Chapter 46

The following week was a whirlwind of performances that captivated audiences each night. Critics marveled at Anna’s portrayal of Giselle, noting how she “effortlessly embodied the character’s depth with each movement.” One review praised her performance as “a testament to the raw talent and depth she brings to the stage.” Every night, the theater was packed, with some audience members admitting they were seeing the performance for the second time.

“Your parents would be so proud Anna,” Isaak said after class Sunday morning. The show would close that night after nine days of performances.

“Thank you, Isaak.” She glanced at Peter, who stood near the side of the stage, frowning at his phone.

Devin appeared on the opposite side of the stage and walked toward Peter. Her Master’s face was inscrutable, but that didn’t stop the terror from coursing through Anna’s body at the sight of Devin walking into her rehearsal. What had she done wrong now?

Peter noticed Devin’s approach and the older man paused. There was a moment of unspoken communication between them and then Peter nodded and followed Devin to where Anna watched both of them from the back of the stage.

Her heart pounded as they stopped in front of her. Why was Devin here? He never came to rehearsals. She looked at Peter. “What’s wrong?”

Peter glanced at Devin, who nodded. “Anna, my dedushka is dead. He died this morning.” He looked at her sadly. “I have to return to St. Petersburg,” he added softly.

Anna’s heart fell as she realized the full implication of his words. Vitaly was dead. Peter would become Elder-Son. Those duties would override Devin’s need for him to be in San Francisco to watch her. “N-now?”

He shook his head. “I’ll fly out in the morning. I won’t leave until we’re done here.” Peter sighed. “I just need to book a flight.”

“We’re leaving at eight-thirty tomorrow. If you’d like, I can have Ian book you on the same flight.”

Peter looked at Devin in surprise. “Yes, that would be fine. Thank you.”

“You’re going too?” Would she be alone? Was that such a bad thing?

“As are you, Anna. This is—?” Devin glanced briefly at Isaak. “A funeral of an important man. And Vitaly was a friend. I don’t travel without you, you know that.”

Isaak nodded to Peter. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Peter.”

“Thank you, Isaak. I trust you know what this means?”

Isaak nodded and smiled sadly. “I’m glad you got to dance Giselle with Anna. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect pairing. You will be missed.” They shook hands, and then Isaak turned and walked away.

Devin looked pointedly at Anna, and then at Peter. “We will pick you up at six tomorrow morning.” He glanced at Anna. “We will discuss your living arrangements later.”

“Yes, Devin.”

Devin gave a curt nod to Peter and then turned and strode away.

Anna looked at Peter. “I’m so sorry he’s gone, Peter.”

“ Dedushka and I were not close, but I will miss him. I more regret having to leave you. I will miss you terribly.” He pulled her close. “At least we can travel together. We don’t have to say goodbye just yet.”

During the performance that night, Anna poured her soul into every step, her movements resonating with an intensified emotional depth. The death scene and the second act evoked a torrent of emotions, and she struggled to keep her tears at bay. Each pirouette and every graceful gesture became a farewell—a poignant adieu to her love conveyed through the language of dance.

She found a small comfort knowing that in sharing this goodbye with Peter, there would be a semblance of closure to their relationship.

“My mom will come up and pack the rest of my stuff,” Peter said as they were packing for the trip to St. Petersburg late Sunday night after the performance. “You’re welcome to stay here until the lease is up.”

They’d just signed another year lease a few weeks ago. Anna swallowed and bit her lip. “I don’t know what Devin will want me to do. Thank you, though.” She didn’t know if she wanted to stay, but it wasn’t up to her. It was up to Devin.

Anna finished packing her things and sat on the bed, watching Peter.

He looked up at her and gave her a sad smile. “Wilhelm will be there. And Kurt.”

Anna’s heart lightened. “They will? Why?”

“It’s an Elder funeral. Same reason we were at Alex’s, though this is a bigger deal.”

“Wilhelm...” It had been so long. Over a year. “Will I be allowed to speak to him?”

“It would be unwise for Devin to prevent you from speaking to your Master in front of everyone.”

Anna’s spirits lifted as she thought about seeing Wilhelm again. And Kurt. Oh, how she longed to see them!

Ian knocked on their door at exactly six a.m. the next morning. They were ready to go, as directed. Neither Peter nor Anna wanted to upset Devin. Ian seemed especially nice to her as he carried her suitcases downstairs to the waiting limo. Devin and Tyler waited inside for them. Peter kept his arm around her in the car, keeping Tyler away.

The flight to St. Petersburg was long. There was a stop in Chicago, where the Chicago Elder, Marcus Reece, and his son Joel joined them. Joel eyed Anna while they waited for their flight, but Peter kept her close to him.

“I will keep you safe for as long as I can, Anna,” he whispered as they were getting on the plane.

They arrived early afternoon. Vlad met them at the airport, more for Peter’s sake than the Elders’. Peter and Vlad greeted one another affectionately, and then Vlad greeted each of the other travelers. He searched Anna’s eyes when he greeted her and gave her a warm smile, which confused her. He’d never been especially kind to her before.

Vlad shared the itinerary for the next few days as they waited for their luggage to arrive in the baggage claim area. “I’ve arranged for a car to take you to your hotel. Most of the Elders are staying at the Grand Hotel with you. There will be a dinner in the ballroom tonight so everyone can greet one another. Tomorrow morning is the cathedral funeral and the following evening we will go to the pomest’ye .”

Devin nodded. “Have many arrived?”

“Yes, most of the Europeans and Asians have already. I expect the rest this afternoon.” He smiled sadly. “It can be a long flight.”

“Yes.” Devin gave Vlad a look. “I trust everything has been taken care of?”

“Of course, Devin.” Vlad frowned, his demeanor defensive. “I’m not an idiot.”

“I would never accuse you of that.” Devin turned to Anna. “Say goodbye to Peter. We need to go to the hotel and Peter needs to go spend time with his family.”

Peter’s family. And wife. Yes, Peter was no longer Anna’s. Not that he ever was. She turned to gaze up into his warm brown eyes. The eyes she had seen nearly every day for the last year.

He cupped her cheek. “I love you,” he whispered. “I will do whatever I can to help you.” He leaned down and kissed her deeply. Anna clung to his arms and kissed him with all the love she had for him.

“I love you, too.” She smiled bravely at him.

“I’ll see you soon.”

Anna nodded. Yes, they would see each other over the next few days, but it wouldn’t be the same. She would be back in Devin’s complete possession and control.

Peter gave her one last loving look, and then turned and walked away with his uncle.

Devin put his hand on her back and guided her into the limo waiting to take them to the hotel. “I hope that relationship stabilized you enough so you don’t become useless to me while we’re here or when we return home.”

“Yes, Master.” Her chest ached as the limo pulled out into traffic, knowing her “relationship” with Peter was over. But if she became an emotional mess, Devin would get angry. She swallowed back tears and forced a smile. She would do everything she could to keep Devin happy.

“Good.” He took her hand and placed it on his hardening cock. “We have a long drive.”

Anna looked up and he raised his brow. She assumed he wanted a blowjob and set to work unfastening his pants. When his cock sprang free, she took it into her mouth. Devin groaned softly and settled back in his seat, his hand on the back of her head.

The men talked around her as she worked Devin’s cock. They spoke about Vitaly and speculated as to the type of leader Vlad would be.

“He’s softer than Vitaly,” Devin said. “We’ll have to keep an eye on him.”

Devin’s breathing shallowed, and he pushed Anna’s head down as he came right into her throat. She didn’t dare move for fear he would choke her or extend his spikes. When he relaxed, he pulled her up by her hair and fixed his pants.