately realized that there was something utterly different with him. It seemed that the guy could read everything he was thinking and through the ability, he was establishing some sort of connection with Vasilisa. He then turned his eyes towards her and judging from her expression, it seemed that she was talking to him, although nonverbally. He immediately did not like what he was seeing, although he tried his best to hide it. He merely continued to observe their nonverbal conversation and from the looks of it, he knew where it would lead. And since he already knew, he shut down his mind completely to stop himself from reacting. He knew the guy sensed this, for he made a gesture that seemed like he was bothered. He then continued to gaze at him, his eyes casting a faint shadow of hatred. He was apparently busy maintaining such a look that he hardly heard Vasilisa’s reply to what he had just said.

He was suddenly taken by surprise when she suddenly bursted out. He never knew that she could be so utterly affected by what had happened at the ceremony. It was as if she had experienced it herself. He wondered whether she was able to see everything that happened, but it seemed like it was impossible. He merely nodded in reply as she thanked him for saving Prudence from trying to give up her life senselessly to the so-called ripper. When he then saw her bury her face on her hands, he felt his heart breaking for he did not want to see her like that. He then felt the desire to hug her and tell her that everything would be alright but he stopped himself from doing so for he felt that it did not seem appropriate as of the moment. He was still absorbed in his reverie regarding the things he had just said when she suddenly stood up and said that she was glad that he did not managed to understood the murderer, for it meant that he would have to be like him. For a moment, Christian’s thoughts went awry and his mind went back to the time he was fighting the murderer. He knew that there was a moment that he managed to understand what he was thinking, but figured that maybe it was because they crossed swords. “When you cross swords with someone, it is also like a battle of wills. There would be a moment where in both swordsmen understood their motives for fighting each other and that makes all the difference,” he then said in reply, as he squeezed her hand tightly, never wanting to let go.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

Vasilisa’s laughter was cut short at the look on Christian’s face. He seemed really apologetic. Again, he must have taken her words seriously. She could not deny the fact that her heart melted merely by just looking at him. He was too good to be true. The way he handled himself around her made her think he was always concerned about her feelings. “Hey, I’m sorry. It’s not what you think. Look, Christian, I was joking, really.” Vasilisa took his hand, the one he used to ruffle her hair, placed it back on the top of her head, started shaking his hand so that his hand ruffled her hair, and eyed him with an encouraging smile. After just a few moments, Christian was once again looking down. This time, Vasilisa’s already melted heart evaporated away. Not knowing what to say, she leaned on him, put an arm around him, started rubbing his shoulder and placed her head on his other shoulder.

After a few moments of unspoken conversation between Magnus and her, she was apprehensive about her future. The look in his face was hard to forget and even though he was no longer within sight, she still could see the look on his face. Knowing that he was crazy enough to risk his reputation and deliberately just go out of his way to destroy her, Vasilisa felt her heartbeat speed up. Magnus Tarus was probably the craziest person she had ever met and she was fairly certain he was out to get her. The mere thought of it filled her with dread. She took in a deep breath and turned to face Christian. Christian… At the thought of him, she felt a part of her sink. If Christian ever knew what she did... she was unsure if he’d ever look at her the same way he was looking at her now. What happened with Magnus had always filled her with shame.

Vasilisa eyed Christian for a while and thought of losing him was too much for her to bear. He was an honourable young man. He was fine gentleman. He was also intelligent. The way he stringed his words together, the way he spoke about the moment he crossed swords with the murderer, and the look on his face affirmed all her earlier statements. Her feelings for him heightened, if the was even possible since she had always loved him oh so much. Right then and there, she swore to herself she would not allow Magnus or anyone to destroy what she and Christian had. They had true love and she was going to protect no matter what it takes. “I love you.” She said softly, her gaze on their holding hands. “I love you, Christian. Don’t ever forget that.” She said, gazing into his eyes in a searching manner, her tone and her face conveyed how sincere and serious she was about what she uttering.