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Fear and Loyalty
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2024-11-13 23:16:01Related chapters
The Crimson Trail of Death A Temporary Refuge
[Sierra's POV]"Follow me, dear," the woman uttered as I raised my gaze to catch a glimpse of her image. It was the same woman who had opened the door and welcomed me in with a smile.I gently stood up, following her as she led me through the hall. My eyes fell on many maids busy with their duties, tidying up the mansion. The walls were high and the halls were wide.It felt like it was going to take forever to arrive at where we were heading when I noticed a halt in the woman's footsteps. She turned her gaze, meeting mine."This is your room, my dear," she said with a smile lighting up her lips.I took a peek into the room, my legs hesitating at first before I eventually entered, taking in the room's grandeur. There was a fresh display of artwork on the wall side, a dazzling shade of steel that roamed around the area. I had never seen something as nice as that; all my nose had been able to presume for years were the scents of burnt tobacco and alcohol. I would say I had become used to
Last Updated : 2024-11-14The Crimson Trail of Death The Price of Protection
"No. Stay away!" I screamed, my hands lifted up, with my gaze downcast. Within seconds, I noticed something bright as the room became clear. My eyes caught the strange legs, which remained paused as I slowly raised my gaze, only for it to land on Adrian, gazing at me with a furrowed brow.So it was him all along. I let out a sigh of relief, lowering my hands, which had sprung up for protection, as my eyes remained fixed on his.What was he doing here anyway? And couldn't he respond when I was asking who he was? Instead, he remained quiet, walking closer, leaving my heart racing.But yet, could my reaction really be that I feared for my life? After the incident with the men chasing me, my uncle's words and cruelty, a side of fear remained lingering inside me. A display of if I don't act first, the next encounter with them could possibly be my last."Hey!" Adrian snapped me from my thoughts."W-why are you here?" I stammered, trying to catch my wordings. "What are you planning?" I questi
Last Updated : 2024-11-14The Crimson Trail of Death A Moment of Belonging
The morning sunlight gleamed through as my eyes jolted awake, welcoming the new day. Reminded of last night, I sighed. The contract and Adrian's words lingered in my mind."California?" I whispered to myself."You are awake?" A voice caught my attention as my eyes landed on Malisa standing at the doorstep. I had no idea how long she had been there. I watched her gently approach, her ever-wavering smile painted on her face."Oh, morning, Aunt Malisa," I said, managing to sit up on the bed.Her eyebrows arched, eyes widening. "Aunt?" She uttered."Yeah... is it okay if I call you Aunt?" I blurted, but didn't hope to take back my words. Arriving here, her smile and kindness somehow sparked a different mood around me. It was a comforting side that always reminded me of my mother and her love. She was one who looked at me with so much care even though knowing me for just a day."I surely don't mind, dear. You can call me whatever you want, and I shall accept it wholeheartedly," she said wi
Last Updated : 2024-11-15The Crimson Trail of Death Bruises and Silk
"Have you gotten her size?" Adrian's voice cut through the air."I was about to—" Aunt Malisa began, but before she could finish her words, he interrupted."Don't tell me you haven't taken her size." His voice was sharp, and I watched as a startled, pale look washed over Aunt Malisa's face.I wanted to cut in. This was all wrong—his tone towards her, every single bit of it."Gazing upon the dress she is wearing, I know the perfect size fit for the rest of her dresses, boss," she said, her voice trembling."Then why are you still here and not getting them?" Adrian snapped."I'm sorry, I will go get them," Aunt Malisa uttered with a downcast gaze as I watched her leave the room.Adrian remained standing at the side, his eyebrow furrowed as his eyes landed on me."And why are you still seated there? Shouldn't you be getting dressed up?" he sneered, his eyes narrowing as they remained fixed on me, as though they waited for me to succumb to his words and give in to his order."I can't poss
Last Updated : 2024-11-15The 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 : 2024-11-17
Latest chapter
The Crimson Trail of Death A Threat of Legacy
[Dominic's POV]"Why did you make her the new Sohoe, Uncle Marc? Why?" I questioned, but all I received from him were those darkening glares. I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me. Yet, should I say I was disappointed in the same person I considered a powerful man who still left terror in his wake? Someone I wanted to surpass in power and reach greater heights than he ever did. How could he make Adrian's wife the new head of the De Santos family? How could he take such a drastic step without informing me, Adrian, or any of the other families? This was a matter that held every one of our concerns."I owe you no explanation, Dominic. She is the new Sohoe, and that's final. Understand?" he declared, yet my gaze remained unwavering. This was a death wish, I knew. He could have me killed at any moment. Even though I had the power and connections, I was in his territory, and that was something I couldn't deny. This was something I couldn't just take lightly. I held some suspicion
The Crimson Trail of Death Seeking Answers
"It's okay, Dominic. Let's go out and have a talk," Uncle Gavin interjected, standing up. As Marc turned and left the room, followed by Uncle Gavin. I noticed Dominic's gaze still fixed on me, with raised brows before finally leaving.As I found myself alone in the room, I released a sigh. Even with all that Uncle Gavin had said, I had no idea what this was all about and why I was chosen as the new Sohoe. I wasn't even a daughter-in-law of their blood-stained family. This was just a contract, and I would never be such in the first place. This place had always been hell for me, with every single day passing by, and it seemed this hell was increasing even more.I was quite sure Adrian would have heard of it and was possibly on his way back. A reminder of the questions he had thrown at me when I came back this morning.But honestly, what should I do now? Even though I had no idea about this Sohoe thing, I could tell it was a big issue and one that would draw many eyes to me. Nate turned
The Crimson Trail of Death Awakening to Darkness
[Sierra's POV]"Is she going to be alright?" whispers reached my ears as my eyes sprung open, only to find myself lying on the bed. I tried to stand up and give the room a proper scan. Pain shot through me, coursing through my veins, leaving me numb. My gaze landed on my already bandaged right hand. It hit me then - the scene with that crazy old man, his actions. Why did he do that? And what was he blubbering on about?A 'Sohoe'... I cared less about what he meant by that, but I found myself curious nonetheless.I had thought maybe he had found out my true identity and the fact that I wanted to bring down Dominic. The feeling that washed over me at the mere thought, but now I found myself in a new story, one that I had no idea about.A creak from the door caught my attention, and my eyes scanned the room, witnessing Uncle Gavin as he walked in. A flicker of a smile painted his lips, though I couldn't deny the paled look in his eyes."You're awake, dear." I heard him mutter, and before
The Crimson Trail of Death A Call to Danger
[Adrian’s POV]"Doesn't this feel so amazing, Adrian?" A voice snapped my attention to Elena, a smile lighting up her lips."Yeah, it does," I managed a reply, only to watch her gaze still fixed on me."What's wrong, Adrian? Are you not happy with all this? Don't you want us to spend more time...or--" she questioned, her gaze dropping immediately, the smile wavering away."It's not that, Elena," I replied. It wasn't really about any of this. I just found it hard shaking off the questions that swirled my mind, which were left unanswered by Sierra. I mean, where did she go to last night? She never returned to the mansion. What if, just what if, Uncle Marc was to find out? Now, that would be a fault in my plans, every single one of them, and the wealth I wished to attain, my father's property and everything. I just can't imagine those dreams crumbling down into ashes. I had picked her for this agreement because I found her usefulness and someone who wouldn't cause me more trouble further,
The Crimson Trail of Death The Dark Initiation
"Sophie. It still feels so clear in my head, those days," Marc whispered, his gaze shifting and fixing on me.What was this old man planning, and why did he bring me here? Adrian's mother?My gaze raised to meet the image again, only to find them dropping down after as I shivered in fear, from the eyes of the decapitated bodies surrounding her.This? I knew that everyone in this family was bloodstained and crazy, but yet, why did this image of witnessing those two brothers' mother leave a shocking sight to me?"Are you scared?" A voice snapped me as my eyes were on Marc. His steps grew closer; I found mine retreating only to stumble as beside me gazed upon a bone—wait, they were real! I jolted up immediately, colliding with Marc."What...?" I wanted to utter, only to watch him retreat a bit from my side. His eyes scanned the wall back as I watched a smirk lit from that crazy old man's lips."She was one of a kind, I would say, but really, I thought by now you must have been used to ou
The Crimson Trail of Death The Family's Dark Secret
"Alright..." I replied, managing a few steps as I followed the maid who led me through the passage. We arrived at a room, well, I guessed maybe that was his room."Please wait here," I heard the maid utter. Her words caused a halt. I watched her enter Marc's room after as I waited for some minutes before I caught a sight of her stepping out."He will see you now," she said, making her way as she left. My legs lingered a bit, as though they felt glued to the ground, my hands trembling as they approached the door handle."Why did he call me now again, all of a sudden?" I questioned in my thoughts. Finally, managing a breath, I opened the room door, walking in as my eyes landed on him seated on the couch, his gaze rising as they met mine."Come, sit, dear," he requested, pointing his hands to the couch beside him. I gently made my way, seating, my gaze still fixed on his.As I heard those silence break in after:"So, how is it?" he questioned. "Have you gotten Adrian to give up on this w
The Crimson Trail of Death An Unwelcome Visitor
"You?" I questioned, watching him get to his feet as he stood up from the bed, approaching me. "What are you doing here in my room?" he asked, raising a brow.His room? What does he mean by his room?"This is my room, and what are you doing here?" I retorted, my mind still reeling from the fact that he was here and had entered my room without a proper knock."Wait—" I watched his voice trail off as he took a scan around the room. "Oh my!" he blurted. "I am really sorry. I thought this was my room. I mean, the room looks much alike, don't you think so?" he uttered. But really, he thought?"Please leave now," I said, my hands pointed at the room door, urging him to leave my room. But instead, I noticed his glued heels, with his eyes glaring at me, as he took a scan, leaving me uncomfortable at his sight as I tried adjusting the towel, my gaze rising to meet his."Didn't you hear me? Please leave my room now." I said again, but this time, he brought out a lighter and a pack of cigarettes
The Crimson Trail of Death Facing the Storm
[Sierra's POV] Arriving back at the mansion, I found myself releasing a breath after finding it hard to get my mind off Nate's words and actions. So he was an enemy—one of the De Santos' enemies—who was also here to take down Dominic. Honestly, this all felt hard to take, more like believing if it was true and he was right about his words of seeking revenge. Back at the club, remembering clearly, Nate had always trembled in fear at the mere mention of Dominic's name or, as I had heard, trembled right in his presence. But now he was here claiming this. Should I believe each and every word he had spoken out of that mouth, or was I just seeing myself fall into another mess? Was he planning something?" I questioned in a whisper, but if he was truly faking it, I should have been dead. So should I just accept that everything he had said was the truth, and he wanted to bring Dominic down? Taking the stairs up, my only hope was getting some rest, as I couldn't deny the sharp pain that
The Crimson Trail of Death A Night to Remember
"Wait? Her? What is she doing here? I hope she isn't..." I approached her, helping her up, and then I led her to the back seat of my car. "No, no, no," I heard her as she kept on mumbling. I felt relief washing over, taking in the fact that she was still alive, and there were no bruises either. But even so, I found it hard ignoring those words that kept on mumbling out of her mouth. As her hands attempted to raise, she only crumbled back down. But wait, how did she end up here in the first place? I mean, what was she doing roaming around at night on such a street? Yet judging from her staggering and muttering state, I could tell she was high. So she takes pills now? Really, what was wrong with Adrian? How many more of his flaws do I have to keep on fixing? I entered the car's front seat, starting the engine. I can't take her back to the mansion, well, not with her looking like this. That would surely raise questions from Uncle Marc, and that I would want to avoid, and most especi
