"THE LAST OF THE TEAM THAT WENT ON AN INTERNATIONAL MISSION WITH THE LATE DOCTOR VINCENT ALDERIGE, TECHNICAL SERGEANT NEWLAND SNOW, TOOK HIS OWN LIFE. THE WIFE FOUND HER HUSBAND LIFELESS AFTER SHE TRIED TO WAKE HIM FOR HIS MORNING MEDICATION. HE WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE ATTENDED HIS FIRST PSYCHIATRIC COUNSELING YESTERDAY SINCE HE BECAME EMOTIONALLY UNSTABLE FROM WATCHING THE NEWS IN REGARDS TO THE DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. ALDERIGE."
Allison gasped silently. Terrible news to start their fresh new day. She faced her husband who is listening attentively to the blaring news. Renard was startled feeling the hands of Allison on his lap. He smiled immediately.
"Something bothering you?" Allison tried to remove her hand but Renard held it tighter. "Is there something wrong, Renard? You are this bothered since the death anniversary of Dr. Alderige. Speak freely to me my love. I don't want you to lose it by keeping it al
NINE YEARS AFTERChurch bells roared in the streets as the festivities continued. Two powerful families joined together in a union of the eldest son of Samira and the only granddaughter of Iñigo Constantine. The High Council took it as a replenishing sign to the old pillars of the organization. Aside from the elites that completed the attendance, security details from each visitor swarmed the area. Each block, establishment, and even bar were extremely checked for a security threat.Amidst the grand celebration, a forgotten romance stared from afar. Hazel wiped her tears. Her mother caressed her back consoling her dilemma. It's the truth that hurt her the most. The young romance they had will never be brought upon her class."Let's go home, my dear."With one last glance at the happy couple, she left.***SULLEN GROUNDS 
PERDITION PLAINS, HADES MANSIONAn affluent household held immeasurable distress. All visitors attending wore black. The Alderige daughter was still not present. Then the huge metal door of the ballroom flew open. Unleashing the ghost-like figure of a woman. Face covered with a black veil, Aberdeen walked down the aisle. She was expected to give her closing speech for her mother's funeral. Everyone in the room glanced at the woman in despair. Slowly walking like death fetching the soul of Nathalia lying peacefully at the end of the aisle.Nathalia's casket was glamorous. Made of pure gold, carved with pure silver angels around it. Covered with expensive flowers from distinguished guests. People came to confirm the death of a powerful woman. Many were afraid. Without Nathalia, the balance in the underground society will be disturbed. There will be anarchy. Two regents from powerful clans still control the council but their ru
"I'm very sorry, madam. They insisted." Mr. Smith apologized for the intrusion of three strangers. One was proud of his profession as he wears such an indication.Descending from her high ground, Aberdeen ferociously stepped down. Eyes locked to the rude visitors. She was barely covered by her nightgown. The three strangers stared in awe."Yes, how can I help?" She strictly inquired."Good day, Miss Alderige," The middle-aged man introduced himself first. "I am attorney Zach Stephenson. The legal advisor of the Alderige International."The lawyer withdrew his words after Aberdeen's eyebrow ominously rose. His hand was ignored by the lady. He saved himself the embarrassment with an awkward smile and glances."We are very sorry for this uninformed visit, ma'am. We know Lady Nathalia has just passed, but the board has expressed their, concerns." Zach paused. He was trying to find th
"I'm very sorry, madam. They insisted." Mr. Smith apologized for the intrusion of three strangers. One was proud of his profession as he wears such an indication.Descending from her high ground, Aberdeen ferociously stepped down. Eyes locked to the rude visitors. She was barely covered by her nightgown. The three strangers stared in awe."Yes, how can I help?" She strictly inquired."Good day, Miss Alderige," The middle-aged man introduced himself first. "I am attorney Zach Stephenson. The legal advisor of the Alderige International."The lawyer withdrew his words after Aberdeen's eyebrow ominously rose. His hand was ignored by the lady. He saved himself the embarrassment with an awkward smile and glances."We are very sorry for this uninformed visit, ma'am. We know Lady Nathalia has just passed, but the board has expressed their, concerns." Zach paused. He was trying to find th
Though death was a long time ago, people who were involved and still involve remain committed to those deaths. The race for power became increasingly difficult but necessary. As one leaf falls, it reveals the entire tree who was holding it all together.***DOWNCASTER, SULLEN GROUNDSA young man rushed towards the front door, following him was a man in his mid fifties with a visible frown on his face. The old man has been incessantly calling him but it was futile ever since they've left his chamber."Master Devonne, sir. Your father strictly instructed us that you will not leave the house without anyone going out with you." The old man strictly told the young man."Please, Mr. Mercer! A chaperone? You got to be joking?" The young man exclaimed in disbelief.He stopped at the bottom of the stairs and stared blankly at the man who has been reprimanding him r
"You know them?" He curiously asked the old man, given the reaction he had as he glimpsed to the huge portrait.The butler managed to get back to his senses and straightened up. He cleared his throat then shook his head. Devonne was not convinced with his uncertain denial."Are you sure? You looked like you're about to faint the moment you saw who those people on the portrait." Devonne started pressing.The butler was back to his poker face. He stared back at the portrait like it was a normal display in the house. It started to spark a curiosity on Devonne's part. Mr. Mercer has this talent of altering his expression as fast as he had showed them."I believe I am not familiar with them." He denied, now with much certainty."Even a slightest recognition?" Devonne was still not dropping it."Yes. Now, I need you to---"He walked out the mom
It's another day for Allison to prepare Devonne about the truth. After her morning rituals, she went to the dining area for breakfast. For some usual reasons, her husband is already occupied with some phone calls at this hour. Devonne was already preparing himself breakfast when she saw him in the dining area. The young man smiled at her. She took a seat in front of her son."You're early!" Allison was surprised to see him this early. There were pancakes and breads on the table. She took some, spread chocolate syrup and took a bite."I forgot to tell you. I'm leaving for Paris. It was supposed to be yesterday but you called." Devonne mumbled while scrolling through his phone."What keeps bringing you back to Paris? Anyways, I'm afraid you need to re
The cool breeze of Paris immediately welcomed Devonne when he stepped out of the train. A victorious smile formed on his lips. He is finally back to the place where he felt most alive. London has been choking him for his entire life and Paris was a good place to escape. He held a cab and headed to his mother's ancestral home. After he told the driver where he is headed, fear unfolded to the driver's face. It's like hearing a forbidden word after a long time."Monsieur, are you sure you are going there?" The driver spoke in his tongue tied English."Yes. I just saw it on the map. I just want to see it in person." He even showed his phone to convince the driver.The driver reluctantly nodded but didn't bother asking further questions. The ride was a bit peculiar for Devonne. He has been receiving weird glances from the driver through the rear view mirror, but he chose to ignore it. He figured that the driver may be scared