Sarian.It happened so fast that no one saw it coming.Someone was sent to kill me, it was unbelievable as I stared at the porch which was covered in bloodstains. The assassin had crept in slowly but Don Julio was fast to silence him too.What was important was the quiet that ensued, the stillness that found its way in like smoke after a house has burned down. His guards dragged the body away as though it were merely an inconvenience, moving with mechanical efficiency. Another warning without a name. Another crimson-colored message from Catalina. My arms were folded around me to protect myself from the cold that seeped through the tall window I stood there. The sky outside shattered. At first the rain came in soft taps resembling tentative steps. And next, it became more difficult and louder. As if the heavens had finished keeping back. Julio entered through the front door wearing boots that left muddy footprints on the floorHe was soaked from the ocean air and his jacket stuck
CATALINA Power is an amusing concept. Few people can hold it for very long but everyone wants it. Don Julio and other men believe that loyalty and respect are the keys to power. Don Abraham and other men believe it is based on fear. There is also me Catalina Voss. I know more than them.I haven't told any of them that my father was long dead. How could I? That would be one of the biggest mistakes ever and I wouldn't dare. If the news gets out, a lot of people would see me as a weakling, a mere girl and one stupid Don might try to claim me as his wife or sex toy. And the worse? Enemies would fly from all corners.Information is the key to power. Secrets and timing. My timing was perfect for the moment Sarian Valesco had returned to this world but in another face.Silly her for trying to take my man. I would hunt her down to the ends of the earth and skin her alive.And Simeon, dude didn't know what he had done. Coming to rescue that girl as if he was a superhero Who does that?And
SARIAN. Two days later Greta reached the island. My throat felt tight the instant I saw her leaving the boat. She appeared worn out and older than I had remembered but something about her presence made me feel better. She hugged me the same way. Warm, firm and motherly.She had a scent reminiscent of old books, lavender oil and security. I clung to it as though letting go would cause the ground to collapse. She had been more than a maid, more than the old limping lady in the mansion She was the first mother I had. She had really helped me in the mansion and cared for me more than a mother would. And I needed her more than ever right now. Julio hasn't spoken to her on the phone. The only thing is that we needed her eyes on something we discovered—something about me.She didn't ask any questions but I could see that she was curious. I was happy to see her and held on to her. She looked different without the maid's clothing and the make up. We led her to the study once we were i
SARIAN Three Weeks LaterThe sea was too calm and soothing and the waves seemed as if they were talking to me as they rolled gently beneath the speedboat. I wanted to forget the memories associated with each splash. Every wind gust served as a cold reminder that true peace was never mine to possess. Not when those I once loved were still living with betrayal. Not when danger wore smiling masks, staring at me and I didn't know who to trust.I moved closer to something I didn't yet understand as the boat took me farther away from Catalina's betrayal , from Julio's mansion and from the smoldering remains of trust. But in my life peace never persisted. Every time it was only a respite from a storm. A part of something that was never meant to be.Don Julio called following the masquerade ball and Catalina's unsuccessful attempt to take me to Abraham Moretti. His voice was as hard as steel when he spoke to me.“ You're going to leave.” I shook my head. “I'm not going to run away.”He s
SARIAN Smoke and fear filled the mansion. The once lavish ball fell into complete chaos as the gunfire ceased and Hugo's men were whisked away. As frightened visitors stomped over shattered glass and crushed pride, screams echoed through the hallways. Broken light was reflected onto bloodied tiles by swaying crystal chandeliers from the ceiling. The walls and curtains had holes on them.This was no longer merely a power struggle. This was more than a war and I was in the center of it all. The floor was painted with blood and each time I stared at it, mt heart raced . As Greta pulled him upstairs to safety the family doctor followed in her wake terrified at every turn. They claimed that although the wound wasn't as deep this time he had bled excessively. But then, his whole body was struggling. It was that night that I discovered that Don Julio had constructed an underground clinic in the mansion and two doctors came and attended to him.The mansion was strangely silent now as tho
SARIAN Don Julio called us two days after I had discovered the secret in my father's ledger. Those of us who remained assembled in the great hall. The once-powerful household now seemed to be a shadow of what it had been. There were just a few devoted guards left and they all had tense wary looks. While the doctor hovered in the corner quietly checking Julio's vitals from a distance Greta stood quietly behind me with her arms crossed. Julio was slumped in his chair, his arm in a sling and there were bandages showing through his collar. Although his face was paler, the blaze in his eyes remained unquenchable. Despite the pain he spoke in a steady voice.“We need to smoke Hugo out. We cannot wait for him to do something else while we sit here like sitting ducks.”No one objected. However he went on to say.“We”ll throw a ball, a disguise.” Afraid I had heard correctly I blinked. “A ball?” I scowled and said again. He nodded.“Something magnificent and loud. Glamorous. We will exte