Back to Thorn Hill ✓

Part V

"Stop. Wait!" Alexandra cried before Kokei stepped out the gate of the mansion. She was resolved not to let him disappear again. She needed to hear the truth from his mouth, and she would risk her life—her soul—to get it.

"You are the Devil, aren't you?"

"The Devil." Kokei chuckled amused. "No, unfortunately I'm just a man; a bored and lonely time traveler, taking delight in playing with the past for the sake of changing the course of history, reversing the fate of conquerors and conquered."

Alexandra blinked. "Are you kidding me?"

"Not at all." Kokei closed the distance between them with a few elegant strides. "I've never told this to anyone, but you... I feel you're special, Alexandra. It's a long time that I'm looking for something, without actually knowing what. But I think I understand, now—or in the past. Perhaps it's not a coincidence that we're both back at Thorn Hill, after all."

Before Alexandra could realize his intentions, Kokei held her with passion and firmness—with possession. However, she didn't feel prisoner into his embrace. She could have freed herself easily, refused the invitation of his velvety lips and the languid strokes of his tongue; instead she unclosed her mouth, and let the inebriating taste of that kiss carry her away towards uncharted depths of feelings and desires.

Alexandra was beginning to reconsider her own definition of Fate and, above all, of Love.

"Come with me, Alexandra." The voice of Kokei was an erotic whisper. "We are alike, you and I. We can accomplish great things together. You won't have to fear anything by my side. You'll stay forever young, and you'll be able to visit any place, in any time."

"Seriously?" asked Alexandra with astonishment.

"I've got a lot in my bag of tricks." The mischievous smile of Kokei was almost about to annihilate the rational part of Alexandra.

"But it is absurd playing to be God," she objected.

"First you accuse me of being the Devil, and now I'd be God? After all, I can manipulate time and space, I own the ability to create infinite worlds. What would you call me if not divine? Can you not picture me whispering at the ear of Moses?"

Alexandra wrinkled her nose at the sarcastic tone of Kokei. "No, I say it again—you're the Devil."

"Together we can find out if humans are truly destined to make the same mistakes over and over, or if by changing given circumstances it is possible to get a new outcome. You can make a difference."

Alexandra stared at him without words.

"Take some time to figure it out. I'll come at midnight. Then I will leave again—with you, I hope."

The mouth of Kokei brushed against hers one last time and Alexandra inhaled his perfume, holding him tight as if she might lose him forever right after finding him.