“F-Forgive me for my rudeness, sir. I didn't mean to bump into you.”
Luis smirked. “What excuse can you give to your behavior towards Elias, you piece of trash? Answer my question. I just saw you with him, how come you’re here? You’re quite strange.”
Siel managed to remain calm despite the crunchy words and tone from Luis. A total opposite of her master.
“I left as soon as you did, sir. I took the shorter route going back to my room so-” She stopped when Luis raised his hand with an irritated expression.
“Even your voice sounded strange, it’s antagonizing. I’m annoyed.”
“So am I with your attitude. Tsk. A dog pretending to be a Sigma, huh?” Siel murm
I'm really sorry for not updating for the past weeks. But despite my lapses, thank you for your continued support, my dear readers! Hope you'll enjoy!
“I received the reports from all over Aparctias and Thrascias, Sir. And there seemed to be no movement from the Quislings. No bombings, no robbery, no group killings.” Olive reported, flipping every paper in her hand.Aside from Natsuki who was currently checking every force from Elite to ordinary, the whole Cadre gathered together as they usually do. The only difference is that the person sitting in front of them was no longer a woman they once knew.“What do those words mean?” Asked Xieaniel.“If there are no movements then we must prepare. You know, they might be preparing something big.” He added.Olive rolled her eyes at him. “Just as I feared. You’ll overthink us to death again, Ethan.”
“This is close to impossible.” Blurted Spencer. “There is only one prime suspect, Sir.”“Who?”“Luis Norton. He was with me when I created Alka.” Venice answered without any doubt and slowly got up from her position. “Now the question is, ‘Whom did he used to do this?’ Luis was not allowed to step foot at our HeadQuarters.” She added and looked at Nathan who was looking at the ceiling.“If there’s a will, there’s a way.” Nathan bumped in, pointing his index finger at the surveillance camera above them. “Bud, tap with Xieaniel and check all the surveillance cameras and… wait, how many hours will that Alka take to effect?”“Two to three hours.” Nathan nodded. “Detect every people the third squad mingled with three hours before the symptoms. Inform the Cadre and Lady Mix regarding this matter and tell them not to eat foods from the imperial kitchen for a while. Leon, team up with Oriana, Kate, and Raith, and investigate the chefs and the whole kitchen including the imperial kitchen.”
“How come the cameras died at the same time you found Nick? Is it really pure coincidence, Ruby?” Xieaniel asked, feeling discombobulated. He tapped and tapped his laptop but the result was still the same - the surveillance cameras died and there is no footage. Even the secret cameras were off. Olive bit the inside of her mouth and rolled her eyes. “What do those words mean, Ethan? Are you saying I purposely killed the came-” “That’s not what I am pointing out.” Xieaniel cut her. He removed his glasses and ruffled his hair in distress. Killing Donovan that day is more possible than killing the surveillance cameras inside the HeadQuarters since the Kitori family is supervising and Xieaniel was handson. Aside from Ashriel and Nathan, Xieaniel knew only Olive knows how to operate the security system so his mind was in turmoil. Nathan and Natsuki remained silent. Olive was about to argue when the Meeting Hall door opened followed by the Cadre wearing serious faces. In just a second,
Oriana focused on the cafe she used to go to as a child with her family in the distance, and her heartbeat doubled. It looks derelict with cracks in the crumbling wall covered with beautiful vines and green moss, making it look like a 14th century peasant cottage. But despite the outward appearance, the cafe still functions well.She took a few more deep breaths, calming her racing heart. Who wouldn’t be nervous in a situation like this? She was about to enter a lion’s den without any backups. “Remember your position, Oriana. Remember who you are.” She whispered, consoling herself. Oriana gripped her ring and looked back for the last time, hoping someone from the Cadre would show up before creeping towards the cafe. The cafe was not far, but every step she took felt so heavy that it took her a while to reach the place. Luis. If hearing his name mixes Oriana’s emotions, what more will she feel if she’ll finally see him again?“It’s nostalgic.” She blurted out.“Lead her.” Luis said.
“This way, Sir.” Leon hurriedly pulled Oriana inside the VIP room Leon abruptly rented. Seeing their rings, the staff of the hotel together with the manager carefully took care of their needs. “Leave us and make sure to secure the security. The First Ranks will march any moment.” “Yes, Sir.” The manager answered swiftly and left. Good thing the hotel was under the Cerveil family, making it easier for both of them to stay without being worried of the possible attacks - if ever.“Sir, what on earth is happening?” Said Oriana, wanting to pull her arm but unfortunately, Leon’s grip is stronger. Leon glanced at the digital clock and cursed under his tongue. It’s almost time. He pulled his phone from his inside pocket together with the small box, handing one bottle to Oriana. “Here. Drink this and I’ll call Lady-” He stopped when Oriana suddenly pulled his arms.Bogsh.Leon looked at Oriana and felt a sudden terror when he saw her lying on the floor, unconscious. “Oriana!”He started
Her body felt warmer and the coldness from the bathtub she experienced finally felt unknown, as if nothing happened. But she knew something happened. Something unexpected. She opened her eyes with the sound of the door that slid open and footsteps getting closer to her. She saw a man’s broad shoulder and firm back. It was Leon. Suddenly, Luis’ words suddenly crept into her mind. “And our parents died… Because of his father.”Oriana’s heart suddenly ached. Her beloved parents died and she hasn't even seen their bodies since the Great Bloodshed, their house fell, their reputation was destroyed and she was treated like a pest. Everything was because of two persons; Ashriel and Leon’s father. Anger started to cover her heart.“You’re awake? Thank God!” Her creased brow ironed when her eyes met Leon’s worried eyes. He quickly dashed towards her and cupped her hand and face.“Are you alright? Feeling any hurt? Are you hungry? What do you need? Tell me, please.” He bombarded her, full of
It’s been two months since Siel showed up and since then, they were all staying at Thrascias Empire. Olive was in total turmoil and the whole First Rank suddenly hyped and motivated since they now have a clear path to take and actions to make. No more walking in darkness and critical investigations. “Tell us about Seiron.” Venice commanded and Siel nodded. “It was totally different compared to the past. Its glory all faded.”“I see. The last time I went there was almost a decade ago.” Siel gave Xieaniel a flash drive which he quickly scanned and presented. The Hall dimmed and they all focused on the huge screen.“Taking pictures there was quite hard.” Siel mumbled and glanced at Olive who was grinding her teeth. The Elders who used to go there also have faces no one can paint. “This was the place they now called, “The Small Village of Fear.” Siel said and hearing the name, Kate’s face soured. “It was the only way through the main city and going to the base. This village is proof
“YOUR HIGHNESS!” “BOSS!” Everyone exclaimed and tears flooded the whole Meeting Hall aside from the La Elora family. As soon as the wedding ceremony and celebration ended, The First Rank Nobles gathered in the Meeting Hall. It was 3 a.m. in the morning yet sleepiness had no inch to them at all. “Boss, I-I thought you’re already-” Leon stopped when Ashriel embraced him and Oriana, patting their backs. She looked at her remaining Cadre and with her cue, everyone ran to embrace her. “Y-Your Highness, please, don’t ever do that again. EVER.” Kate pleaded followed by Raith and the rest. “It’s part of Granny’s plan.” “But why?” “For everyone’s growth, sometimes the Leader must disappear.” “I don’t like that word.” Tory blurted out. “You knew everything, Bud?” Nathan asked Natsuki while the others coped up with Ashriel. Natsuki laughed. “Only yesterday, Bud. All of us were bemused you know.” “Now I understand why Gil and Bri like her so much. She was their aunt after all.” V