I entered the room and saw that the machinery for the procedure was already there, as well as Miriam and Claire, I went to help them and it didn't take long until everything was ready to start the process.
"Couldn't make the request, didn't see Lord Hyperion today." Miriam communicated to me.
“Well, I’ll be here anyway.” I went to the seat next to me. “If you could ask someone to bring my note, I would appreciate it.”
"Clear. If you see him, you can ask permission yourself. I am going home."
“Thanks, Mi, good sleep.”
“Hey, Soph… Take care, okay?”
"All good."
I found that end of the conversation strange, as I saw the two leave the room. I took my phone and started looking at the videos on TikTok, it didn't take 10 minutes and I could feel Hiperion's presence at the door, don't ask me how I know, I just know that I know.
“Good evening, Miss Sophia.”
I looked up at the man, head of the family.
"Goodnight. It should take around 5 hours to complete this procedure.”
“I just ran into Doctor Miriam as I was getting off the elevator. She updated me on the information and also told me you had a requisition.”
I smirked, rolling my eyes. Obviously she was going to send him to me.
“I have an online event at 10 pm today, as I'm working an extra shift, I won't be able to attend from my house…”
“I see, well, if it doesn't affect your work, you can attend the event right here.”
"Thanks."
I looked down and opened the messaging app.
[Oh, I want to kill a lot today, I don't even want to know… I'm going to take my explosives!] I
[AHahahaha! Did you get the authorization?] Vic
[Hey, who's going to deny my little angel face anything?] I
[Fallen angel right.] Claire
[HAhahahaha! Surely my place in hell is already reserved.] I
[*Devil emoji* This one is you oh.] Mi
[Absolutely!] I [Cade oDylan ?]
[I don't think he left work yet.] Claire
[Blz, then I'll come back then.] I
I closed the cell phone screen and looked at Hiperion who had sat in an armchair right in front of me, on the other side of the room. He was staring at me, scrutinizing me.
“Your natural smile is way prettier than those politically correct ones.”
"Hmm. Thank you, I guess.” I arched my left eyebrow.“Even now I'm trying to decipher who you are. While you clearly demonstrate that you don't like the people on this floor, judging without knowing it, I assure you, you are also open to seeing beyond appearances."
I didn't say anything, just let him continue the conversation.
“I've had several reports that you and Alexander are getting along great, that you haven't complained about having a bodyguard.”
I tilted my head slightly to the left side, a habit I had when trying to make sense of a situation.
“But tell me why you don't like people as much as mine? As you said on our second date”
“People who think they rule the world and that money can buy anything. I don't like those kind of people and that's what you proved to be at first, I didn't expect you to do what I asked, but in times of desperation, desperate measures are called for.”
In the eyes of the people we found his soul and that of Hyperion was a mixture of fun and seriousness.
“Besides, I can't figure it out until now because I, I know I'm the head nurse, but Miriam is the head doctor at the hospital, she sure has a lot more qualifications.”
That man was quiet for a few seconds, thinking about what he would answer me, calculating his words.
“I agree that money can't buy everything, even many of those around me aren't bought by money, they do things out of honor and loyalty.”
His words didn't make much sense to me, I knew the world of billionaires very well and it wasn't like that, but I kept my expression neutral.
“I know you may not believe this, but it's the truth. We hardly mix the family with this known circle, my contacts are different.”
I took a deep breath, that conversation was going in a direction I didn't like.
"Some would say we look like mobsters, in a way we are, but don't worry there's nothing illegal about the family business and we despise that sort of thing."
I looked for some indication that he was lying, but I couldn't find it and my instincts said he was telling the truth.
“But when we're around here it's very normal to find people willing to sell themselves. So when I saw that you weren't like that, I was surprised and that's the best thing that's happened since I got here. To have found you.”
His words could be taken as a flirtation, a pickup line, but somehow I knew that wasn't what he meant.
Honestly, I don't have much to say to him, so when Claire walked in carrying my smaller suitcase with my laptop, I silently thanked whatever was upstairs.
“Hey, here it is! He just asks them to wait for me, it will take me around an hour to get home, I still want to buy popcorn and wine!”
Claire spoke excitedly and I turned to her smiling slightly.
"This will be funny. See Tremere play drunk!”
I commented with a low laugh.
“At least I'm not the pyromaniac La Sombra!" Claire rolled her eyes and let out a low laugh. "Only you can play a vampire who likes fire."
“What can I say? If I'm going to die with fireworks!" I commented as I opened the bag and removed the laptop.
“Well, at least you already gained fame for having killed that werewolf, rank 3. Who would have thought that to kill a rank 3 you only needed some C4 in paste… But you were crazy when you said you were going to fight hand to hand to get it stuck the paste in his fur.”
“What can I say? I laugh in the face of danger!”
“Turned into Simba now, huh?”
“At least you get the reference… But seriously, it was epic, I came out barely alive and almost got blood bonded to stay alive.”
“It was definitely epic! I hope to have more scenes today, after all it is the last session.”
“I hope so too, after all we are going to invade that Caern once and for all and spread corruption!”
“Man, when you talk like that, I even miss face-to-face meetings.”
“Me too, but go home soon!”
"Yes ma'am!" Claire reached down and took my hand and kissed it. “Thank you for releasing me, my countess.”
“You are released, servant. Now go fulfill the mission, who knows if you come back I'll let you drink some more of my blood." My tone of voice changed to a huskier and more serious one, the same one I used for my character.
“Heavens! You do not know how to play! You already want to increase my blood bond, right?”
“Hey, what to do? That way I'll always have a servant available. Besides, your character loves my blood.”
“Of course, because you bought that perk there: Addictive Blood.”
“Hey! I had perk points to spend, it's not my fault you guys bought other stuff."
“I know, you naughty bitch.”
"For sure! And with pride!”
Claire rolled her eyes and then left the room, I smirked and took a deep breath, looking at the PC screen on.
“Should I be concerned?” I heard Hyperion's question in jest.
“Oh no… I only kill virtual people. It's a roleplaying game. Today we're going to finish a Vampire the Mask campaign, a very famous game even. In this case, I'm playing with a 9th generation vampire, let alone an old one, La Sombra, which is one of the clans, and which has the pyromaniac defect. Our mission is to invade a Caern, which is a place with great magical and pure power, so to speak, these places are usually protected by Werewolves, who are divided by tribes and within the tribes there are packs, which can be mixed or pure. In this case, my group of Vampires that enter this place, reach the center, carry magic power and transform it so that we can use the magic energy and no longer the werewolves. If we succeed, I'll probably become the Prince of the city. Prince is the title for those who run the city.”
I explained it as simply as I could without taking my eyes off my laptop screen, opening all the applications I needed to play.
“That is, if no one betrays me…” I got serious. “If one of them betrays me and I stay alive, then I will take revenge. Nobody messes with Alana Lafai!” I smirked. "Anyway, it's something really cool and also helps to distract me from the day to day."
I finished packing for the game and looked up at Hyperion, he seemed immersed in his thoughts. I turned my face and saw that there was no change, I took the tablet and wrote down the information, I needed to do this every half hour, I set the alarm clock on my cell phone.
“But, I don't like playing Vampire: Masquerade that much, I much prefer playing Werewolf: Apocalypse, because there's nothing better than turning into a 3m tall animal to beat enemies, or anything from Cthulhu. Insanity is my middle name for sure.”
There were still 20 minutes left to start the game, but the crowd was already entering the site for us to play, I put the phone in my left ear only and left the microphone off.
"Hmm, didn't know there was such a thing." Finally I heard Hyperion's voice.
“Games, this style is called tabletop RPG, which is basically playing a character, you can be anyone, thing, being, etc… It has everything. I prefer that to playing online, or going out for drinks. Although going out for drinks at a nerd/geek bar is pretty cool too.”
I know my eyes are bright and I can hear my excitement talking about it, it's one of my favorite hobbies, whenever I could I would bring someone to it. Maybe that was one of the things that put me off Joshua, he didn't like to gamble.
“Interesting, very interesting. Who creates these games?” I could see that Hyperion was genuinely interested.
“Look, many, because the theme can be as varied as the human imagination. It's like asking who creates the movies we watch, there are hundreds of directors, just as there are hundreds of system creators. Basically someone imagines some scenario, creates the rules for it and then puts it to the test. I hate creating systems, but I love creating stories, especially horror stories.”
“I see, but have you ever thought if any of these stories are true?”
“Every myth has a grain of truth, the human brain does everything to protect itself, I've seen people arrive at the trauma ward with their whole body cut because someone decided to do that to them, but instead of the brain processing it like another being human hitting another, it registers as a monster with claws. I see, for example, that those who live close to forests usually say that there are werewolves there, but I think it's just a way for the collective to keep children and adults from getting lost. Simply speaking.”
“It makes sense, in a logical way your explanation makes perfect sense.”
"Yeah, I know." I smiled sincerely at him and then I heard my name being called through the phone. “If it gets too loud, the phone will let me know.”
“Hmm… Actually, I was going to ask you to turn it up loud so I could hear it.”
“Better…” I grabbed the other pair of bluetooth headphones and tossed them to him. “So you also listen and we don't disturb your child. Just don't be scared, sometimes there's screaming and stuff.”
Sophia POVThe hours went by very quickly, between one play and another I looked at Perseus' information and wrote it down next to the tablet and also held myself back from screaming. There were many critics, both positive and negative and the crowd had fun, but as I expected, the crowd betrayed me and my character ended up dead. Hiperion asked me some questions about the rules and the history of the characters, but nothing that interfered with the game.It was interesting to see a man like that interested in something like that, but well, let's face it, there are many wealthy and powerful people who gamble, actors and actresses in Hollywood.“You do know that the next campaign is mine and that it will be Cthulhu!” Warned.“Er… I think we have to go to sleep. Goodbye!" vicEveryone else nodded and then got off the call, I rolled my eyes and let out a low chuckle.“Actually, this is really fun. You guys really get into the characters.”“Well, that is the intention.” I put the laptop on
Sophia POVI woke up feeling my body throbbing a little, an uncomfortable pain, but not unbearable. I looked around seeing that I was in one of the break rooms, the light was off, but I could still see something by the light coming through the window curtain and the light under the door.My purse was there on the side, on top of the bedside table, I opened it and took my cell phone. It was already 5 pm, I had slept for 14 hours, almost a record, but adding the tiredness of the shifts and everything that had happened, maybe I had little sleep. I saw Mirian's notification asking me to go see her when she woke up. I got up and stretched, grabbed my purse, went to the bathroom, washed my face and brushed my teeth, combed my hair, and finally saw my face as I am, tidy and rested. Smile in the corner."Everything will be fine…"I told myself, I took my medicine and deodorant and finally left the room. I know I need to take a shower, but that was enough for now until I got home. I greeted pe
Sophia POVI was one of the last to get on the helicopter, my mood right now is not one of the best, but that didn't mean I would be rude and I greeted everyone briefly with a nod and then I took the tablet to do the last checks.Basically the Houroux family had brought in their own doctor to supervise the transport and also check all the information.Too much ego fighting for my taste, the doctors at the hospital thinking it was absurd to be supervised by an outsider, while the family doctor started pointing out mistakes that weren't mistakes at all, as he seemed to have information about the physical condition that we didn't. we had access.To avoid a confrontation I just went to my house, packed a small suitcase, when I got back the chaos was almost over as it was time to leave. My date with Joshua wasn't the best thing about my day either and in the end we ended up wrapping up something that hadn't even started to get serious.When Dr. John Ioannidis started to say something about
Sophia POVAlexander spoke and started walking toward a corridor that was on the right side, I followed him unhurriedly, with my hands in my pockets. We stopped in front of room 803, he took a card from his pocket, opened the door and handed me the card.I went into my room, it was quite large, almost the size of my living room, the whole room was decorated in glass and black wood supports, while the floor had a light gray marble and under the king size bed there was a rug in darker grey. With minimalist and modern touches, were the other rooms the same? Because it looked like that place had been decorated for me, the colors were what I liked the most and I didn't like anything fancy. To say that I liked my room was an understatement, I was loving it. On the left side there were two doors, probably one for the closet and one for the bathroom.“Thank you, you are excused.”I told him and turned to watch him leave."Sophia... It's not that I..." I noticed that Alexander was watching me
Sophia POVWhen I finished I went to my suitcase, grabbed the towel, wiped my face, took a sip of water and stretched, cracking some bones, to finish relaxing my muscles. Now all she needed was a good shower and she would be ready for the next step. I took out my cell phone and started looking at group messages.When I started to answer one of them I felt a gaze directed at me and the characteristic smell of Achilles permeate the room, I know I got tense... I closed my eyes, shuddering, I don't know why, but I want to turn around and just throw myself in his arms of that man.“Heavens! I need to get laid!”I thought and shook my head, I had no problem screwing guys I just met, but that same feeling I have that I need Achilles is what's going to keep me away from him. I don't know what would happen to me if I let those instincts take over. But… My body doesn't want to do what my mind does, because I turned and looked into that man's eyes and it was like everything else lost color and t
Sophia POVI woke up feeling my body sore, my muscles had probably tensed while I was passed out. My mouth is dry and my head is pounding. It's like a hangover, only much worse. I hated it when that happened and it had been so many years since I'd had a seizure.It seems that meeting the Houroux had brought a lot to light and attacks that I haven't had for years would now occur frequently, panic, fear, anxiety… I don't want this for myself, I need to go back. Coming here was a bad idea.“I want to leave…” I said, my voice hoarse and dry, but I know he heard me.I open my eyes and blink a few times getting used to the white light of the hospital room.“Miss Turner… I'm sorry… It's my fault.” Hyperion's voice is filled with guilt."I just... I want to leave, as soon as possible." I spoke again and sat up and saw Hyperion handing me a glass of water. He looks much older now, there are black circles under his eye.“How long was I unconscious?” I asked and finally realized I'm wearing the
Sophia POVI took a deep breath, twisting my mouth, and then handed him the handle of my suitcase. Do I really want to talk to Perseus and Hyperion? I honestly don't know... I hadn't said yes or no...Thinking about leaving... Going back to my friends, to my life... I can feel a metallic taste in my mouth. This is very strange, I'm having a physical reaction to a thought that could benefit me. My unconscious wants to stay here? Why?Alex grabbed the handle of his suitcase and started walking. I followed a little behind him. Trying to come up with explanations for my reactions. It was a complicated spiral. How long have I been displaying negative actions? I can't answer that precisely... I need a session with my psychiatrist.Soon we were in the car heading towards the building I was staying in, I took out my cell phone and texted the psychiatrist asking for an urgent session, she accepted, and now I just needed to get to the room to make the call to her. Meanwhile, I could feel my anx
I grabbed my wallet and cell phone, they were the only things I needed, everything else I could buy. I walked towards and opened the door and looked over to see Alex standing there."Come on, we've got shopping to do!" I said smiling, wrapping my arm around his right arm, "I have to buy some new clothes and go to a make-up salon!" I started walking, pulling Alex, who was a little dazed. "Quick answer, I'm going to be here for a few days, enjoying my vacation... Which means I have to buy presents, clothes, make-up, hire a tour guide and lots of other things.""Um... But... Are you okay? Can you drink?" Alex asked, stopping in the middle of the corridor and looking at my face seriously."Well, that's a difficult question... No, I'm not fine, but I intend to stay... Which means I'm going to take my psychiatrist's suggestion and stop thinking too much about things and enjoy my well-deserved vacation, which I haven't taken in years." I answered as best I could at the time. "But that means
Sophia POVWaking up should be easy, but honestly? In my current state, it's not. My whole body aches, as if needles are penetrating my muscles, and I let out a groan of pain. But that only worsens the situation, as my head starts spinning, even with my eyes closed.I took deep breaths several times to try and make the sensation go away, until I felt my hands being held. The touch is gentle and loving, and I can feel the sparks of destiny taking effect, spreading through my wrists and up my arms, easing my pain.After a few seconds, I managed to blink a few times before focusing my gaze. I know I should pay attention to Achilles and Perseus, but what catches my attention is a completely different smell.It's a strange mixture, dark yet warm at the same time… It's like black amber, with myrrh, mixed with the dry heat of the desert at sunset, where the sand still holds the warmth of the sun, but the air begins to cool. There's a subtle scent of dried earth after rain, rare and sacred, m
Achilles POV"Shut up!" I yelled at the illusion, my voice reverberating through the space like a furious thunderclap.I turned abruptly to Perseus, my breathing heavy, and without hesitation, I raised my hand, slapping him across the face. The sharp crack of the impact echoed through the place, my Alpha widened his eyes, surprised not only by the blow but by the intensity of my gaze that openly challenged him."I know you better than anyone, Perseus, and I know you're not like this! You're not a monster!" I exclaimed."This is the second time I've put her in a hospital!" Perseus shouted, his voice filled with anger and despair.He pushed me hard, but my feet remained firm on the ground. His strength could have knocked me down, but I wouldn't back down."Next time she might not survive!" I said with determination. "And will you allow there to be a third time?"My voice came out cold as ice, sharp as a blade. I watched the red mark of my fingers begin to form on his face, standing out
Aquiles POVThere is a lot of information, but it all makes sense… Although I don't like the idea of Khalid being a permanent part of our lives. I would have liked a moment just for me and Perseus with Sophia, something we've been seeking since the first moment we saw her, and now we have to accept that this moment may never exist.I closed my eyes for a few seconds and sighed. My body and my wolf are tired; after all, we've been drained intensely and constantly, and I feel my body losing strength and my legs giving in under the weight of exhaustion. Before I could react, I felt a pair of firm hands holding me, preventing my fall.“Aquiles!” Hélios shouted while hugging me around the waist.Hélios's scent became stronger, always with a woody touch and a hint of aged leather. That same scent calms me and gives me a bit more strength.“Hélios…” I whispered his name and rested my head on his shoulder. “I'm tired… My energy is drained.”“I know, my love.” Hélios said and led me to the bed
Khalid POVWe opened the door and saw Alex there, he had already tidied up the room, and then Hélios gently placed Sophia on the bed, as if she were the most precious and fragile thing in the world. My heart tightened seeing her so vulnerable. Despite everything we've been through, I still don't know if this will last, if this connection will remain intact when the storm passes.‘What will Sophia think when she wakes up?’ I thought to myself, feeling the weight of that doubt in my chest.I sighed, automatically adjusting my suit, just to keep my hands busy. My eyes turned to Hélios, who now observed Sophia with a serene expression, something rare to see in him. I was still impressed at how someone so explosive and unpredictable could seem so calm at that moment.“No, I didn't know… At least not with 100% certainty, but I already suspected that something like this could happen.” Hélios finally turned to me, after adjusting Sophia better on the sheets. “What woke me up was feeling the b
Khalid POV“You are dismissed… For now.” Azrik spoke after a few seconds, his voice carrying undeniable authority.His expression was one of suspicion, a glimpse of doubt that he couldn't openly express, as, at that moment, he had no concrete proof to support it. Nevertheless, his sharp eyes analyzed every detail, every remnant of truth hidden in the gestures of those present.“Soon, I will contact you regarding the punishment for Alpha Ivar Volkheim and his pack.” Azrik turned to Ivar, his gaze assessing and relentless.“Will she be okay?” Ivar asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.“Yes, she just needs to rest.” It was Aquiles who answered, with the usual calmness that characterized him.“I will analyze the information I obtained from the ritual and about the possible spells Gáta may have cast on Ivar and his pack.” Shangō declared, his tone firm, walking towards Ivar, who bowed in respect to the magnitude of his power.“We will wait.” Hélios replied, making an educated bow,
Khalid POVBefore I could get an answer, a sharp, piercing pain shot through my chest, as if an invisible blade was tearing me apart from the inside. My gaze shot to Sophia. She was kneeling inside the circle, her eyes wide, her body trembling in involuntary spasms. A trickle of blood ran from her mouth, followed by an intense flow from her eyes, nose, and chest. The metallic smell spread through the air, permeating every corner of the hall.I stood up immediately, my instincts screaming in alarm. I placed myself between Aquiles and Hélios, a firm barrier preventing any rash advance."No!" My voice came out firm, unquestionable, filled with determination.At the same time, Ivar stood up and took a determined step towards Sophia. But something was different about him. His gaze, once filled with arrogance and superiority, now showed genuine concern. His aura was no longer as oppressive, and his stance seemed to differ from the ruthless man he had become over the years."Naomi!" He calle
Khalid POVI know I said I don't care about seeing Sophia in the arms of others, but the truth is it hurts, but I shouldn't do anything about it, on the contrary… I must remain faithful to my words.I have known since the first moment I realized I am in love with this woman, that the rest of my life would be an eternal torture. That I would never have her in my arms and would always see her in the arms of others.I know that Azrik is paying attention to my actions, I couldn't hide the sad smile, but it lasted only a short time before I controlled myself, but I found it interesting that Hélios doesn't care about what I am doing.His reaction is the calmest possible, he just looks at Sophia embracing Aquiles with a gentle and loving smile on his lips. I know he noticed my sad smile, but he didn't do anything about it.Definitely, Hélios knows that I would never act in a way to hurt Sophia, I have done many things to protect her and it wouldn't be now that I would change my attitudes.Af
Achilles POVI can feel the moment Sophia pulled my energy and breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that my mate is well, that she is conscious and that is already a great victory for me, because every second we stand still, unable to do anything, is agony.A few minutes later, the side door opened and I saw Azrik enter alone, he looked at Gáta who, before he could say anything, disappeared in a small purplish-green cloud.Seeing that color and feeling that pressure, I know that Gáta is involved with the curse, somehow she manages to pull energy from the Mother of Monsters. Khalid had said that the name for people involved in the cult of the Ancient Gods was “Cultists” and Gáta is definitely one of those people.The dragon's aura spread like fire spreading through a dry forest, but Hélios' aura protected me from the damage it could cause, especially since I am not at full strength.Boreas is doing his best to keep the connection with Sophia open and I know that if it weren't for that, m
Sophia POVDespite his charged and imposing aura, I did not bow, for doing so would mean being afraid… I did just the opposite, I looked into his yellow, almost golden eyes, and whatever happens from now on, I cannot be afraid, for that could bring agony and reveal many secrets.“My name is Azrik Ragnharsen, I am the Elder of the Dragons and Judge of the Council of Races.” The voice of this man is hoarse, low, and has a different timbre than I have ever heard, it even has a strange sophisticated touch. “And you, despite your appearance, you don't seem like an innocent and fearful girl, as I was led to believe.”“That girl was called Naomi Blanchet… I am Sophia Turner, the head nurse at Gillian's Memorial… The Beta of the Moon Warriors pack and the woman who killed some of her enemies point-blank.” I spoke with determination, still holding my head high.It is difficult to identify the emotions on that man's face, but I managed to perceive a slight expression of pride.“Are you in your