The Essence Of The Darkness
Episode 48: The Dilemma

Elana's body seemed to be fixated on the spot, unable to move. There was a sense of horror that felt painfully crawling along his spine and making his hair stand up. Then, the cold metal felt stuck to his neck, shivering as the sharp side of the glittering blade rubbed against the surface of his skin with a touch as light as a spider web. The knife scratched his skin, inflicting a thin, painless pain that instantly whack his body.

Elana frowned and her body trembled when she realized a slender but strong arm was encircling her body, holding her back hard so that she could not move. Then, the figure behind him moved closer and closer until the heat from his body stuck to Elana's back, while the warm steam from his breath that was slowly blown, felt tickling on the side of his ear.

A soft, seductive voice rang out later, like the humming of the death requirem of the life-revoking angel he whispered into the ears of dying men before he swung his scythe to harvest lives.

"I told you, didn't I? I'll find you, Elana," the whisper sounded familiar and terrible.

With the trembling of the increasingly uncontrollable, Elana forced her stiff neck of fear to turn her head, figuring out the source of the answer to her curiosity.

His eyes widened when he found a handsome figure that looked weak, but was currently grinning towards him with an uncontrollable crazy smile.

Xavier!!

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***

Elana opens her eyes when the horror that almost blew her heart away successfully forces her consciousness to rise to the surface and wake her from a terrible nightmare.

Sitting on top of the bed, Elana felt her chest suffocated, making her sting as she inhaled in panic, trying to get as much oxygen into her chest cavity.

The nuances of the room were still dark, without any sunlight penetrating the thick glass-lined ventilation grille at the top of the wall near the roof, indicating that dawn had not even come to greet the sky. A cold sweat trickled down Elana's forehead, and horrified when the lucid dream came back, Elana shuddered in fear as she hugged the blanket on her chest so tightly.

Perhaps the files that Akram showed him earlier, as well as the story of Xavier's complete abomination, turned out to be stored as a terrible memory in the subconscious in Elana's brain, so when Elana closed her eyes and dissolved in the dreamland, the memory wriggled awake, to then infiltrate into Elana's beautiful dreams and manifest themselves as the most terrible nightmare figure....

Elana blinked her eyes, exhaling a long breath several times after she managed to gain control of herself and neutralize her breath. Her throat felt dry then, making Elana decide to flick her blankets and step down from the bed to get some drinking water.

For a moment, as her feet traced the thick fur carpet that stretched almost to the entire side of the room, Elana looked at the confusion in all directions trying to find out, where she was at the moment.

It's in Akram's room.

After realizing the dark and spacious nuances of the room that was different from her room, Elana realized that this was Akram's room. Last night, on a large sofa that became his living room, the man made his whole speech to teach Elana various things that will turn cheeks if remembered, he said, elana was too exhausted to remember clearly. She doesn't even remember how Akram picked her up so she could end up in the man's bed.

Elana shook her head to get rid of the foggy thoughts that were filling her head, then stepped into the corner of the room she knew there was a small minibar where there was also a bottled mineral water to drink. Slowly Elana took one of the available bottled water, then downed it in a few big gulps to wet her dry and sore throat.

When Elana put down her water bottle that had been toilet, a movement sounded from the direction of the bed.

"What's wrong?"

A male roar that had been forcefully awakened from sound suddenly sounded from beside Elana, leaving Elana aghast filled with shock.

Elana turns her head and finds that Akram has awakened. The man's eyes still looked foggy, as if he had not woken up completely from his sleep.

"I was drinking" Elana gulped before replying, deciding not to tell the man about her nightmare.

"Oh," the man seemed slow to digest Elana's reply as it gave a moment's pause before then asking back. "Have you? Drink it?"

Elana nodded quickly then gave a weak answer, "Already,"

Akram unexpectedly patted the side of the bed, just under his arm, close to his hug.

"Then, come here. It was still early morning and the sky was still dark. We can sleep a little longer before we get ready to go to work," he softly bargained, but of course implied a demanding tone that he accepted the rejection in his voice.

Elana actually wants to reject Akram's offer to return to bed with her. Not because it is working hours in Akram's office that adapts the new ten to five system starting at ten noon and ending at five in the afternoon, but more because Elana was afraid that Akram would attack her again and satisfy her lust until Elana was completely exhausted.

Acram as if he could read what was churning in Elana's mind, the man thinned his lips, then patted the side of the bed again to invite her.

"Come here. I'll just hug you and go back to sleep. I had an important meeting this morning and you have to work too. Last night, I kept touching you and didn't let you sleep until a while ago. So, I know that we both need to rest" he promised in a serious tone.

For a moment, Elana hesitated. It felt like he went back to his room and slept alone instead of taking the risk with Akram. However, the memory of her nightmare that happened just now made Elana back up and filled with fear that was immediately her nomenor for a moment.

Maybe by being near Akram, he can feel safer not not a nightmare anymore...

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Elana dragged her feet back to the bed, then climbed up to her empty side and lay there. Akram naturally - as if he had often done so hundreds of times - immediately wrapped his arms around Elana's body and brought Elana closer to her arms until Elana lay on her side\-facing\, he cuddled his arms with his face docked to Akram's chest.

Elana's cheeks clung to Akram's exposed chest surface. The skin touched the skin and the warmth of Akram's body that was so close felt soothing. Elana then let out a long sigh, closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

Shortly afterwards, Akram's chest was felt moving up and down quietly, a sign that it had wrapped around him again.

Meanwhile, Elana remains lying in Akram's arms for some time, trying to sleep but still having trouble reaching for dreams. Then, amid the silence that stretched from inside the dim room, there was the sound of teeth cracking from Akram, which made Elana immediately move away the body a little, then raised his head to look at the man in surprise.

Akram, who was sleeping on his back with his arm around Elana, looked very different when sleeping compared to when the man was conscious. When his eyes opened, Akram naturally spread a terrifying aura full of powerful threats, making anyone who had to be close to him become reluctant and frightened. Unlike when the man slept, the entire defense that fortified him seemed to be removed, making Akram seem so relaxed and innocent. Also, the closed eyes closed the access to his eyeballs that were so sharp as to penetrate the soul, making Akram not scary anymore.

The clashing sound of teeth was heard again, this time it happened right when Elana was staring at Akram and watching him. The man seemed to make a chewing motion by pitting his molar teeth, but of course nothing was chewed in his mouth.

Does Akram have a habit of grinding teeth when sleeping? Maybe all this time Elana did not realize it because she was too exhausted when sleeping with Akram?

Suddenly Elana got an idea in her head, she gulped, then brought her lips closer to Akram's ear and whispered slowly.

"Baked salmon," that was the menu she saw Akram often ordered for her lunch, Elana whispered in a stern voice, trying to penetrate Akram's dreamland.

Unexpectedly Akram responded, grinding his teeth back as if chewing something.

Elana thinned her lips withstanding a smile, then she tried again.

"Steak the cow" he whispered.

Her smile widened as Akram clenched his teeth again, almost Elana giggled amusedly if he did not immediately realize that his laughter could disturb Akram's deep sleep.

Benak Elana revolves around looking for other strange menus that look often ordered by Akram. Not knowing the names of the strange food, Elana finally gave up. Next, when she whispered again, Elana whispered the name of her own favorite food that just flashed in her brain.

"Es cream and strawberry cake,"

Immediately Akram frowned with a real disgusted expression even though his eyes were closed. The man did not even grind his teeth anymore, making Elana realize that Akram really did not like sweet food.

Elana covered her mouth with her hands to hold back the amused laughter that was about to jump from her mouth, she stopped her silly activities disturbing Akram who was deep, then coiled up again, clinging to Akram's body, soaking up the man's warmth and seeking comfort there, cushioned Akram's open arms and chest.

By reflex, Akram's hand moved back and grabbed Elana close to him, as if to provide protection even while Elanan was sleeping.

Elana closed her eyes, all the horrors of her nightmare were being driven away already, alternating with a sense of pleasure that lightened the entire burden of the soul. For some reason, this time he felt a different kind of peace and serenity in Akram's arms.

Akram will protect her. He'll be safe with Akram. Elana decides that she will trust Akram completely and puts her safety in the hands of Akram.

While thinking like that, Elana was more and more lulled into dreamland and drowned in her peaceful deep sleep. Something he hadn't felt for a long time.

***

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For some time, the man just kept silent as if scanning for Gabriella Then, unexpectedly the man let out a long sigh, saying, to then kneel before Gabriella and use her beautiful slender fingers to touch her chin, raising her to look straight into her eyes.

"My name is Xavier" the man smiled gently. "I'm sorry because I haven't introduced myself politely last night,"

Gabriella's eyes widened as the man's charming tenderness made her breathing involuntarily turn uncontrollably breathless.

Which woman's heart will not beat uncontrollably when looked at this close and rewarded with the tenderness of a perfect figure that is like a real adonis embodiment in the real world?

"You... Did you see me last night? How could I end up here ..." Gabriella's voice was blocked when the pain hit her head back, creating a strong throbbing pain in her nerve center. Not to mention, his soaked body made him shiver and uncomfortable.

Xavier clucked at Gabriella's condition, then he gestured with his hand towards his men.

"Ah, I'm sorry our accommodation was so disrespectful in welcoming guests" she whispered softly, still smiling at Gabriella.

But, as his eyes turned towards his men, a terrifying lightning that showed his true nature appeared there. "Get this beautiful Miss a towel to dry her body and a change of clothes. Do not forget to give aspirin to relieve the hangover," after giving the order, Xavier slowly moved from his kneeling position, then stepped back.

His demeanor was impeccably elegant, but when stared at with jelly, there was a beam of disgust in his expression looking at Gabriella's disheveled condition after being run over by alcohol, experiencing a hangover when waking up and currently in a drenched condition that makes the thick makeup fade is not bad.

"Please clean up and change your clothes, miss. I'll wait in the dining room. My men will take you there when you're ready. Breakfast and warm drinks will be prepared for you there," Xavier made a servant-style bow in a half-tempting gesture towards Gabriella, then turned around and left the room.

Meanwhile Gabriella was still fixated on staring at the closed door in front of her. The fascination still encompassed her, making her soul float by hope.

Did the misfortune that surrounded him after fishing for the wrath of Akram Night finally end? Could it be that he was crazy about her beauty and decided to kick Gabriella out of that rundown nightclub, and make Gabriella his girlfriend?

A smile of satisfaction suddenly flashed on Gabriella's lips. Judging from the interior of this magnificent house and the many subordinates who were obedient to the man, it was certain that the man was quite rich and powerful. Gabriella is very confident, after this she will manage to return to her luxurious life that yesterday had left her.

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Xavier played the knife in his hand in a quiet silence. The knife was made of pure silver, was one of the sets of fancy tableware currently arranged in an orderly arrangement on the dining table, next to the gold-threaded plates neatly arranged there.

This knife may have been intended only for cutting food, but, if it was thrust into a human body, Xavier was confident that the damage would be as fatal if he had used a sharp dagger. In fact, the damaging effects can be more fatal because a dulled knife will tear more flesh and skin tissue, causing irregular gaping wounds that will make it difficult for doctors to sew together....

The sound of the door opening and his men entering the dining room distract Xavier from the daydream, making him put the silver knife back into its original position on the table.

"Mr Xavier, Miss Gabriella is ready" said his men in a polite manner filled with reluctance.

Xavier nodded his head, then gestured for his men to bring Gabriella in and they were left alone.

Shortly after, Gabriella stepped into the dining room. With a glowing face and a fresh expression full of confidence, wearing a knee-length white dress that stuck right to the curves of her body, and did not forget to show off her beautiful legs. His head was still a little sore, but the medicine given by one of Xavier's men had eased it until it felt much better. Now, Gabriella is filled with the determination to make Xavier even more enchanted to her.

There was no makeup to polish her face, but her sloppy face she believed was pretty enough, not to mention Gabriella exerting all the beauty of her body with a seductive saddle approaching the dining table.

Xavier's expression was illegible as he got up and courteously pulled Gabriella over, then sat down again in her chair and let Gabriella enjoy breakfast.

Gabriella's eyes widened at the delicious fancy breakfast menu that made the inside of her mouth sore with drool dripping endlessly. Ever since Akram Night ruined her career and bankrupted her, Gabriella has had to survive on low-end food that tastes disgusting.

Really at this time Gabriella wanted to devour the dish in front of her so greedily. But, of course he can't do that in front of Xavier. Her appetite was withheld and Gabriella forced herself to enjoy the dish in front of her with an elegant demeanor, as Xavier currently did in front of her.

They enjoyed the meal in silence until Gabriella almost finished her meal. Xavier seemed to be waiting quietly and not trying to start a conversation until Gabriella emptied her plate and sipped the fragrant warm heh te presented to her.

"You must be confused as to why you ended up in my house. But believe me, we have a connection. I intend to give you some help, but before I need some clarity regarding someone related to the two of us." Xavier immediately spoke as Gabriella put down her tea glass.

Gabriella frowned. Can't help but ask.

"Who?"

"Kram Night," Xavier immediately replied in a sharp tone. "I think you've made Akram Night so angry that your life is so mired that unfortunately, huh?" xavier's eyes were dimmed by a ray of deep sympathy, making Gabriella feel her chest tight wanting to whine and cry spoiled.

Does Xavier feel jealous and doubtful that Gabeiella might still have feelings for Akram Night? Gabriella must try to convince Xavier that she is ready to start a new relationship with Xavier completely and forget Akram Night as her past!

"I am completely innocent, and I also know that Akram really did not want to dump me! He loves me too much to do it!" gabriella's eyelashes twitched beautifully, beginning to get wet with tears seeping down. "But that witch.he must have used magic to make Akram Night submit to him!" gabriella's chest rose and fell with emotion, while her voice was blocked filled with a turbulent anger that burned her heart.

"The witch?" Xavier tilted his head looking interested, luring Gabriella to speak even further.

"Yes, that poor little witch! She.. somehow the lowly woman can captivate Akram Night until he is insane again. Imagine that!! I slapped the lowly cleaning service lady because she wasn't so good and ruined my dress. But you know what Akram Night did? He even used his own hands to slap me! All of that was just to defend that lowly woman!!" gabriella's face this time reddened with emotion, and her chest undulated withstanding a tempestuous rage. "Akram must have been struck by magic! Even after, Akram still holds a grudge against me! Destroying my life and career just for the sake of a lowly woman! Though logically, if not for magic.how could a cleaning service...."

"Cleaning Service?" Xavier re-emphasized his question in an urgent voice. His hands clenched as a bad premonition began to crawl his soul. "Are you sure that the woman who is so precious to Akram Night and who is behind him desperately, is just a cleaning service?"

"The rotten woman was wearing a cleaning service uniform! How could I be wrong?! Then.. oh!" gabriella's eyes shone when she remembered something important. "The rotten witch has a name! Sticking to his chest! Her name is Lana! yeah, Lana!" Gabriella stared at Xavier expectantly. "If you really want to help me, you have to find that witch named Lana for me, Xavier! You have to find him and bring him here! Let me beat the woman to the ground before giving her death!"

Xavier's hands clenched hearing Gabriella's entire barrage of disturbing words. His fist was so strong that his knuckles turned white. Meanwhile, Xavier looked deathly pale with a frown. furrowed deeply as if enduring pain that was very listening to the reality that Gabriella threw at him.

"Only I can destroy Akram Night's beloved girl," as he spoke later, the trace of pain on Xavier's face suddenly vanished, replaced by a terrible madness that was not hidden anymore, tarnishing the good looks of his face. "You, who are a lowly woman, won't get a chance to touch your hands to her!"

"A... what?" Gabriella looked up and looked at Xavier confusedly. Xavier's sudden change in attitude and expression somehow left him crawled with fear. "What...mu mean..you?" gabriella's voice was broken when she suddenly felt a whack of pain and beat her body mercilessly. The pain made her blood stir, so Gabriella seemed to be able to smell the fishy scent of blood that filled her nose and mouth.

Gabriella reflexively moves her hands to touch her nose and mouth. His eyes widened when he felt the warm liquid of blood flowing from there. Xavier looked at him with wide eyes in fear mixed with confusion. He wanted to scream and ask, but his throat was full of blood bubbling up, until Gabriella opened her mouth, not the sound coming out, but the blood spurted.

Xavier seemed to be sitting quietly in his chair, observing Gabriella with a gentle and horrifying expression.

"You know, I own a company engaged in the development of biological weapons." Xavier spoke slowly and his smile widened at every word that slid from his lips. "Congratulations, Gabriella. You have the honor of tasting our newest biological weapon. The researchers called it a 'blood-melting poison', a drug that is odorless, tasteless and undetectable, even by one of the most formidable sniffer dogs. Therefore, it can easily be mixed in food and drinks without being discovered. The poison melted all the blood vessels in the body of the victim until it became porridge.... In the end, when the victim realizes the pain. Bleeding is everywhere and the body is broken. You would melt and end up being a disgusting blood clot until your corpse could not be recognized anymore, " Xavier smiled broadly at Gabriella's dark reddened bulging eyes as the veins there began to disintegrate.

"You.. you said.. will... help me....." Gabriella was still trying to speak in tandem with the devastation and terrible pain that plagued her body.

Xavier wiped his mouth with the white cloth available on the table, then stepped up from his seat. His eyes filled with cruelty and flashes of disgust filled.

"I did help you. I helped you end your rotten and useless life, "coldly Xavier said, then elegantly left the room. Not at all concerned with the body of Gabriella who collapsed helplessly, losing life in a terrible way, where the creepy blood flow continues to flow incessantly from every pore of his body.

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JUST REMINDER