The Devil's Love

||. Chapter 59: Home .||

Ten fingers, ten toes. Everything is intact. The cold wind seeped through her bones, causing her to curl up within the blanket. Chatters in the hallways alerted her about the morning visiting hours as she pulled the cover closer to her and held up the necklace hanging on her neck. Putting it under the sunlight allowed the tiny circle sparkled in flames of pearl river grey. She hummed, watching the sunrise, shutting her eyes at the memories that flashed through her mind each time she relax. They were a mix of both worlds, pleasant and complex. Stretching herself in the bed, Ansel decided to sit up only to hear the screeching sound of no other than Annika who began to mutter words in her own mother tongue that she could barely pick out. 

"Slow down," Ansel said, laughing at the excitement written all over Annika's face who tackled her for a tight hug. "Yes, I miss you too. Calm down, Annika. I don't need you lying down in a bed next to me just because of all the adrenaline overpumping in your system." 

"You, of all people are going to tell me that," Annika huffed, meeting Ansel's gaze and knocked her forehead with her fingers. "I am not listening to someone who decided to sacrifice herself so openly for anyone she cares. Where were all the boundaries you told me about? You put me in a mess, worrying about you each day and night. Anyways, it is such a joy to see you awake and yapping away. Are you hungry? I could get you something to eat. Oh, I need to tell Jiang about this!" 

"He's not here?" Ansel questioned, watching Annika dialling Jiang's number. 

"No, today is his day off," Annika answered, putting her phone on speaker and when the elder did pick up, she squinted her eyes at the words thrown at her. 

"Annika, I told you. She's fine. My colleagues will take a look at her at noon. They..." 

Ansel smirked, taking the phone from Annika and cleared her throat. 

"She's fine. She doesn't need anyone to look after her but she would head home and not let you sleep peacefully from now on," 

Silence echoed from the phone. The sound of sheets being thrown aside and car keys jingling filled the environment. Annika suppressed her laughter, watching Ansel trying so hard not to laugh at Jiang's abrupt actions. The door creaked, followed by his boots clicking against the garage only to stop by the gate. Once they heard the sound of the engine roared, the line was cut off. Ansel laughed, returning the phone to Annika. 

"He didn't even say a word," Ansel spoke. "He's not going to strangle me when he reaches here, will he? I am playing a lot of ugly thoughts in my head now, Annika. Talk to me." 

"He's been worried about you for the past one month," Annika answered, sitting on the chair. "All I could say is that he would probably hug you so tight that you would explode." 

Ansel laughed. She missed her housemates, yet something felt lost in between. Reaching out to the necklace, she stared at the circle that hung fit around her neck. During her time in Males' tiny home, she read about the dangers of a guardian or angel of the Dead falling in love with a human. They weren't supposed to have a lover, but Angelo belongs to her and she wasn't going to let the fact slip away. To see him unharmed would be the best way to assure her that Angelo is alright, but she knew that it would be some time before they meet again. 

"He did fulfil his promise in bringing you back," Annika mused, reaching out to hold onto Ansel's cheeks, gently caressing them. "You finally found someone who really cares about you. Someone who puts you first in their life, more than anything else. Speaking of that, will Angelo be visiting us again? I am planning to get some delicious meals going for him when he visits. A small gesture of thank you for bringing Ansel's soul back in one piece." 

"Maybe," Ansel answered shortly. "He will visit us when the time is right. After all, we all have duties to fulfil. I still have an event to organize."