The Ordeal

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION

The characters, settings, and ideas in this work are purely fictional.

Any resemblance is only a coincidence.

THE HEIRESS:

(Book 1: HER SECRET MISSION)

©plume alter (Ricki Ryce)

Published on Goodnovel (2020).

1. THE ORDEAL

∞≠∞

Tiffany was determined to join the brotherhood.

Despite the many speculations, she knew she was ready. Hence, when her father told her that tonight was the beginning of her initiation, she did not waste her time thinking things over. She had long thought about it before. And tonight, the brotherhood will finally see the heiress in flesh.

“Are you ready?” her father asked in a solemn voice. She looked at him and nodded her head. She was beyond ready.

Only her face was exposed as Tiffany stood in front of the Alphas. The black cloak that extended to her ankle didn’t show even a single skin of her body, and yet, she felt naked. Six pairs of cold eyes stared at her with curiosity and distrust. They were scrutinizing her and each look seemed to grill her flesh little by little.

Her father casually stepped in front and spoke in a very loud voice. "Powerful lords of this land, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate my unica hija's 18th birthday."

His voice reverberated in this secluded office where thousands of familiar photographs hung on the walls. These were pictures of those people who belonged to the highest rank in the society—the socialites, illustrados, principalias—and in more modern terms: the rich and the billionaires.

The man who was speaking was her father, the Alpha Don himself, Don Arnulfo Viaje del Cargador. He is a 61-year-old, cunning, and cold-blooded hound who hunted everyone who came his way. The seriousness in his face and his intimidating persona were evident as he spoke in front.

"Being my only child, she is bound to inherit everything that I own, including the position in this brotherhood.”

A sudden murmur rose through the air as the men shared their opinions about the matter.

“Don Arnulfo, we all know that she cannot lead the brotherhood because she’s just a girl!”

Tiffany’s lips pressed into a thin line. She knew her credentials and her claim to her father’s inheritance was nothing in the eyes of this greedy Alpha Council. For many years, the secret brotherhood led by her father only had men as members and leaders. But she was a del Viaje and only a del Viaje shall be the rightful Don. Unfortunately, her generation was not able to conceive a son. Instead, she was born a girl.

“If only I had a son, Tiffany will not stand in front of us here,” her father continued. “As your Alpha Don, you have to abide by my decision.”

“Let’s give her some options then,” one of the council members exclaimed.

“What kind of options, Mr. Chu?” the Don replied grimly.

The rich businessman stood up and said, “If Tiffany marries an Alpha’s son, she will have the chance to rule the brotherhood for the meantime. And in two years, they must conceive a son who will, later on, claim the position.”

Tiffany glared at Mr. Chu and spoke for the first time. “I don’t want to marry anyone. I want to rule!”

“Then that leads us to the next option,” Mr. Chu replied. “You’ll be an Alpha assassin, señorita. And in less than a year, you will kill the notorious leader of the Dragon Brotherhood. Only then that I and the rest of the council shall accept you as our rightful Alpha Don.”

Clenching her fist, Tiffany heaved a sigh as she looked at them one by one. Forcing to choke the lump in her throat, she thought about her struggles to reach this milestone. All her life she had been cultured and raised to be an Alpha just like her father, and everything that she had been preparing for had finally come her way. But the Alphas were hesitant of her because she was a girl! As if her gender was a boon that was meant to be embarrassed about.

Don Arnulfo stepped up and said, “We understand that the Alpha is not just any secret organization. Anyone who will enter its realms has to face a huge task, my daughter. The Alpha Council is right. You have to prove to us first that you deserve to lead the brotherhood.” The Don shoot her an intense stare as he paused, making her feel even more breathless. “Nothing is given free, my daughter. You will have to face an ordeal before you officially join the brotherhood and eventually inherit everything."

Tiffany took a deep breath as she looked at the men in front of her again. All of them were wearing the same grim expression as her father's. They were all dressed in black coats and white ties and underneath those coats was the seal of an Alpha, forever imprinted on their wealthy skins.

“Tell us, Tiffany. Do you think you have what it takes to be an Alpha?” Mr. Chu taunted her once more.

“Can you kill the leader of the brotherhood’s mortal enemy?” one of the men added.

She drew a smirk as they stared at them with confidence. ‘Who are you to judge me?’ she said on her mind. She had achieved so much in the Academy and had eliminated countless men in the field. As she said, she was beyond prepared for this.

"Are you ready to take your destiny, my child? Are you ready to live in my world where money is power and power is the only thing that matters?”

After this ceremony, she will finally bear the seal. She had always loved to daydream of having it, and now, it was finally being laid out to her in a golden platter. But her father had been living a very complicated life, her mother used to tell her. It was the kind of life that turned their worlds upside-down. There was always a constant need of gaining power and wealth and harboring rage, revenge, and brutality all for the sake of power!

Does she want to live that kind of life?

Such a question had been locked up in her head for many years now. Of course, she knew everything there was to know about her father. She idolized him and dreamt of becoming him in the future. This was what she wants, wasn’t it?

"This is my destiny, Papa. I will take it," she bravely replied.

With a snap of her father’s fingers, the twelve Alphas gathered around her; encircling her and chanting in a monotonous manner. The Don approached them at the center of the circle then kissed both of her cheeks. He looked at her one more time before asking, "Do you solemnly swear to keep the reputation and confidentiality of this brotherhood?"

The chanting continued to rise as she stood there, exchanging excited glances with her father. "I—I solemnly swear!” she answered loudly, her voice cackled amid the noise created by the Alphas.

"Do you solemnly swear to be a loyal Alpha and to practice the cause of this brotherhood at all times?"

"Yes, I’ll do everything!”

The overwhelming feeling was already tickling her scalp, and the noise also intensified the different sensations she was feeling tonight.

"Do you solemnly swear that you will give your life to preserve the integrity of the Alpha and to die for it if you need be?"

It had become louder and faster now. She could almost hear a drum roll in the background as the men started to move around; still in circles and not breaking their positions. She was now drowning in nervousness and excitement.

"I solemnly swear to give my life to preserve the integrity of the Alpha and to die for it if I need be!”

The Don raised his hand and everything fell silent. There was a sudden eeriness in the atmosphere as the sound of clashing metals was heard.

In the center of the hall was a huge furnace kindled with a glowing fire. There was also a small knife with a golden handle that was placed on a small round table.

The Alphas brought her to the table as the Don carefully drew the knife. He brought the knife to his palm and slit it using it. Blood gushed out of his hand as he handled the knife to his daughter. Tiffany did the same thing and both of them now had a bloody hand. The don stretched his palm and they shook hands. This was called a blood compact; the first part of the initiation.

"Take off your cloak," her father said in a solemn voice. "And kneel.”

Tiffany let her cloak drop to the floor as the blood on her palm continued to drip her on her hand. Her milky white skin was exposed for she only had thin clothing hiding her private parts.

"Tomorrow, my señorita, the ordeal will be given to you," said the Don as he took an iron seal from the raging flames. The seal glowed brightly, mocking her. Bowing her head, she closed her eyes tightly as she prepared for the next part of her initiation; the seal. She almost felt her body trembling as she kneeled on the floor.

"You are the heiress, hija. This is your world," her father whispered. Then two powerful hands grasped her arms and forced her to yield helplessly to whatever is coming. "Tonight marks your initiation! I welcome you, my unica hija. Welcome to the Alpha!"

The Don pressed the burning iron seal to his daughter's flesh and instantly, a surge of tremendous pain quickly consumed her, making her feel weak and wobbly.

"This is my world,” she said in a ragged voice. “I am now an Alpha!” Then she dropped to the floor.

∞≠∞

Sunlight passed through her face as she woke up from a dreamless sleep. As she hurried to stand up, the pain just below her shoulder blade immediately consumed her. She looked at her hand and it was already covered with white linen. Memories of last night's events started to get vivid on her mind.

"Fucking hell,” she cursed under her breath.

“Good morning, mi amour."

Turning around, she was startled to see her father sitting comfortably on the red couch across her bed.

"P—Papa," she nervously replied as she leaped and kissed both of her father's cheeks. Realizing that she was already wearing her black nightgown and her wound was already cleaned, she thought that her assistant, Elizabeth, must have helped her in all of this.

She went back to her king-sized bed and sat on it, crossing her legs.

Her bedroom was huge, with pink curtains and big chandeliers. Glass windows faced her, displaying the panoramic view of the city they lived in. Skyscrapers also greeted her every morning while the occasional glittery skies waved hello at night. There was a grand comfort room as well, with a huge tub and a glass cabinet of her collection of expensive wine and perfume.

"I passed out last night. My apologies," she meekly said as she faced her enigmatic father.

"It's okay. Getting the seal was quite exhausting. Does it still hurt? It usually burns during the first three days."

She unmindfully touched her new imprint which was still sending pain on her skin. "I'll be lying if I'll say no."

"Take some pain reliever, hija," the Don replied.

There was a brief exchange of silence between them as the Don continued to sip his tea. Tiffany then stood up to look herself in the mirror. Then she turned around and examined her burnt imprint.

"I like it though,” she eventually said, addressing Don Arnulfo. “It makes me feel like you are indeed a part of me."

Don Arnulfo stiffened but then eventually recovered. She knew that her father was aware of her special affection towards him and to his work. And she smirked to herself as she saw him looking so uncomfortable.

The Don, later on, stood up and carefully placed the cup of tea on the glass table beside him. His masculinity and his white hair showed how focused he was in his endeavors. The Don was not someone who can be easily fooled. He was a clear picture of an experienced and hallow man. He didn’t like to forgive easily but he was always a believer in the idea that a man should do certain sacrifices. With steady steps, he walked towards his daughter and rubbed his thumb on her cheek. The latter smiled at the gesture.

"I idolize you, Papa," she said as she intently stared at her father's face. She noticed wrinkles on his forehead and some grey hair on his mustache.

"And I adore you, unica hija," her father replied "You look exactly like your Mama."

"She wouldn't approve of this," she said, chuckling.

Taking no heed of her comment, the Don walked back to the couch and revealed a brown Manila envelope.

“This is your assignment."

Tiffany opened it and slowly pulled a picture of a man from the envelope. She studied him then decided that he must be in his mid-30's.

"He's handsome. Am I marrying him?” she said, wrinkling her face. The old man let out a throaty chuckle.

"And why did you arrive at such a conclusion?" he asked, amused.

"Well, that's what happens in movies—"

"He is a threat to our business and the brotherhood. He is an assassin, and he is very good at hiding. But the good news is that we have just finally located him. That’s where you are going, hija. Right now, he is currently making a lot of moves that have recently affected our chains of businesses. It is your job to stop him.”

"So, what do you want me to do with him?"

"Eliminate him. All the things that you need to do with your mission are inside that envelope. Read it, then pack your things urgently."

Her eyes popped in surprise. "Urgently? And why is that?"

"You're leaving tonight, hija. You are going to the island of Southern Isla, a place somewhere in the Visayan region. Breakfast is ready. Prepare yourself," he replied seriously before he turned to leave. Tiffany eyed her father before she stared back at the photo.

"Poor man," she whispered to herself. "The Alphas have already decided your destiny."

She then fixed her eyes at the window. She's now thinking about her mother and the future that awaited her.