LOGINShare
Chapter 15: Into the Abyss
Last Updated:
2025-01-12 15:48:07
Related chapters
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 16: Struggle Between Life And Death
The last thing he saw was Mason slumping alongside him, the sound of approaching footsteps echoing in his ears. Then, everything went dark.The gas burned gently in Alexander's lungs as he battled to regain consciousness. It was now a struggle between death and life as the shadows engulfed him like a stifling blanket. The air was chilly on his skin, his body felt heavy, and his head hurt. He gently opened his eyes to realize he was bound to a chair in a dimly lighted room with basic concrete walls.Across from him, Mason was leaning against another chair, moaning as he woke up. “Welcome back,” a familiar voice said slowly. Alexander turned abruptly toward the sound, his instincts blazing to life. Lucian appeared in the doorway, a threatening sneer playing on his lips. He was perfectly dressed, as always, in his neat suit and polished shoes, a stark contrast to the loneliness of their surroundings. “You look tired out, Alex,” Lucian teased, coming closer. “Didn’t think you’d fall f
Last Updated : 2025-01-12ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 17: Fractured Hearts and Lingering Shadows
But before he could lift it, a harsh crack resonated across the air, and Lucian staggered, grasping his arm. Jane came from the shadows, a burning revolver in her hand. “Not yet,” she answered, her voice frigid. Alexander glanced at her, surprised and distrustful. Was she an ally or simply another participant in Lucian’s deadly game?----The chilly air sliced into Alexander’s skin as he lurched onward, the adrenaline from their escape, beginning to run off. Mason maintained pace with him, gripping his side where a stray bullet had wounded him during the chaos. Behind them, Jane’s footfalls were steady, her presence, a mix of relief and worry. They took temporary refuge in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The warehouse inside was dark but the were lengthy shadows of brightness over the area. “Let me see,” Alexander responded, referring to Mason’s wound. “It’s nothing,” Mason groaned, but he didn’t object as Alexander tore a piece off his shirt to fashion a ma
Last Updated : 2025-01-13ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 18: The Underside
The sound of Jane’s muffled scream resonated in Alexander’s ears as he spun swiftly, his heart pounding. The low light pouring through the damaged warehouse windows highlighted her form, held by one of Lucian’s men. Her eyes were wide with dread, her struggles fruitless against the tall man holding her. Alexander froze. Jane wasn’t meant to be here. He had been so careful, making sure she and Mason were far away from this turmoil. Yet here she was, trapped in the crossfire, a struggle she didn’t comprehend. “Alex!” she shouted out, her voice cracking. “They found me!” Lucian’s laughter resonated across the area, a chilly, mocking sound that sent chills down Alexander’s spine. “I warned you, Alex. Your weakness for others would endanger you.” “Let her go,” Alexander shouted his voice firm despite the panic tearing at his chest. Lucian inclined his head, faking attention. “I could, but where’s the fun in that? Besides, you haven’t given me what I want yet.” The flash drive. The so
Last Updated : 2025-01-13ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 19: Shattered Alliances
Alexander’s hold on the decoy tightened as he peered into Clara’s uncompromising gaze. Trusting her felt like stepping off a cliff, but with Lucian closing in, he had no option.“Fine,” he responded, giving the gadget to her.Clara grabbed it smoothly, a tiny grin flashing on her lips. “Smart choice.”Before Alexander could react, Clara asked them to get inside the SUV. “Let’s go. We don’t have much time.”The SUV's engine hum broke the tight hush. Alexander sat sturdily, his eyes flitting between Clara, driving with an awkwardly easygoing look, and Jane, who clutched his elbow as if letting go would shatter the little safety they had left."Where are you driving us to?" said Alexander, demanding, his voice quiet but powerful.Clara ignored him, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "To a location, Lucian cannot reach you for now.""For now?" said Jane's voice shook, breaking the silence. "You barged in, saved us, and what? You expect us to trust you?”Clara’s lips twisted into a tiny smi
Last Updated : 2025-01-14ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 20: Inside the Lion's Den
“I’ve been ready,” Alexander said, determination sharpening his voice. Jane stared between them, her anxiety giving way to decision. "I'll support you, regardless of the circumstance." The trio felt an instant friendship, knowing that the path ahead would be laden with risk. Nonetheless, there was no prospect of going back at this point. While they began preparing for their next move, Alexander couldn’t escape the feeling that the worst was yet to come. Hidden facts and hidden deceit boil under the surface, waiting to erupt.And when they did, nothing would ever be the same. The unimaginable abyss throbbed with pressure. Alexander paced the room, his thoughts racing with half-formed schemes and lingering concerns. Clara stood at the corner, her arms folded, studying a weathered map on the table with a single flickering light bulb overhead casting lengthy shadows. Jane sat on a box nearby, her face pale. And drawn, her hands nervously holding the ends of her coat. “This won’t work
Last Updated : 2025-01-14ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 21: A Fight for Survival
The sound of gunfire pierced the darkness as Lucian’s soldiers started firing. Clara shoved Alexander and Jane behind the crates, took out her revolver, and returned fire with deadly accuracy. “We need to move!” she yelled, her voice harsh. Alexander grasped Jane’s hand, dragging her toward the nearest cover. Bullets bounced against the metal container, sparks flying as chaos erupted around them. “This is insane!” Jane wept, tears flowing down her cheeks. “Keep moving!” Alexander encouraged his hold on her tightening. Clara was a whirlwind of speed, mowing down foes with a brutal efficiency that made Alexander both amazed and concerned. But the odds were against them. For every man Clara put down, two more appeared. To arise. “Over here!” Clara yelled, motioning down a side lane. Alexander and Jane followed, their breaths breathless as they rushed for safety. As they neared the bend, a huge explosion shook the docks, the shockwave pushing them to the ground. Clara was the fir
Last Updated : 2025-01-15ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 22: A Dangerous Alliance
The air was thick with tension as Alexander and Clara stood in the dimly lit room, their eyes locked. The silence between them was terrible, broken only by the distant sound of rain beating on the windows. Clara's betrayal still hung over them like a black cloud, yet Alexander couldn't shake the spark of weakness he'd seen in her eyes. “You made your choice,” Alexander stated coldly, moving back. “But I don’t understand it. Was all of it a lie?” Clara’s gaze wavered, her shoulders unbending as she crossed her arms. “You wouldn’t understand, Alexander. Some wars can’t be waged head-on. Sometimes, Survival involves compromise.” “Compromise?” His voice grew, anger combined with doubt. “You call this survival? You sold off everything we stood for!” Clara’s face twisted in sorrow for a brief second before she disguised it with indifference. “I did what I had to do.” Before Alexander could press more, the door burst open, and one of Lucian’s men jumped in. His face was masked his word
Last Updated : 2025-01-15ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 23: The Stakes Rise
The warehouse was quiet; the one bulb above created ghostly shadows on the walls. Every groan of the old building set their nerves on edge; the air was moist and smelled of rust and mould. Leaning against a stack of boxes, Alexander's keen eyes wavered between Clara and Jane, seated across from him. "We cannot stay here long," Clara remarked, her voice tense as she looked at the strengthened door. "Lucian's troops will soon track us to this place. You know his kind of person”. Alexander closed his mouth, sensing being frustrated. "You said something like this previously, Clara. Perhaps we would not be in this situation if you had not brought them to us.” “I didn’t have a choice!” Clara yelled back, her voice shaking with controlled anger. “You won’t understand the pressure Lucian puts on people”. Jane moved uneasily, her arms curled about herself. “You expect us to believe you had no other option other than that after everything?” “Enough!” Alexander’s words ripped through the te
Last Updated : 2025-01-17
Latest chapter
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 48: Emotional Struggle
"Lucian, I need answers." Isabella’s voice quivered as she stood before him in the dimly lit study. Her pulse raced, and she tightened her hands to firm her determination. “No more games, no more cryptic warnings. Tell me the truth about your past with Alexander and why you're doing this”Lucian sat back in his chair, a dark smirk pulling at the edges of his lips. “Ah, Isabella. You finally come seeking the truth. But are you sure you can take it?”“Don’t say that I asked of it,” she hissed, edging closer. “If you want me on your side, then stop hiding behind riddles. What is the feud all about?”Lucian laughed, twisting the tumbler of whiskey in his palm. “The feud, as you call it, isn’t just about Alexander. It’s about justice. Your dear Alexander didn’t simply harm my family—he destroyed it and you’ve been playing into his hands all along.”Her stomach twisted at his words, but she refused to back down. “If that’s true, why haven’t you shown me some proof? You keep da
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 47: The Breaking Confession
“You’ve been meeting and seeing Lucian behind my back?” Alexander’s voice pierced through the room. He stood at the window. His hands were fixed in his trousers pocket, and his stare drilled into Isabella, who had just entered the room. Isabella paused mid-step, the allegation striking her like a slap. “Alexander… I can explain.” Her voice trembled, exposing her anxieties. “Explain?” He smiled, his tone filled with anger. “What could you possibly explain? That you’ve been conspiring with the same guy trying to ruin me? That you’ve been lying to my face this entire time?” “I wasn’t plotting anything with him!” Isabella yelled. “Lucian approached me, and I was trying to figure out what he wanted. I did it for you!” “For me?” Alexander's laughter is devoid of humour. “That’s a good one, betrayal in the name of protection? How noble of you, Isabella.” “Betrayal?” She took a step forward, her voice increasing. “You’re the one I should tag a betrayal. How many secrets
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 46: Betrayal Unmasked
" what more are you hiding from me, Clara?" Isabella’s voice quivered with anxiety. Her arms were crossed firmly as if she might hide herself from yet another discovery. "First, you confess to knowing secrets about Lucian, and now this? I feel like I’m drowning in falsehoods." Clara scratched her forehead, breathing forcefully. "Look, Isabella, I realize this is overwhelming but if you keep questioning me, we might lose time to attach up with him. Lucian isn’t waiting around for us to sort things out. He’s already ahead of the game." "Is that supposed to be comfort words to me?" Isabella shot back, her tone dripping with disdain. "Because it doesn’t. For all I know, you may still be working with him of which I can’t even tell. Maybe this is all part of his plan." Clara slapped her hands on the table. "I told you; I am not loyal to that serpent! He wrecked my life like he is doing yours. Fine. If you don’t want my assistance no problem, but stop behaving as if you could
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 45: My Enemy
“Clara,” Isabella’s voice was low. “Why are you helping me?”Clara stood by the wall, folded her arms, and smiled broadly. "Do you believe I’m doing this just because I’m kind-hearted?" she asked, her voice soaked with mockery. "No, Isabella, I'm assisting us because I also have an issue with Lucian. At this moment, we both have a shared enemy.”Isabella glanced at Clara, confusion twisting in her thoughts. "Lucian? What do you know about him?"Clara’s grin faded, her eyes hardening. “More than you think. But right now, you need to listen closely, because this goes deeper than you could ever think. Lucian has been tugging the strings behind all of this—between you, myself, and Alexander. He’s been manipulating us, setting us against one other.”Isabella took a step forward, her pulse hammering. “No... you’re lying. Why would he do that?”“Because he knows that the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” Clara remarked with a gloomy chuckle. “He’s been manipulating us both to weaken
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 44: Threads of Deception
"Isabella," Alexander's voice broke through silence, as he came into the room. His look fixed upon hers. "What's going on with you today? You’ve been avoiding me since in the morning."Isabella glanced up from the papers in front of her, her heart beating. She had spent hours pondering Lucian's offer, caught between the weight of his words and her strong love for Alexander. Now, the time had come. "I want us to talk," Isabella began, her voice firm but frigid. "It’s about your past. About what you've been hiding."Alexander’s countenance tensed, his eyes blazing with something unreadable. “What are you talking about? You’re being theatrical, Isabella.”"No," she answered, her voice barely above a whisper as she took out the folder she had been holding all morning. The file seemed like it weighed a ton in her hands, each paper within it a piece of the truth she had unearthed. “I’m not being dramatic. You lied to me, Alexander. All these years, you’ve been hiding things fr
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 43: A Dangerous Proposition
"Lucian," Isabella's voice quivered as she stood frozen awaiting Lucian's arrival at the office corridor after closed work, her facial expression was more of confusion. "What do you mean by that earlier?"Lucian’s face remained unreadable, his eyes focused upon hers. The quietness between them stretched like something heavy in the air. Finally, he began, his voice calm yet tinged with something deadly."I meant exactly what I said, Isabella." Lucian's tone changed a sparkle of something more personal flashing under his ordinary ace. "Your loyalty will be tested, and when the time comes, you’ll have to decide who you stand with."Isabella could feel her pulse rate go up, the weight of his words sinking deeper. "Stand with who? You or Alexander?"Lucian moved a step closer as if every action was planned. "What if I told you Alexander isn't who you think he is? What if I told you he’s been playing both sides all along? The reality you’ve been so anxious to ignore… it’s there in
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 42: Secret of Merger Plan
"Isabella," Clara's voice was filled with a lovely tone as she approached the office door, her shoes tapping on the polished floor. "Alexander's been seeking for you. He needs to discuss the new merger plan with you."Isabella barely noticed her, still engrossed in the documents she was digging through on Alexander's desk. Her eyes wandered across the room. The item on his desk was a reminder of everything that had gone before his ambition to accomplish great things, his choices, and their future together. But it was the envelope, tucked under a stack of documents, that attracted her eye.She paused for a second before she carefully took it up. The envelope was sealed but contained no return address, simply her name written, tidy with familiar handwriting. Clara tried to distract her by bringing up a discussion."Clara, I'm not in the mood for gist," Isabella remarked, her voice stern. She had seen enough of Alexander's past with Clara, the tension, every time she was around, b
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 41: A Risky Disclosure
"You've been observing him the entire evening," Isabella said, glancing at Alexander. Alexander didn’t take his eyes off Lucian, who sat by the fire. “I don’t trust him, Isabella. He’s up to something.” “He’s just confused,” Isabella said, even if she distrust t her own words. Alexander’s gaze went to her. Isabella opened her lips to speak, but a startling snap of a stick from the outside of the camp caught their attention. Both turned immediately, their senses heightened. “Who’s there?” Alexander cried out, his voice loud. The atmosphere got heavier, weighted with an unsaid tension that sent chills down Isabella’s spine. “I’m not fond of this,” she mumbled, unconsciously edging close to Alexander. “Remain here,” he instructed his tone providing no space for debate. He rose, his hand reaching to the knife at his belt as he headed towards the direction that the sound was coming from. “Alexander, wait!” Isabella shouted, but he didn’t stop. The firelight flickered
ECHOES OF DECEPTION Chapter 40: The Brewing Storm
“I can’t sleep?” Alexander's voice broke the silence of the night, capturing Isabella's attention.She looked up from her chair near the fire, her face glowing with the fire flames. "Not with all that’s on my mind," she confessed quietly.Alexander moved closer, taking a seat next to her. The warmth of his presence was comforting and disturbing, awakening feelings she wasn’t certain she desired to face.“maybe discussing might be of help,” he suggested, his tone calming.She paused briefly, then moved her head. “Talking won't make a difference, Alexander.”“It might not change the situation,” he said, his gaze steady on her. “But it might change how you feel about it.”She sighed the weight of their mission and their complicated relationship pressing down on her. "I have no idea where to begin."He extended his hand, gently moving a lock of hair from her face. The gesture was so loving that it caused her heart to race. "Start with what’s inside," he said, his hand lightly resting on h
