Due to the numerous homicides, one-by-one, the girls in the boarding school began to evacuate. Announcing they'll only be back when it's safe.

You pretty much can tell almost everyone is fleeing since half of the stools in the classrooms are uninhabited, it got to the point where everyone's roommate is departing, leaving the room all to themselves.

Nevertheless, despite all the catastrophe, Seraphina was determined to finish schooling, ending her not to vacate the boarding school.

When the Headmistress hears of Seraphina's decision, she entirely rejoices. Seraphina was weirded out by this but came into verdict it was all due to one fewer student to scratch off their enrollees.

That dusk, the rain gushed harder than ever, sending chills down Seraphina's spine, her arms encircled around herself, shielding herself from the chill despite how solely clothed she is. Take note, she wore two additional cloaks but no effects took place.

The Headmistress called a meeting with the remaining girls in her headquarter, how there will be a change inside the boarding school due to the lack of scholars and educators.

Nonetheless, it was in the midst of the night, Seraphina was engrossed in her slumber when she was roused by the boisterous noise of the downpour outside, and there she saw it again, Zachary hunching in her bed as if he owns the place and actually had the rights to come into her chamber, staring down her, his hand on her cheek.

Yanking his wrist, thwarting him, Seraphina gaped back at Zachary, her brow-raising, "Just what do you think you're doing, Mr. Canning. Haven't I told you not to-"

Seraphina hadn't had the chance to finish her statement for Zachary placed his forefinger in her lips, hushing her, making his body come nearer hers.

With that, Seraphina could faultlessly tell the man before she is once again drunk. She knew this was horrible news because she could smell trouble. She cannot believe the man immigrated to her lair once again intoxicated.

On the verge of opening her mouth to revolt, Zachary, once again, cut her off by nuzzling her face, sending chills and warmth to her body.

"Don't worry, love, I stopped using those damn drugs, I didn't like one bit how it controlled me," reassured the drunkard, guilt passing through him.

Inhaling and exhaling with such resentment, Seraphina glared at Zachary whose eyes are half-closed, who reeks of alcohol, the first three buttons of his polo opened and wrinkled, the bags under his eyes heavy. Goodness, what has he gotten himself into again?

Regardless, Seraphina let out a stunning sigh when Zachary groped something behind him with his calloused hand for there lay a blonde doll, its hair reminding him of Zachary. Seraphina uttered profanity to herself for thinking of Zachary first instead of Dorian in the mention of blond hair.

"A doll for your doll-face," mumbled the intoxicated sleep-deprived man.

One could shriek at this very moment, frightened at the sight of such a doll, but for some reason, Seraphina found her delicate hands extending towards the doll before her, aware of Zachary's gaze upon her.

Just as Zachary was about to wrap his arms around her, thinking she finally accepted his apology, Seraphina gave him a dagger look.

"I still haven't forgiven you for your sin, Mister," uttered Seraphina, stroking the doll's hair, her emerald eyes boring to the man in her bed.

What is the devil even made him think to give her a doll could compensate at what he did. She was too foolish, and so, with such anger, she gripped the doll in her hand with such force and threw it across the wall, producing such a loud sound that might awaken the others but she didn't care.

Blue eyes following the broken doll who now lies on the floor, arm broken, Zachary's face persisted emotionless. It was as if he anticipated that to happen.

Frankly speaking, Seraphina expected him to get furious at what she just did but the movement Seraphina only caught him doing was lifting up his brow for a second.

And before Seraphina could remark about it, Zachary draped his arms around her, both his slender legs trapping her, the blanket's the only one separating them. His head tucked between her bare shoulder and head.

She could feel his chilling breath on her neck, tickling her. For an unknown reason, Seraphina found herself wanting to return the man's embrace for a second.

Confused and furious at herself, Seraphina shook his arms around her yet he remained persistent. She knew she had to flee this warm hug of his before it's too late. She just can't disregard all the anxiety he gave her when she was a child and what he just did the last time he was here.

"Please leave, Mr. Canning," spoke Seraphina in such a defeated voice but as usual, Zachary remained in his spot, his arms still around her, his slender fingers twirling the ends of her hair, his head in the crook of her neck, his long legs enveloped around her.

Closing her eyes, Seraphina cannot deny how all this makes her drowsy even more yet she knew she had to get the man off her.

Gripping his arm hard, she whispered the words, "You're not Dorian so get off me, you psycho,"

Honestly, she felt bad for speaking her dead friend's name just so she could get rid of his brother. In the first place, Dorian doesn't do such a thing as this.

The two of them are not practically lovers and that's that.

However, at what Seraphina just uttered in his ears, that alone made him look at her. Suddenly, he faced her, his eyes turned dark, as if ready to hurt her but the next second, his eyes turned soft, his expression filled with sadness she rarely sees him make, and with that, he climbed out of the bed and left her chamber through her window.

For some reason, Seraphina's heart began to ache. Why in the hell does she even care about his feelings?

Shouldn't she be relieved that Zachary already left? I mean, that man is good riddance.

All this while the rain was still pouring down hard. What made Seraphina feel even worse was when she found herself worrying about Zachary being all alone outside, cold and wet from the rain.

Letting out a groan, Seraphina's frustrated emerald eyes travel to the broken doll on the floor. With that, she hid under her cover, forcing herself not to think more of Zachary who is probably shivering in the rain right now.

This is not the first time nor the second time she had called him such names. It was Christmas eve, the year of Mrs. Jane Canning's death. Aunt Veronica and her decision to spend their Christmas week in the Canning manor.

Everyone was so happy the past few days despite it being the first Christmas without Mrs. Jane especially Seraphina who hasn't seen Zachary for the past few days aside during breakfasts and dinners.

It was Christmas eve, the night where everyone began to open their presents one-by-one.

After Aunt Veronica, it was her turn to explore her presents which she mostly is excited about.

Sitting on the ground wearing a maroon frock Aunt Veronica purchased last week, Seraphina let her eyes travel around the sitting room.

Dorian was crouching a few feet away from her in the red carpet, cookies in his hand and mouth, Aunt Veronica sitting in the chair, smiling while there stood Zachary in the corner of the room, arms crossed, sending her such serious looks which Seraphina acted not to notice.

Shaking her head, Seraphina began to dive right into her boxes before her. She first started with the one she is positive is a book that did not disappoint her since it was no other than a book, indeed, a mythology book given by Dorian.

"I'll borrow it later, Sep, whether you like it or not," exclaimed Dorian, his mouth still stuffed with cookies, his fingers wrapped around a glass of milk beside him.

Rolling her eyes heavenwards, Seraphina let out a soft groan, "Then I'll borrow my gift to you as well later," which earned her a chuckle from her friend.

That's how it always has been between the two of them. They would always gift each other with things they personally like which they'll borrow to one another in the end.

Aunt Veronica gave her a bonnet and a parasol. "It's the latest trend in London, my dear,"

All Seraphina could do was flash a smile, and hug the bonnet and parasol she had no interest in wearing, saying, "I love it!"

In the corner of her eyes, she saw Dorian snickering, mouthing the word, 'Liar' at her which she replied by sticking her tongue.

Zachary's reaction did not escape her attention as well for she saw him hiding his chuckle in the corner which for some reason, intrigued her since God knows when was the last time she saw him smile.

Seraphina quickly shifted her stares back to the presents when she noticed Zachary noticing her staring at him, her blush deepening.

However, it was Zachary's gift that shook her to the core. He gave her a perfectly-fit black frock, at that time, Seraphina wasn't such a fan of dark color clothes, preferring the light ones more. What made his present way sicker was how inside a very small box, in which Seraphina thought will contain a ring that she quickly dismisses the idea, blushing. However, what it actually contains is a patch of pale skin and in the back of the box inscribed, "a part of me is with you,"

Her face turned pale that moment, her lips dry, "Let me see brother's gift, Sep,"

With that, Seraphina forced herself to get back to her senses. She immediately hid the box under her skirt, showing them the black frock only.

Aunt Veronica winced at the sight of the black gown. She knew her aunt, she knew she wasn't a fan of colors like this. She only prefers vibrant ones. Meanwhile, Dorian has his brow in confusion.

As for Zachary, Seraphina chose not to look at him because she knew she wouldn't like his reaction. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

For the remaining night, Seraphina kept thinking about Zachary's Christmas gift; she must've looked disturbed since Dorian and Aunt Veronica asked her what was wrong.

Shaking her head, Seraphina reasoned out that she must've been sick from eating way too much ham.

In order to prevent any issues, Seraphina was required to give gifts to all, to her picky aunt, Dorian, and even Zachary.

Choosing a gift for Aunt Veronica is easy since all a fancy yard of Muslim lace is enough to satisfy her. Even buying a gift for Dorian is a piece of cake since, during her time in the bookstore, it only felt like she was simply shopping for herself.

However, it was Zachary who stressed her out. She doesn't know much about the man aside from him being creepy and all. However, while searching for some books to buy for Dorian, there she saw a collection of medieval paintings. With that, she snatched the book, thinking it is perfect for the guy.

She was about to leave the bookstore with two books, each one for the golden brothers when there she saw a book about animals with such terrifying illustrations. She cannot help herself from grimacing at such a book but suddenly, she knew that instant that Zachary would love it and so, she bought it anyway.

Shaking herself for going over the budget, purchasing two gifts for Zachary instead of one.

The night ended with them singing a few Christmas carols, Dorian playing the violin, and her singing.

Aunt Veronica just smiled at such a sight. However, Zachary, as usual, has his scary face on again. It was as if he couldn't wait for the night to end just so he could sleep already.

With the book she bought for Dorian under her arm, Seraphina began to stroll towards her designated room when she was halted by no other than the devil himself.

You see, that night, Seraphina had no courage to even talk back to him, or even look him straight in the eyes when the two of them were alone.

And so, Seraphina squirmed under his stares, "Don't you like my present?"

Seraphina remained quiet, unsure of what to say. However, she doesn't know what came into her since the last thing she remembers was talking back to him for the first time, "You are one disgusting psycho," and giving back his two gifts to him. The black frock that seems to perfectly fit her and the box which contains his skin.

Before he had the chance to respond, grab her wrist and stop her, Seraphina ran as fast as she could to her chamber, shutting the door, her heart skipping a beat.