Chapter 1

~Skai

Warm breath hit my face. I tilted my head a bit, avoiding his murderous and dead eyes – void of emotions.

Sweat broke out on my skin, a throbbing headache hit me like a volcano. Hot tears stung the back of my eyes, I fought the tears more than I struggled for myself.

“Please leave me!!” I whisper-yelled, my whole strength wavering. I tried to fight, to free myself. What could I do when I felt my bones breaking, his grip too tight on my little arm? My heart hammered seeing my helpless mother wail.

“Mother.” I forced the words out of my throat, a bit louder than the prior.

“You're weak, just like your father.” He cackled, his arms pulling me away from my mother’s reach. The edge of lips tilted upwards formed a cryptic smile, heightening fears forward. He wasn't faceless this time, at least hiding not hiding beneath his mask.

“Skai!” my mother cried. Helplessness curled around my throat like a snake – suffocating.

“Please, she's all I have.”

Like a feather in the wind, my uncle whisked me away.

“You'll make a fine slut.” He smiled mischievously and pressed a white handkerchief on my nostrils. The last he said before my eyes fell, everything turned pitch black. I heard mother's voice from a distance- diminishing.

Then, it faded into a lul.

My eyes flew open as I grabbed the sheets. Only to see the room still, ragged clothes and spilt cans of Vidkon beer sprawled on the floor.

Cold sweats were still on my face.

“The same nightmare over again,” I muttered. All these years, I hoped my uncle would stop haunting me, even in my dreams.

I kicked off the quilt and walked over to the broken shards on the mirror. My reflection stared back at me with dark circles around my eyes, my hair scattered, making me appear more miserable.

“Roll call!!” The matron yelled, his voice as hoarse as ever.

I rushed into the bathroom, had a quick shower and dashed out. I picked my usual black shirt and suit – the perfect combo, making me invisible to others. I was quite transparent, but my mysteries remained dark and difficult to see through.

Coming out first in the agency was an amazing feat, never to be traded for money or anything else. It's been two years in the agency, and everybody calls me Enzo, the swift killer. I preferred Enzo; I hate appearing dangerous to everyone.

Suddenly, a loud banging landed on the door, snapping me out of my little world.

“Enzo, we’re going to be late.” He yelled from outside. I'd recognise Bruno's voice, even in my sleep.

“Be out in a second,” I answered. My deepened voice echoed.

The moment I wore the suit, I felt whole again. The female body I owned brought me nothing but pain and futile struggle; I was on my path to freedom. I stared back in the mirror, the binder hugging my chest making me stretch a bit. I arranged my short black hair.

“Today, you'll be dispersed to companies in need of bodyguards. You will be well-behaved and show them your true strength.” The commander said in a hoarse tone, standing in front of us.

“Sir, yes, sir.” Our voices were almost in unison; few echoed seconds after.

“Where are you deployed to?” Bruno curved his eyebrows, a smile pasted on his face.

“The BER corp”, I slid my hands into my pocket.

“You deserve better, Enzo. You're strong.” He patted my upper arm.

“I'm going back home to stay with my family,” he muttered, his eyes softening.

“Good luck then.” I patted his back, and proceeded to walk away, I waved slightly and left. Too focused to look back.

Taking a direct cab to the company was one of the linear events in my life at the agency. From code red jobs of saving hostages to silver coat badge jobs of rescuing people from kidnappers.

I alighted from the car and paid the driver, and he zoomed off. I faced the large building with the company's name engraved on top, ‘BER CORP’.

Adjusting my suit and sleeve, I forged forward.

“Do you have an appointment?” The lady with a skimmish body feature asked from behind the reception desk.

“Yes, with Mr Juliano.” I had been informed his father was addressed by the surname to avoid misconception. Her eyes grazed over me as though I didn't belong in the company or deserve the right to have access to her employer.

“Name, please?” Her face tilted up a bit, staring at the computer in front of her.

“Enzo”, my voice came out unexpectedly calm.

“No last name?” Her brows furrowed, anger building up in her eyes.

“No, no last name,” I stated calmly, without giving her the hint of doubt that she'd let me in.

“Sir, I can’t check your appointment without a last name,” her voice unsettling.

“I don't have a last name.” My voice was getting louder.

I was named Enzo – just Enzo. A last name had never occurred to me, not that I planned to apply for a white-collar job.

“I can't let you in then.” She snapped.

“But I'm going in.” Two men stood behind me, their towering bodies and muscles standing firm.

“Sir, you have to leave.” Her voice was in a high pitch, attracting the attention of people around.

“Okay, okay, but I think you should deal with those shady men who just walked in.” I pointed to the men in suits who walked in without inspection.

“They’re employees.” She glared at me.

“Why do they not have the employee tag, and why are they going through the CEO's personal elevator?” I challenged her, a little building up in me.

“They’re employees,” the lady scoffed.

“No, they’re not. They don’t have the employee tag like everyone else. They seem professional and all, but they seem to be going to the wrong elevator." I shifted my gaze to the labelled elevator, for the CEO.

“Oh my God, get them!” She yelled, realising what had just happened; it was too late for them; the men were already taking the private elevator.

“I'll handle it.” My words came out in a rush as I raced up the stairs.

The huge men who had once threatened to throw me out, following right after.

“You both, intercept them using the other elevator; I’ll take it from here.” They nodded positively.

“Okay” they replied, running back to the elevator.

It wasn't my first time on a chase. I sped through, reaching the fifth floor, the CEO’s office hallway. The men seemed to have caught on; the moment the elevator door opened, they bolted out.

“Stop!” One of the security guards growled.

Intercepting their run, I rushed at them, hitting a baton on his head and the other with an elbow slam. His face toppled.

They had been incapacitated, slightly.

“Get them out.” I rolled up my sleeves, and let out a soft breath. A lady stepped out of the room.

“What’s going on here?” Her eyes widened at the sight of two grown men sprawled on the floor.

“Hello, my name’s Enzo; I’m the CEO’s new bodyguard.”

I extended my hand for a handshake, introducing myself calmly to the frightened dark-haired lady.