My legs slowly retreated back as theirs grew closer. The dagger they grasped was raised up, pointed for an attack.I turned, picking up speed as my legs lashed through the way. "Help...! Please help!" I yelled, hoping someone, just anybody, would come to my aid and save me.The alley was dark and deserted—nobody was there. I was left replied by my echoing words as I wandered through the alley, running. My eyes darted back as I witnessed them getting closer by the second."Catch her, don't let her escape..." they uttered to each other.My eyes became blurry with tears streaming down as my entire body was consumed by fear."Am I going to die? But why? Why are they after me? What could this possibly be..."I wondered, and then it hit me: 'The Club.'Could this be their doing? I never expected to be hunted down so quickly. I thought I still had time, a little time to get things done, plan an escape, and lay low for just a while. But it seemed my own hope was left shattered and thrown right
The faint clash of metal echoed in my ears as a sharp beam of light pierced through my eyes, forcing them to spring open.I found myself lying on the street, my body half-stained with my own blood and injuries.Another clash of metal caught my attention as my eyes focused on the coins tossed at a rubber container near me by each person passing by. It was the morning hour.A reminder of what took place last night; I managed a half-crawl and leaned against the wall, releasing a sigh. I tried to catch a proper breath as I could still feel the pain coursing through my body, which was still reeling from the trauma."That monster! I—I will make him pay; he will pay for all he has done to me and my family. He dared to hit me last night... damn him!" I yelled, my throat catching in my words as I found myself coughing uncontrollably. Some of the people passing by gazed at me, their eyes flickering with pity and disgust. I was laying here on the street, my clothes half-torn, my entire body cove
[Adrian's POV]"Please, just please let me go! I have a family, kids... I promise I won't try this again, boss..." he pleaded, his voice trembling with fear.I gazed at him, his pitiful and pathetic appearance eliciting a slight chuckle from me. I bent down, my eyes fixed on his chained form lying on the ground as he sobbed uncontrollably."Why?" I questioned, my voice cold and calculating."What?" he stuttered, his face pale with terror."Why did you have to take it this far? I thought you were trustworthy, or was it just my misjudgment? Lies are told; I understand. Betrayals are made; that I understand also. But do you know why I'm angry? It's not that you wanted to sell me out to some enemies or that you were spying on me..." I whispered, approaching a nearby table and picking up a sledgehammer."What do you mean? All this isn't because of that?" he uttered, his face growing even paler."No... What really got me angry is the fact that you did it out of fear, or no, maybe the fact t
I sat down, my gaze fixed on hers. I couldn't ignore some tiny bruises I saw on her face, but it was of little concern to me. "So, I'm guessing you've come to accept my offer," I said, watching her silent presence, which persisted for a few seconds, leaving my question unanswered."If I agree, can you guarantee your help? Can I make them pay? I can make every single one of them pay," she uttered, her voice barely audible but growing louder.Her eyes were different, unlike when I first met her. They reminded me of someone—I recognized that feeling of wanting revenge, to make them pay, to rip them from flesh to flesh and watch as they beg for mercy before killing them.Gosh, how I missed that instinct!"My words don't change, nor do I break them. Agree to sign this deal, and I'll ensure all your problems are gone, and all the revenge you desire is within your grasp." I said, observing the impact of my words on her vulnerable state.I yearned to experience once more the feeling of flames
[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
"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
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
"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
[Adrian's POV]I stepped out of the mansion, my eyes landing on Damien, who was still trying to aim a shot at the target. It seemed he also loved hunting, just like Dominic. However, I found the real hunt and fun game when I was dealing with my enemies or traitors; anything else just seemed boring.My mind still lingered on Uncle Marc's last words—the entire De Santos family. Why was he making everything more complicated than it already was? All I wanted was my dad's property, so I saw no other choice in this contract. Yet, it seemed things just got more complicated for me.I don't know what Uncle Marc sees in Dominic that he doesn't see in me. Staying in my mansion, tarnishing the family name? Why doesn't he understand that I also make my moves? Even though I was more interested in the business side of things than becoming an underworld lord, I never had those dreams. If it was power I needed, I don't need the title to instill fear in my enemies.I have achieved great heights in the
My eyes sprung open, and I gently rose from the bed, welcoming the morning rays that seemed to glow through the room. They served as a reminder of last night with Dominic's questioning.Even though he seemed not to recognize me, I couldn't deny the suspicion he harbored toward me. I just had to stay low and try not to attract any attention; only then could I assure my safety and prevent him from recognizing me.I made my way into the bathroom, splashing some water on my face before walking out, only to be hit with the realization that Adrian wasn't around last night. I was happy that I didn't have to share the room with him, but I couldn't help but question where he could be and what he was planning. He was slapped last night; I was sure he must still be quite furious, but I couldn't understand why. Why was he slapped by Marc instead? I just couldn't understand each and every one of them. Well, I shouldn't even be trying; I'm not part of their family in the first place, so why bother?
[Sierra's POV]Taking the dishes into the kitchen, I laid them down and leaned against the wall for a moment. I let out a sigh, thinking about what had occurred back at the dining table with Marc and Adrain. Really, was staying here such a good idea? These people stood by their names, their eyes and actions sending shivers down my spine. Even though the blow wasn't meant for me, I couldn't deny the fear that coursed through me with his footsteps growing nearer. And I had also bumped into Dominic. What if he had recognized me? I was really in a death trap, never expecting to be trapped with no way out like this. All I wanted was justice for my mother and to make them pay, not to be bound and trapped in another lie.I couldn't run away, nor could I say anything. It seemed I just had to act up, not showing much attention, at least until he was gone. Then I would plot my way and destroy him to the very inch. But for now, I just had to keep low and hidden, even though he was here too. All
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.
[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
[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
[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
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
"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