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Bruises and Silk
Last Updated:
2024-11-15 16:51:05
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The Crimson Trail of Death A Room Full of Strangers
I found myself seated on the bed as the three makeup artists stood around me. One of them kept gazing at me, scanning my face every second, which only made me feel uncomfortable."I think a light makeup look will do," I heard the guy, or whatever he was, utter, his hands placed at his jaw, while he addressed the other two girls, who took notice of me.I just wanted all of this to be over with, every single bit of it. My only focus was on finding Aunt Malisa and checking if she was alright. His attitude and behaviour were something I couldn't quite understand. The last thing I wanted was to be bound under the grasp of another man, to be seen as nothing in their eyes and tossed aside like nothing, but I thought things would be different after I signed the contract. Yet, I couldn't shake off the feeling of his actions today, which left me wandering in my thoughts of who he truly was, a hope lingering that the rumors proved false and it was all just gossip.Now that I was trapped with him
Last Updated : 2024-11-16The Crimson Trail of Death A New Destination
I watched as he walked further, taking a seat and opening up his food. His eyes landed on mine, still fixed on him, and I quickly retracted them, returning my gaze to my food."You must be Sierra, right?" he asked, causing my gaze to raise and meet his. It seemed he knew me; maybe Adrian had told him. But wait did he also tell him about the contract agreement and my current role here?"Yeah, I am," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible."Hey! Be careful with that!" Adrian yelled at one of the maids who was holding a painting. His snap almost caused me to jolt in an instant."Just let it be, Adrian. We are in the dining room. And please learn not to shout at one of those maids again," the man uttered. "Alright, Uncle Gavin," Adrian responded as he continued his food, leaving a slight stun on me. I guessed he was the only one Adrian stood to listen to, maybe..."Sorry about that, dear," Uncle Gavin said, his eyes meeting mine."And why are you apologizing to her? I mean, shouldn
Last Updated : 2024-11-17The Crimson Trail of Death A Vow to the Past
"Did you forget something, dear?" A voice caught my attention as I turned to witness Uncle Gavin waiting for me."No," I replied, walking out of the mansion. I was led to one of the cars, entering the back seat as I watched a man enter the front seat, whom I presumed was the Driver."Good day, ma'am," he uttered with a nod. I had little idea of his words; my eyes were still fixed on the mansion, hoping I could just catch a glimpse of Aunt Malisa.The driver started the engine as he drove off. Adrian and his uncle were seated in another car, which the driver maintained trailing.My eyes remained fixed outside the car windows, gazing at the city as the car moved through the streets. My eyes caught sight of my old apartment, and a reminder of my mom echoed through my thoughts, a recollection of a time before she had fallen ill when she would come out, turn to me with a smile. We would come out when the sun cast down with the stars bright and shining.I remember when I made a promise to h
Last Updated : 2024-11-17The Crimson Trail of Death Caught in the Crossfire
Adrian stepped out of the car, calm and unbothered, as though the armed men were no more alarming than a doorman. Of course, this was his world, where violence was normal.The driver opened my door, jolting me back to reality. "Ma'am?" he prompted. My legs felt heavy and reluctant to move, but I forced myself to step out. The air felt thicker here, the tension palpable.The men didn't say a word, but I felt their eyes on me, assessing, judging. I wrapped my arms around myself instinctively, trying to shield against their scrutiny. My heart was racing, but I kept my face neutral, my head held high.I had to play the part, no matter how badly I wanted to turn and run.As I walked inside, entering the mansion and taking in the interior of the surrounding, which evolved with more men, a discomforting feeling washed over me.My feet screeched a bit as I almost stumbled, only to feel a steady hand helping me back to my feet. My eyes landed on Adrian."Watch your feet next time, and when we
Last Updated : 2024-11-17The Crimson Trail of Death The Rift Between Brothers
[Demonic POV]I left a half-bow, as my legs came to a halt near Uncle Marc. I had no idea why he had called me up here. I had many things to fix, but he had interrupted them, informing me that I had to be here."Welcome, Demonic. I have been expecting your arrival," he uttered. I felt him leave a pat on my back. I raised my gaze afterward as my eyes landed on Adrian standing on the other side. His eyes darkened as they narrowed, staying glued at me.Really, I had little idea of why he held so many grudges against me. I had never seen him as an enemy or so. My only aim was to carry out my family's legacies and ensure some things were put in place. I had always wanted to protect him, ensure he was alright, and so I trained so hard. But yet, it all ended up as a waste, as I received his hatred instead.But yet, I hoped that one day, just one day, that anger would vanish, and he would understand that all my actions, which I had made lately, were for his benefit and nothing else."I had to
Last Updated : 2024-11-18The Crimson Trail of Death Trapped in Deception
[Sierra POV]Adrian led me to one of the rooms, helping me sit on the bed.Dominic was here. Why? My mind raced, spiraling with questions. Shouldn’t he be back in the city? The entire reason I agreed to this trip was to escape his reach, but now he was here too.And yet, I couldn’t shake the nagging thought—if Dominic recognized me, I should already be dead. Did he not know who I was, or was he playing some twisted game?“What are you thinking?” Adrian’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. His eyes scanned the passage behind him before narrowing on me, dark and sharp.“What was that downstairs? Didn’t I tell you not to try anything?” he said, his tone dripping with frustration.“What do you mean? Is it my fault I stumbled?” I snapped, watching him scoff. "And why were you trembling anyway? It must be new for you, right? Well, you better get used to it and fast also 'cause now it seems we are going to be stuck here for a while." He said, standing up as he turned to leave."This wasn't pa
Last Updated : 2024-11-18The Crimson Trail of Death Hunting Shadows
[Dominic POV]"Release!" I uttered as the bird flew out of the cage, flying up into the sky. I reloaded my shotgun, aiming with my right eye. "And dead," I pulled the trigger; the loud sound echoed as the bird fell down. I retreated the gun.I've always found hunting quite fun and a way to train my aim even more. Since I needed some air anyway, I decided to head out to the courtyard, nestled at the edge of the forest, just beyond the mansion's backyard."I see you still haven't given up on your typical hunting," a voice caught my attention. My eyes landed on Uncle Gavin."Well, it's just an old habit I find quite enjoyable," I said, gesturing as Uncle Gavin approached me, taking up one of the guns laid there. "Why don't I give it a shot also?"He uttered, as another bird was released. He aimed at it, pulled the trigger, and scraped through the air, missing the bird. "Seems my old age is getting to me," he said, retracting the gun and dropping it back on the ground."I'm sure you still
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Crimson Trail of Death A Taste of Power
I returned to the mansion with Uncle Gavin by my side. My eyes immediately caught sight of Uncle Marc seated at the dining table. His eyes landed on me instantly."Good, you're here," he uttered."You called for me, Uncle Marc?" I said, giving a half bow."Yeah, you must be hungry." He questioned as I raised my gaze, thinking it was something important, but it was just about the food being ready.My gaze shifted to Adrian, who was already seated. I watched his presumed wife come out with some of the maids, bringing some food."Wait, she cooked?" I thought, my mind trying to make sense of what was taking place."Come, sit, Dominic. I had your brother's wife prepare lunch," Uncle Marc uttered.
Last Updated : 2024-11-20
Latest chapter
The Crimson Trail of Death Brotherly Betrayal
"What are you saying, Damien? Tell me now; I want the truth. Tell me the real name of the person behind all this. Don't think you can play games with me. So, you expect me to believe that this is all my brother's doing? Really?" I spat.Does he see me as a fool, believing what just came out of his mouth? That my brother was behind all this? I mean, why would he kidnap his own wife?"I am telling you the truth, Dominic... and I can also prove it," Damien uttered.But was he really telling the truth? Adrian? That can't be right."Alright, I will give you the chance, but know if you are wrong, the bullets will do the talking next," I said, retreating my gun from his head as I watched his panting state. He hastily grabbed his phone out.My gaze rose to meet Adrian's wife, whom I found still unconscious—or was she just sleeping? Seeing her in such a state. Damien body not lying down, already lifeless, It must be some kind of weird luck for him.The call ringing drew my attention back to Da
The Crimson Trail of Death A Traitor's Mask
[Dominic's POV]I parked my car at the side as I watched some of the men I had tasked to follow me in search of Adrian's wife. They walked around the street, paying some street thugs a visit in case they could possibly have any information about Adrian's wife's whereabouts."Boss, still no information," I heard one say, walking up to me. I let out a sigh. When was this going to end? Just for how long would I have to keep searching for her?Beaten and injured many, yet they still claimed ignorance. Now, these street lowlifes still had no idea or information to let us in on.I couldn't just return to the mansion, not able to bring back Adrian's wife with me. I guessed I just had to keep trying harder.I picked up my phone, making a call to one of my men whom I had tasked to keep an eye on Damien. On my way, after leaving the mansion, I had a thought. I couldn't let my guard down and turn a blind eye to those that I suspected. I mean, how could I just trust Caleb's words so easily?I hir
The Crimson Trail of Death A Name to Live Up To
Honestly, even if I had gone out, what was the possibility of finding her? I mean, what if I wasn't the one who had Sierra at my grasp, but rather one of the real enemies? Why would I just go wandering around, questioning each and every person I saw?Now he tells me I'm the one acting stupid here. Knowing my brother is out there doing this just left a scoff. I thought he was smarter than that. Asking our enemies questions, how was he so sure it was one of them?"What are you still doing here?" I heard Uncle Marc's voice, his eyes narrowing as they remained fixed on me.I could see them brimming with rage. I was quite sure that if it was up to him, he would have put a bullet right through my skull. I mean, he has always seen me as nothing more than a useless burden, staining the family legacies."Which legacies in the first place?" I thought."I'm sorry, Uncle Marc. I shall set out once I receive feedback from my men. I want you to know that Sierra is my wife, and there is no way I wou
The Crimson Trail of Death Awkward Truths
"You should dress up and rest; I will leave now," I said.Maybe I shouldn't have rushed into her room. It wouldn't seem good to lay all those questions on her. Even though I had the thought that she might have slipped some words out—it's highly possible, but if so, she wouldn't remember it, would she? The drugs' effects on her would lead to such.Nevertheless, this didn't seem like the right time.I turned away from her sight, my legs moving toward the doorstep, when I felt a grasp on my wrist, causing a pause in my footsteps. A hand came wrapped around me as I felt her body pressing onto my back."Please don't go, Adrian; I need you. I can't hide this anymore," I heard Elena mutter in whispers, her hands caressing as she clutched tighter."Enough of this now, Elena," I snapped, removing her hands. My gaze turned to meet hers."Why, Adrian? Why is this enough? Why can't I touch you?" she questioned as I watched her hands closing in again, only for me to fling them to her sides.I didn
The Crimson Trail of Death The Stranger's Call
[Adrian's POV]"So what's next, Adrian? Are we going to keep Sierra locked up in that room?" Damien asked."I know we can't keep her in that room. I mean, she is my wife after all, even though it's all just a charade. But I have to act concerned," I said. I just had to play along to fool my silly brother and Uncle Marc, so they don't figure out Sierra's whereabouts. But I still had no idea how I could stop Sierra from becoming the next sohoe."Whatever you do, just know you have to do it fast, Adrian. And don't worry, I will keep an eye on her for you for a while, while you figure out what to do next," Damien said as I watched him leave the room after.I couldn't be seen walking out of the mansion so freely. Who knows how many eyes might be on me after this incident? Not that they would surely suspect me—I mean, who would suspect I kidnapped my own wife? But even so, I had to be conscious of my every step.Sitting down on the bed, I grasped my phone, hoping to contact Vince—the same p
The Crimson Trail of Death Web of Suspicion
I watched the maid leave with a nod as she walked past the hall.My mind was still swirling with questions about Adrian's whereabouts.I just hope he wasn't out doing something foolish. I have to find him; I just have to figure out where he is. I can't let him get himself into more trouble now.I made my way down the stairs, scanning the passage as I walked."Get the vehicle, and you get the weapons," I heard Uncle Gavin say to two of Uncle Marc's men standing at his front. It seemed they were getting ready to set out, but what good would that do? I mean, they have no idea of Adrian's wife's location, but yeah, that wasn't much of a problem if it was one of our enemies. But somehow, I feel somebody from inside helped those kidnappers, and Caleb claims it's not him.I guess I just have to set my eyes on him for a while to confirm if his words were true."Dominic, you're here," Uncle Gavin said, approaching me."Have you seen Adrian, Dominic? He should be here; this is about..." Uncle G
The Crimson Trail of Death A Traitor in Our Midst
[Dominic's POV]“Kidnapping one of the De Santos members in my mansion? I must say, wow! I haven’t had someone dare me for so long," I heard Uncle Marc say, his face curling into a smirk.Remembering things now, this must be exciting for him. I mean, he has many enemies, but none have had the guts to face and challenge him. With Adrian's wife's kidnapping, this somehow felt like a direct challenge to him—one he had missed so much.“Get the men, Gavin. I want Sierra found immediately, and get me the head of whoever is behind this," Uncle Marc snapped.As Uncle Gavin left with a nod, the crowd fell into silence, everyone just stood there watching. But yet, I could hear a murmur coming from my side. It was from the same two men I had caught whispering earlier.“I am sure the old man's power has weakened now that his family is at risk of being ended," one chuckled.I turned, looking up in their direction. As they noticed my presence, their murmurs ceased, replaced by a downcast look.“Wea
The Crimson Trail of Death The Masterminid Revealed
A splash woke me as my eyes sprang open. My body was wet, dripping with water. I found myself tied to a chair.Standing right in front of me was a stranger with an empty bucket in hand, which he placed down."What happened? Where am I?" I wondered in my thoughts.Recalling all that had happened before: those muscular men and Caleb. "So I was kidnapped?" But who could have possibly had me kidnapped?I thought that by staying in the crowd's sight, I would be safe from all the dangers that seemed to lurk at the walls, craving to end me. But here I was, ending up kidnapped and trapped in this room, with no idea where I was, and this complete stranger with glued feet, his eyes remained fixed on me. I caught no sight of the two muscular men."Please… where am I? Please let me go; I don't even want this title in the first place." I pleaded in a whisper to the man, and I was quite sure the reasons they had me kidnapped was because of the title I was about to be given. But even with all my ple
The Crimson Trail of Death Shadows in the Hall
[Sierra's POV]"So, what’s your name?" I heard the stranger ask.I hesitated. Why did he want to know my name? I couldn’t just blurt it out; danger seemed to lurk everywhere. Who knows if he possibly was one of them? Just because he saved me from falling down the stairs didn’t mean he wasn’t."Hey, you there," his voice snapped me from my thoughts. His eyes were fixed on me, expecting an answer.I left no answer, only to start walking away. I glanced back, only to find him still glaring at me.I thought he might follow me, so I had to make sure. I distanced myself, and a bit further down the hall, I leaned onto the wall, releasing a sigh."So, he didn't follow me," I whispered.Maybe I had possibly overreacted, but am I really to blame? With everything that seemed to be happening, I found it hard to trust anybody here at this ceremony... not a single one of them.But wait—am I going to avoid every single one of them now? I took a step in fear, my eyes scanning each side. Is that going
