Chapter 2. The Arrival

"Invitation, Miss?" the man in the tuxedo paired with a black bowtie asked me when I tried to enter the gate into the Arcane Circle of Baristo.

I gave the invitation to him, and he examined it in great detail before accepting it. His dark eyes gave the invitation a careful examination before moving on. As he handed back the card, the smile on his face returned. The fact that the man was strikingly handsome was the clincher.

He examined my entire physique in great detail. I ought to confess that despite the thick spectacle frame that matches the thickness of his eyebrows, he was pretty handsome. This is despite the fact that he had the power to stop my blood cold in its tracks. It was almost as if I'm looking at a model who's in the middle of getting her makeover when I look at his jawline since it was that perfect.

I smiled back at him when he did, which he seemed to like. I was taken aback when I felt someone suddenly put their hand on my chest, which caused me to jump. It was only after he had looked at me for a considerable amount of time that I became aware of an odd sensation in my circulation. Simply being in his company was enough to make me feel as though someone had poured a block of ice over my entire body. It was quite uncomfortable.

The distant rumbling of drums brought an end to the intriguing atmosphere that had been present. It seems as though this location is playing host to some kind of cultural dance event right now. My anxiety level increased.

Despite the fact that my mother was holding Avi's hand in a subtle way and that my father was displaying indications of concern, I was still able to perceive my father's anxiety.

We might be in real danger. We only recently become members of Tribus, and at the time, we were unaware that the government's purpose was far too risky. No matter what choice we made about the offer offered by the indigenous people, the danger to our life persisted.

There was an excessive amount of power in the Levistes, Aragons, and Santis for anyone to be able to disregard anything coming from them without putting someone else's life in jeopardy. They are able to exercise influence over the local populace due to their wealth and status, despite the fact that technically speaking, the local populace falls outside of their sphere of influence.

My father made his decision based on what he perceived to be the "lesser of two evils." It didn't go into a lot of detail, but I was able to figure out that the point was for us to become obedient members of the tribe and to do what we were taught to do by reading between the lines.

We would play safe.

After a speedy review of our invitations, a lovely but enigmatic usherette brought us to Baristo's Arcane Circle where the party was being held. As we made our way into the pitch-black forest, we were aware of the teeny golden light bulbs that were lined along the walls of the tunnel. The bugs looked like little fireflies and were perched on the branches of the trees.

The woman who appeared to have an hourglass figure and was dressed in a golden gown with a mermaid-cut introduced herself and led everyone to where they needed to go. When we looked at each other, she gave me a quick smile.

If seen her point of view, welcoming me into the Baristo Circle is like to presenting a significant present.

We talked while the rest of the family enjoyed the concert I had just attended. Dispersed randomly throughout the Arcane Circle's dining room. There is a designated spot for each invited family at the arrival ceremony.

The extravagant decor of the hall blew me away. Many of the ornaments were ones I had never seen before. White and gold cabbage flowers were artfully put on each table. Everyone will adore the furniture and the fine china set onto the cream-colored tablecloth made from the finest fabric.

Helpers might be found scattered around the entire venue. A variety of alcoholic beverages, sweets, and other treats were laid up for the uniformed personnel.

The arrival ceremony's conspicuous trinity knot in the center circle drew my eye, but not just because of its pricey and elegant design.

When it came to this city, the Trinity Clan was a force to be reckoned with. It was as if they owned the entire establishment. Lately, I felt that I was surrounded by trinity knots. They had godlike status in the metropolis. As for their appearance, I was very curious.

"A warm welcome to the newest members of Tribus society! It is with much respect that we welcome you to this group..." The event's coordinator elaborated extensively. It detailed the rights and responsibilities of Tribian inhabitants as well as notable people and locations including Aragon, Santi, and Leviste, as well as sacred and off-limits areas.

I had to leave the lecture early due to an urgent need to use the restroom. Prior to using the restroom, I called my parents.

The facility's restroom was the first thing I sought out. It's within a short distance of Baristo Circle. Though it's in the midst of the woods, the bathroom's cutting-edge design will blow your mind. Trinity and the rest of the Tribus were in a league of their own.

As soon as I had finished washing my hands, I made up my mind to turn around and head back.

When I emerged from the restroom, I was taken aback to discover that I had just heard a distant person screaming in an unfamiliar language. From that which was located behind the restroom, which was a forest in which the only source of light was the full moon.

When I heard the woman's cry once more coming from the woods, I was preparing to take off running. As a result of my anxiety, nearly all of the hair on my body stood on edge.

To save that girl, I would never put myself in the role of a hero. My brain said. I was not like the heroes in the books that I read who meddled in the lives of the living and in the crimes that were committed by the criminals. I was not a heroic figure. I was just a regular member of the community.

I retraced my steps and went back to be with my family. Whatever it was that was going on in that forest, I'm not going to try to solve it because I don't want to risk getting wounded or causing my parents any trouble as a result of my interference.

"The girl who goes by Suarez. It's her turn now, "I heard it from behind a dense cluster of bushes that was a few meters away from where I was walking.

I retreated a little bit. It started on my forehead with a cold sweat. I became aware of the shadows approaching my location and moving closer to it.

"I had been seeking for her for some time, but it appeared that she had mysteriously vanished from the location. They can't do without her tonight ," said a man.

Instantly, it was as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped all over me. After a few seconds of immobility, my body abruptly reacted by lurching left toward the bathroom's plants.

As I hid among the hydrangeas, I could feel my heart thumping so fast. Exactly why are they trying to find me? Is this why we made it beyond the first round of screening but not the second, despite my parents' refusal to participate?

"He just went here earlier. He wasn't in the women's bathroom!" the man's demeanor seemed disappointed.

"Find it, but we will be responsible to the boss!"

My heart was pounding as I listened to their chat. When will I figure this out? Do I make a mad dash to the event itself, where women might be kidnapped, and yell about it like a crazed person? And what if Leviste, Aragon, and Santi are the ones who actually initiated the arrest? Rushing will cause extra trouble for my loved ones.

"The only thing she's doing there is hiding. Watch out for it!" a powerful baritone that seemed like it was accompanied by two shadows searching for me. It was a matter of a few meters between where I was and where it was.

"Check out the flower beds!"

Every time I heard a man's suggestion, my body automatically moved to get away from there.

What has our family gotten into?

Carefully, I crawled a few meters away from those guys. Leaving the safety of the Arcane Circle of Baristo, I stepped out into a grove that I had assumed was already a part of the surrounding woodland.

The chilly breeze began to make the hairs on the back of my neck shiver, and then the hairs on my arms followed suit.

Something was moving around, or so it seemed. In response, I took a few paces back. As the wind thrashed at my loose hair, I stepped back. It seems like the dead leaves are swaying in time with me. Often

Stella, take deep, steady breaths. I said softly to myself inside my head. All the Tribe sees you as is a supporting player. You don't get to play the lead role. That's why nobody gives a damn about you. Relax.

I braced myself against a gigantic tree. I made an attempt to ease into a more relaxed state. The uproar hds completely subsided at this point. To my knowledge, there was no such thing. My harassment at the hands of the voices has ceased.

My only option was to find out how I'll get back to the actual venue. It was discovered that both of my parents as well as Avi were still present there. When the bad guys bemoan the fact that they were unable to capture me, perhaps they are thinking of those individuals when they express their regret.

I went by once more, this time really taking in my environs. There will be no more shaking or shifting.

I drew a long, deep breath and got to my feet. While walking, I periodically looked behind to make sure I was still secure.

Until...

Something solid and hot was in my way. Person. Its distinctly male aroma confirmed my suspicion that a man stood before me.

The unidentified man was found in the woods with his naked body and face illuminated by the moonlight. It has a height advantage over its prey and powerful jaws. While he peered intently, his ripped figure was sweating, and his red lips were pursed in a pout as if he were trying to hide something. And it has not made him pleased in the least.

As the man watched, I felt a painful stinging in my veins. I have no idea what's going on with my body. Earlier, I felt as though I were being slowly dissolved in acid.

Just what is wrong with these locals? How come they make my blood freeze or burn?

I'm not sure what he sensed or felt as we got closer, but judging by the grimace on his face, it was probably something unpleasant, like the burning of his blood.

I've lately run into him again. It seemed like he was one of the men featured on the cover of Tribian.

Is he a member of the Trinity Clan?

But why is he naked in the middle of the forest?