LOGINThe sun definitely rose from the east and the morning, more quiet than you imagine. The house looked the same, sunlight filtering in through the long windows, the faint noise from the door down the hall. The shift in the atmosphere wasn't visible but it did cohabit with them. Connel noticed it the moment he opened his eyes. He didn't move - not immediately. One arm was still beneath Ariel’s head which laid against his shoulders as she took in slow breaths. She had shifted closer to him during the night, her fingers holding on to his shirt as though letting go wasn't an option. For a second, he allowed himself to lay still. Then his gaze hardened. Be careful what you decide to protect - once again his brain repeated those words in his father's voice. His jaw clenched It felt more like a threat than a piece of information. Carefully, he turned to look at her and he slowly moved his arm from beneath her. Then he gently adjusted her head against the pillow without waking her, she
Ethan lounged back in the leather chair, a faint smile playing on his lips “That look on your face… it makes me wonder.” He glances sideways. “He still doesn't know, just look at him.” Ethan lets out a loud mocking laugh.“What's the meaning of this nonsense?” Mr Wilder asked in a commanding tone.Ethan clearly enjoys the reaction from his father, like a predator enjoying the kill.“It feels so good to inform you that the ashes from your fire never got to the ground.”Mr Wilder looked at Connel, his vein pulsing in his neck and his face tightening.His eyes meet with his father's, “Someone knows the truth behind Paris.”“That's impossible!” Mr Wilder exclaimed, getting up from his seat.“Oh! It is.” Ethan pulls out his phone and begins to show him images of the journal they took.“And why is this still breathing?” He asked.“Now you want us to do your dirty work after you couldn't get it right the first time.” Ethan gets up from his seat, “you might as well have this problem removed.”
The route to the main house hadn't changed but instead felt shorter.Connel noticed that first not because he was sentimental but because his mind calculated details when it needed something to hold onto. The same stretch of asphalt. The same fence posts half-swallowed by hedges that were never fully trimmed all the way back. Even the trees stood tall where they always had, their branches creating a canopy that dimmed the morning light.He drove at a steady speed, one hand on the wheel, the other resting closely near the gearshift. No music. No unnecessary movement. The engine's low hum filled the car, constant and remarkable.Ethan sat in the passenger seat, shoulders square, spine straight. Too straight. His hands were folded loosely in his lap, fingers not quite still. He hadn't said a word since they turned off the main road. He hadn't asked where they were going either. He already had an idea.Nico sat in the back, seatbelt fastened, eyes moving between the two men without commen
Ariel lay in bed, but sleep seemed far from her. The house felt different tonight - tight and compressed. Every shadow seemed to stretch, every crack sounded like footsteps. It might be knowing Toria was just a few rooms down the hall or probably the way Connel reacted when she came along.‘It seems like the worst is about to come.’She turned on her side, pulling the blankets tighter around her. But no matter how tightly she held the blanket or herself the worry didn't fade. It clung to her skin like goosebumps.Downstairs, she could hear faint movement- a pale smash, the low mumbles of male voices. Connel was still awake, there was no surprise there because while others rested he calculated every weight, movement and plan. Sleep didn't seem to have a problem with him at night - like they had a deal.Ariel exhaled heavily.Something was definitely wrong and she could feel it, her tummy rumbled. The sense of worry made her tummy demand for food, a habit she couldn't stop as a child. S
“I think Mr Wilder would be in the best position to answer that.” Toria's words felt like a bomb, her eyes twitching as she watched every movement.She said it in a tight and calm tone, a way that one would instantly believe everything coming from her but knowing Toria they weren't ready for her games and they weren't easily convinced.All eyes lingering on Toria.“You can't be serious.” Nico murmured, breaking the existing silence.“Why can't I?”“What are you trying to say?” Connel snapped, “we'll all appreciate it if you can stop beating around the bush.”She glanced at her nails. “I'm simply saying your dad knows more than you think… obviously.”Ethan let out a mischievous laugh, hitting his hands on the table. Completely unaware of the eyes piercing into his skin.With laughter in his voice, “firstly I must commend your statement but Toria…” he raised his head waving his face towards her direction. “You must think that we're a fool, even if everyone here is, just remember I am ce
43:That morning the estate was quiet but the guards hadn't reduced. Ariel sat by the living room window, the unease from a couple nights ago still clinging to her. She looked twice at every shadow now, her eyes half shut while sleeping and her eyes constantly going over her shoulders.She set down her cup, rubbing her palms together. That's when she heard the faint tear of tyres against the gravel - a car packed at the entrance.“Who could that possibly be?” The question ran through her thoughts.She stood, curiosity roping her to the door. The moment it opened, her breath caught and her eyes fixed to it.“You?”Toria smiled small and sharp, “it's been a while.” She said softly.“What are you doing here?” Ariel questioned, her eyes lingering on Toria as confusion and anger gripped her.“You're still here?” She laughed. “Still playing Mrs Wilder, how cute.”Ariel blinked. “What are you doing here?” She asked again.Toria stepped inside with quiet grace, pulling off her fur coat. Her
Nico and Ethan stole a glance at one another.“Uhmm… Connel.” Ethan called him.Connel looked at him, his eyes clearly turned towards Ethan.“2019…Paris, what happened there?” Ethan questioned, rubbing his hands on his chin.Connel stole a glance at Ethan and back at Nico, no response, just silence
The weather wasn't as cold as previous nights, silence carried the exact weight. The sky was clouded, street lights flickering against the fog. There was no movement or much presence of people, it's clear how well she likes her solidarity. Nico walked ahead scanning the environment while Ethan trail
How do you feel?” Connel asked Ariel.In the past twenty-four hours, this was her first time being fully conscious ever since she got sedated by the doctor. She sat up on the bed, her pupils steady,a bit silent as she tried to recall what happened in the last few hours.
Connel came in to check up on her, it had become a routine for that day. He feels like everything that he knew was turning around whoever this was,wherever this inked lady was,she was playing mind games and it's time to get to the bottom of this.No matter who it is, Ethan, the lady with the tattoo







