FELICIA POV We arrived at what they called the Palace. It's massive compared to the mansion Kalixo has on the island.The car circled around a grand fountain. Despite the late hour, the surroundings weren't dim due to the numerous lights. Different hues of red, blue, and white danced within the fountain, creating a mesmerizing sight.We stepped out of the car... or rather, I was practically dragged out. "Ouch, what the heck!" I complained. I'm starting to lose my patience.My whole body ached, and the throbbing was intensified by the heat in my head! Calm down, Felicia, just calm down. Their time will come. Hold back for now. Endure it, for now.There's a slight chill in the air outside now. The night is getting deeper.There were numerous people surrounding the area. Looking up from below, I examined the height of the balcony, still guarded. None of them wore masks, unlike Kalixo's men, this old man, and Ferrer's. Whose men were those earlier, chasing after me? They're definitely no
FELICIA POVThe air was cold, the ground icy beneath me. My eyelids grew heavy, yet sleep remained elusive. Within the confines of the prison, I was far from alone. Many were here, not just me. All those reported missing were present. The young, the old, those my age, too."Are you Avimayor? Aren't you? I idolize you!" I saw the delight on their faces.She was a teenager, this girl. Most joined in her sentiment, a chorus of voices rising. Soft murmurs only, mindful of the guards' scrutiny."Thank goodness you're alive,""News of your sudden vanishing reached us; little did we expect to find you here,""A month later, and here we are, crossing paths,""It's astonishing,""What happened to you? You're covered in wounds and bruises. Are they hurting you?"I couldn't bring myself to speak, to explain to them. Instead of addressing their questions, I turned into the inquirer. So much I wanted to know, hoping they might hold even a scrap of insight."Have you been here long?" I inquired."S
THIRD PERSON POVNo one will ever fall asleep, especially, in this kind of situation. Kalixo's mind was full of wonders, thinking of what does Gozon was talking about. Who is he pertaining to she? He shut his eyes and laid back his head on the wall, as he murmurs. "Fuck. . ."His heart skipped a beat when suddenly his thoughts were filled with his memory with Felicia. God knows how he misses her so much that he could break the rules set upon inside this palace.However, it'll only get more complicated for him to move once the Boss held Felicia's neck. He is waiting for the right time. When will that time will be?Most of all, where is his father?He opened his eyes when he heard footsteps coming near towards his prison. He looked outside and waited for that person to arrived. He knows who might it be. After Gozon left, he knows this person will talk to him."Oh! The little Montenegro!" Boss grinned as he held his black hat off his head and put it on his chest. "What a shame you're he
THIRD PERSON POV[FLASHBACK CONTINUES]Kalixo started working for the Boss. His father never knew about this. He doesn't have any plans to tell him.In the park, wearing a casual clothes, he eats his barbeque as he observes the Avimayor. Sitting on the bench while holding a black suitcase. That suitcase contains illegal drugs that would be exchanged with a suitcase full of money.A man arrived and sat on the bench. They immediately exchange cases and then he left. The Avimayor was left on the bench. He was about to stand when suddenly his phone rang.Kalixo pushed something on his ear, an ear pierce. He put a small microphone at the back of his polo shirt's collar.[Hello, Felicia,][Brother! What time will you come home tonight?][I'm not sure, baby Cia. But I guess before 7]
THIRD PERSON POV[Recent time]"Do not attempt to feign innocence any longer, Kalixo. At your tender age, you are already aware of the consequences that could be laid upon you. Refrain from trying to cleanse your hands. An Avimayor lost their life due to a Montenegro. Your families have been at odds since then, and that shouldn't be a surprise. But what's this? It seems you've fallen for that woman? What will her reaction be to your actions?"Kalixo seemed to lose his breath, frozen like a statue. He processed every word spoken by his Boss in his mind."This is your destiny now. Face it and finish what you've started."[Flashback]Kalixo swiftly maneuvered his motorcycle. He was chasing Leo, who had just stolen a car to escape. Gunfire echoed incessantly. Leo was skilled, deftly evading motorcycles that tried to intercept the stolen car.Kalixo drew his gun, pressing it against the side of his black pants to steady his aim. He targeted the car's tire and fired. The tire deflated, but
FELICIA'S POVUpon our arrival at the office, the henchman knocked thrice before opening the grand double doors. The pungent odor of cigarette smoke met me, accompanied by a haze swirling around him. My astonishment surged upon recognizing who stood beside him. Our gazes locked, and an unsettling emptiness emanated from his eyes, directed straight at me."K-Kalixo…"He lazily gave me a look that furrowed my brow."Please come in," the Boss instructed.His henchman ushered me inside, closing the door with a resentful glance my way. "Fuck you!" I retorted with anger, locking eyes with him as he scowled and began to raise his gun, only to be halted by his companion. "Madman! Lunatic!"My attention returned to Kalixo. Our eyes met, yet I felt no emotion emanating from him. Why was that? Something happened? I don't understand what's really going on. This is too much for me to handle.Kalixo avoided his gaze towards me when the Boss began his words. Why was he standing next to that beast?!
FELICIA'S POVLittle did I know that Kalixo was capable of such. In this moment, terror consumes me entirely. Tears are now my inevitable companions, slipping from my eyes. I can't bear for Kalixo to witness this weakness, how trivial it makes me feel. My head bows down, and the droplets descend to the floor, like tiny echoes of my torment.I could feel the my skipping heart beat smashing my chest like a huge drum. A peircing ached slits my throat, as I bit my lower lip to prevent any mourning cries to escape. This is shame. I'm crying out of doing nothing but terrified with anger!A mirthful chuckle escapes the lips of the old man. "Who would've thought? Avimayor shedding tears? What a disgrace!""Why did you kill my brother?!" I muster the strength to meet his gaze, despite the profound shame of revealing my tear-streaked face. "Damn you! Why did you kill my brother?"Instead of receiving his anger, he only laughs more, as though my brother's fate is some comedic jest. Infuriating!
THIRD PERSON POV"My child... all of this is the fault of the Avimayors... my child," their Boss continues to murmur, never ceasing to bite onto his ring since Felicia left his office.This isn't new to Kalixo, he knew all about this certain condition their Boss is having. Kalixo remains beside the Boss, observing without emotion. Since losing his child, there have been moments like these where his Boss displays such actions. Kalixo sighes as he turned his faze towards the swords. He pulled it out and raised it's blade, making the light reflect on its tips. A blood is seen, causing a memory to replay in his mind. How he emotionlessly slits a tiny wound on Felicia's neck. How he hears her breathings, and how he saw her irregular movements. He saw terrified emotions on her eyes.[FLASHBACK]Inside a room, shattered equipment from the experiment is strewn about. Various liquids stain the table and the floor. Meanwhile, a man clad in a white lab gown lies on a table, where a few pieces o
Felicia's POV I woke up feeling a warm body enveloping me. It's Kalixo. We had a great night, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss his husky voice whispering my name. It seemed like my name was the most beautiful in the world. Thinking he was still asleep, I lifted my head to find him already looking at me, a smile on his face. "Good morning, my queen," he greeted, planting a small kiss on my forehead. I smiled. But my smile faded as I remembered Deokwa, and Kalixo and I discussed his decision to surrender to the police and reveal everything he knew. [Flashback] I sat on the bed after ending a call with Deokwa. I couldn't fathom how he found out Kalixo was here. If it was Deokwa, it wasn't impossible that he had eyes on me everywhere I went. Kalixo sat beside me. "Tomorrow, I'll tell the truth." I looked at him. "Wh-What?" "I don't want to see that pain, fear, and anxiety in your eyes, Felicia. My lies need to stop. I never truly protected you; it was a wrong decision. Now,
Felicia's POVAfter my conversation with Dad, I couldn't bring myself to eat the food he had bought for me. I'm not angry with him; it's just that the information he shared hasn't fully sunk in yet.As I was about to ascend the stairs, I suddenly felt a buzz at the top of my head. I quickly turned towards my room. Who could it be? There couldn't be any commotion here with Dad around."Felicia, honey—""Yes, Dad!" I replied, raising my voice, which startled him since he was right behind me, carrying the food.His mouth fell agape. "U-Uh, let's just put this in your room's fridge—""I've got it, Dad!" I said with a wide smile. "Don't worry, everything is fine!"Dad blinked three times. "E-Everything is... is fine...?""Yes! Absolutely! I'll take care of it. Thank you!" I immediately grabbed the plastic bags and went upstairs.Dad was left scratching his head in bewilderment. When I reached my door, I realized it was locked from the inside. I raised my hand to turn the doorknob. Now, the
Felicia's PerspectiveCedrick and I had finally returned home. The house was heavily guarded, as we had recently hired a team of butlers. Tomorrow marked a significant day, the day when I would reveal the truth to everyone, including... Kalixo.A sudden pang in my chest gripped me, but I brushed it aside. It no longer mattered.Technically, I wouldn't be revealing it alone. I would be joined by Cedrick and Rose. Rose would present the information, and I would second every statement and confirm the details. I would also work from home, as it was deemed too risky for me to venture outside. And indeed, it was a dangerous world out there."Felicia, your father and I are going out for a bit," Mommy announced.I was in the living room, watching the news. The city had fallen silent, especially now that those who had been with me in captivity had returned. Thankfully, they had been instructed not to disclose anything about me."Where are you headed, Mommy?" I inquired."Your father will be vi
FELICIA'S PERSPECTIVEWith resolve, I unveiled the truth. "My brother concealed that drug. I conducted in-depth research on it and stumbled upon a groundbreaking chemical with the potential to revolutionize human health. I refrained from using it, awaiting the collaboration of other experts in the field. My investigations took place in my perfume laboratory. Rest assured, it is well-secured. Only my secretary has access due to her exceptional genetics."Cedrick interjected with a question, his tone earnest. "Felicia, I have a query. Who, if I may ask, was the fortunate individual who received the drug successfully?"I hesitated, fully aware of the magnitude of this revelation in his life. "I will disclose that information at a more opportune moment. For now, our focus must be on more pressing matters. The reason they pursue me is the possession of the formula. I'll compile a list of involved parties, recognizing that some may no longer be among the living."As I commenced typing the n
FELICIA POV"Are you sure about your decision, Felicia?" Cedrick asked me. We were currently in the living room, joined by my parents and his family. I had told them that today was the day I planned to reveal everything, and I wouldn't postpone it any longer.I nodded. "I am strong, and there's nothing wrong with me. Besides, that's the whole point of all this—the truth. I can't stay here and keep quiet any longer because we don't know what they're planning. We're not certain."My father sighed deeply. "If that's truly your decision, daughter, I won't stop you. Just make sure, my child, that you stay by Cedrick's side no matter what happens."Cedrick's wife held my hand. She didn't say a word, just gave me a reassuring smile. I held onto her hand as a reminder that everything would be okay."Don't worry. I'm here now, and they won't dare harm me because they need me," I said confidently.My mother furrowed her brow. "What do you mean, child?"I simply smiled in response.--As soon as
Felicia POVMy feet felt numb after the almost 30 minutes of walking and running through the woods. Blood and bodies of dead people spread all over the woods. It's a creel, a hella creepy place that old man made."Montenegro said no one will be able to see us if we'll take the path. I doubt that at first but it seemed like he's telling truth. I wonder where did the other people go," Cedrick took a glance on me. "We're here. You can explain everything to me now,"I sighed. We stopped on our tracks. We reached an empty road and a car hidden in the bushes. "Are we going to wait for your friend investigator?""Nope. She already plotted something. Minutes by now, reinforcements are coming. I need you to be safe. Let's go," he said and led me inside the car. Car is a bit old. Cedrick started it and immediately drive. It works well despite it's rusty appearance. "Explain, Felicia," he added, as he drives the car. I sighed. "I've been searching for those people who killed my brother Leo. T
FELICIA POV A certain noise woke up my entire body system. Someone is screaming, and a strange vibration made my heart pound into its beat. When I fully opened my eyes, it turned out that it isn't coming from my place. It's in another cell. And I was separated from the others. . .or might be. . .an another room? "Let me out of here! Let me talk to her!!" Its a voice of a woman. "Shut up!" I heard from a man. I roamed my eyes around the cell. It's different. This isn't the usual cell I'm at before. There's no one but me in this place. The temperature in here gave me goosebumps already. As I sit myself up, I tried to remember what happened before I woke up and see myself in here. It was clearly on my mind that I passed out when I got panic attack after watching the huge screen playing live videos of people killing each other. I may not know the real reason of my triggers but it could definitely be one of the reason why I wanted the Boss to finished his delusions. He is a crazy psy
FELICIA POV Duguang collapsed onto the floor, with Kalixo still clutching his side where my small knife had found its mark. It paled in comparison to the horrors they had inflicted on my brother Leo. With a complete lack of emotion, I turned to the Boss, who now wore a sinister grin while gripping his katana. "Finally, the true colors of an Avimayor emerge. I had a feeling Leo entrusted that to you. And I refuse to believe it's gone," he taunted. A glint emanated from the golden necklace hanging around his neck. A sudden sense of dread washed over me, and the hairs on my neck stood on end as I sensed a looming, shadowy presence. In the blink of an eye, the Boss vanished from my sight. "I never thought you could do that to my protege," he remarked. Protege? Kalixo? They were both heartless! I spun around, ready to strike, but the Boss had disappeared as if I had swiped at thin air. Panic began to creep in as I searched frantically, unable to locate him or sense his presence. Could
FELICIA POVDid Kalixo truly no longer care about me? Should I truly believe in the words he had just uttered? It hurt, the pain was so overwhelming that I could hardly tear my gaze away from his emotionless eyes. Was it really that easy for him to cast me aside?He walked slowly towards me, head held high, our gazes never parting. I couldn't fathom why I almost recoiled when he trapped me between his arms against the wall, his piercing stare moving from my eyes to my nose, then my lips, and back to my eyes. I couldn't help but gasp when I heard the sound of him drawing a knife from the wall. He then walked away from me and turned his back."You're still just a woman, Avimayor," the old man suddenly interjected, causing me to avert my gaze from Kalixo's imposing figure. "Do you really think you stand a chance against him?"I turned to the old man in annoyance, then quickly ran towards him and leaped onto a table, launching myself in his direction. He managed to evade me, but my table-