The chill of the night air did little to cool Jean Gardier's seething anger. He strode through the dimly lit streets, his footsteps echoing off the cobblestones. The memory of Gilbert's smile as he welcomed Alexa into the mansion was burned into his mind.
"Gilbert has taken everything from me," he muttered under his breath, "But he will not take her."
Earlier, he had sought solace in Renata's arms, but the warmth of her body did nothing to quench the fire in his heart. Now, he found himself outside an unassuming shop, its windows darkened and sign barely visible. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside. The shopkeeper, an old man with a knowing gaze, looked up from his counter. The air was heavy with the scent of herbs and something darker.
"I need something... lethal," Jean said, his voice steady.
The shopkeeper nodded, disappearing into the back of the shop. Alone, Jean was left with his thoughts, his mind filled with images of Alexa and Gilbert.
"I am not a monster," he told himse
