Third POV Cassiel went back to their room, picking up the pills. The room was silent, only the haggard breathing of Cassiel was heard. Cassiel's eyes scanned the room, his mind wandered back to Julian's pale face. He walked over to the bedside table, his hand reaching out to pick up the pills. The container was still half full, but Cassiel's mind was racing with questions. Who had switched the pills? And why? He turned the container over in his hand, studying the label. The prescription was from the hospital, but Cassiel's instincts told him that something was off. He walked over to the window, his eyes gazing out at the city below. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the buildings. But Cassiel's mind was not on the view. He stood there for a moment, his breathing slow and deliberate. The only sound in the room was his racing heartbeats. He turned away from the window, his eyes scanning the room once more. The silence was oppressive, and Cassiel's senses were on high
Third POVThe maids looked at each other anxiously, but none of them raised their voices. Cassiel's gaze hovered over each of them, looking for any hint of dishonesty or guilt.One of the maids abruptly stepped forward, her eyes sad. Stuttering, "I-I was in charge of the room, sir," she said. "I was tasked with cleaning your room, but I did not see anything out of the ordinary."Cassiel's eyes pierced the maid as he snapped to attention. With a firm tone, he asked, "What did you see?"The maid paused, her gaze flitting about the space. Reiterating, "I did not see anything, sir. Just the way it usually is . However, when I passed by after cleaning, I did see that the door was open. But I was positive that I had closed it after I was done cleaning.”Cassiel's mind was buzzing with guesses as his eyes narrowed. He was not persuaded, even though the maid's story made sense.His gaze remained fixed on the maid's face as he took another drag from his cigarette. He said, "I want to know ever
Third POV“Let her go, she's telling the truth” I instructed Enzo before he inflicted pains on the fragile girl.Enzo's eyes narrowed, his gaze lingering on the maid's terrified face before shifting to Cassiel's resolute expression. A hint of surprise flickered across his features, but he nodded curtly and stepped back, allowing the maid to scramble to her feet.The maid's eyes darted between Cassiel and Enzo, her face still etched with fear, but a glimmer of relief flickered in her gaze as she backed away slowly, her hands trembling.Cassiel's gaze followed her departure, his expression thoughtful. He turned to Enzo, his voice low and even. "I want you to investigate Isabella's alibi before and after the time the pills were switched. I have a feeling she's involved, and I want to know how deep." He ordered with a stern voice.Enzo's expression turned serious, his eyes locking onto Cassiel's face. "I'll get right on it," he said, his voice firm. "But what about the maid? Do you reall
Third POVAs he worked, his mind wandered back to Cassiel's words, his voice echoing in his mind. "I want her brought to me by tonight." Enzo's expression turned grim, his jaw clenched in determination.He knew what Cassiel wanted, and he was determined to deliver. He typed out the last few sentences, his fingers flying across the keyboard before hitting the print button.The printer whirred to life, spitting out a single sheet of paper that Enzo carefully folded and placed in his pocket. He stood up, his eyes scanning the room one last time before turning to leave.As he walked out of the study, he felt a sense of unease settle in the pit of his stomach. He knew what lay ahead, and he was determined to see it through.The hallway was dimly lit, the shadows cast by the flickering lights making him feel like he was walking through a tunnel. He quickened his pace, his heart pounding in his chest.He knew what Cassiel was capable of
Third POVThe hours ticked by, the sun dipping below the horizon as Enzo drove through the night. He stopped at a diner to grab a bite to eat, his eyes scanning the crowded room as he waited in line.He ordered a burger and a cup of coffee, his eyes fixed on the food as he waited for it to be prepared. The diner was bustling with activity, the sounds of sizzling food and conversation filling the air.Enzo's eyes lifted, his gaze scanning the room as he waited for his food. He saw a mix of people, from families with young children to couples on dates.He took his food and sat down at a table, his eyes fixed on the burger as he took a bite. The flavors exploded on his tongue, and he chewed slowly, savoring the taste.He finished his meal and stood up, his eyes scanning the room as he walked out of the diner. The cool night air hit him, and he took a deep breath, his chest expanding as he filled his lungs.He walked back to his car,
Third POVSophia's voice was laced with a mix of desperation and familiarity as she asked."You work for Cassiel, right?" She asked again.Enzo's expression turned guarded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded her. "What makes you think that?" he asked, his voice neutral.Sophia's eyes locked onto his, a hint of recognition flickering in their depths. "I know Cassiel's operations, and the way you handled yourself back there… you're one of his men, aren't you?" She questioned, batting her eyelashes as she stared at him.Enzo's face remained impassive, but his eyes seemed to gleam with interest. "What do you want, Sophia?" he asked, his voice firm.Sophia's grip on his arm tightened, her eyes pleading. "Please, don't leave me. I know Cassiel. I can help you navigate his world. Just don't leave me alone here." She pleaded, tugging at his shirt.Enzo's expression softened slightl
Third POVSophia knew she was doomed. She had played with fire, and now she was going to get burned. She got flung into the back seat as Enzo got to the driver seat and zoomed off."She wanted to keep him calm and under control. But there's more. She was working with someone else, someone close to Cassiel." Sophia suddenly blurted out to ease the tension in the car. Telling everything to Emzo was better than facing the devil himself.Enzo's eyes snapped up, his gaze piercing. "Who?" he asked, his voice firm."I don't know for sure," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper."But I think it might be one of Cassiel's top advisors. Someone who stands to gain a lot from Julian's incapacitation." She added, her eyes on Enzo's every movement.Enzo nodded his head slowly, his thoughts racing through a thousand miles. There are many people who could work to bring Cassiel down but who exactly is pulling these stunts is
Third POVEnzo strolled into the mansion with a haphazard breath, a feminine bag hung around his shoulder as he walked breathlessly close to Cassiel, whose gaze was fixed on the big black television screen right in front of him. Enzo couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the dark screen and the opulent decor of the room.As he approached Cassiel, Enzo's expression changed from nonchalant to concerned. He could sense the tension emanating from Cassiel, and it seemed to be palpable in the air. Enzo's eyes scanned the room, trying to pinpoint the source of Cassiel's distraction.Cassiel's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his eyes narrowed in concentration. Enzo followed his gaze, but there was nothing on the screen except for the reflection of the room. He cleared his throat to announce his presence, and Cassiel's head swiveled towards him.Enzo's eyes met Cassiel's, and he was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze. Cassiel's eyes seemed to bore into his soul, as if s
Third POV“Then you should’ve trusted me,” Julian said. “I would’ve played along. I would’ve helped.”“I couldn’t risk it. You wear your heart too open.”Julian scoffed. “That’s rich coming from the man who kills with a smile.”Cassiel turned sharply. “Don’t push it.”Julian folded his arms. “Then tell me where Bash is. I want to see him.”“No.”“What?”“It’s not safe.”Julian’s brows knitted. “Not safe? From who?”“We’re being watched. Closely. There are spies inside this estate. Possibly even staff. If anyone finds out Bash is alive—”“I won’t tell anyone!”Cassiel stepped forward, lowering his voice. “It’s not about you telling. It’s about someone seeing. One slip, one wrong door opened, one misplaced word—and he dies for real this time.”Julian’s lips quivered. “So what am I supposed to do? Pretend like none of this happened? Smile? Sleep beside you like nothing’s wrong?”“Yes,” Cassiel said without flinching. “Exactly
Third POVBack at the estate, Cassiel was in his study again, shirt half-unbuttoned, eyes on the monitors. He didn’t even look up when Enzo returned.“Gregor took it,” Enzo said.“Of course he did.”“Think Marco will fall for it?”Cassiel chuckled. “He’s already falling. This just gives him permission.”Enzo leaned on the edge of the desk. “And if he doesn’t bite?”Cassiel turned his gaze to the screen showing Bash’s hidden chamber. The figure on the screen sat still, unmoving.“Then we kill him anyway.”The next day, Marco was pacing in one of the surveillance offices, the flash drive burning in his palm. He’d stolen it from Gregor’s coat when the fool left it unattended. Or so Marco believed.He plugged it into the secure laptop, scanned through the contents, and his eyes widened.Manifest. Flight route. Photos of what looked like Bash, sedated and cuffed, being prepared for movement.“This can’t be real…” he muttered.But i
Third POVSmoke curled into the air, dancing lazily toward the ceiling of the dimly lit study. Cassiel leaned back in his leather armchair, legs crossed, a half-burnt cigar resting between his fingers. Enzo stood across from him, hands clasped behind his back, eyes fixed on the large monitor on the wall.“I still don’t understand why we’re not moving Bash out of the state,” Enzo said, breaking the silence. “We’ve already created an airtight trail. Documents, IDs, handlers. It’s all ready.”Cassiel took a long drag from the cigar and exhaled. “He’s staying here.”Enzo blinked. “Why?”“Because I want him close. I trust no one. Not even you,” Cassiel replied without looking up.“You think I’d mess with Bash’s transport?” Enzo raised a brow.“I think you’d do what’s necessary if the time ever came.” Cassiel set the cigar down and reached for the iPad resting beside him. “That’s why you’re valuable. That’s also why you’re dangerous.”Enzo gave a small
Third POVFour cloaked men sat around the round stone table, the flicker of candlelight casting distorted shadows on the walls of the underground chamber. The air was thick with dampness and secrecy. None of them spoke for a while, only the rustling of their cloaks and the occasional creak of an old chair filled the silence.The man seated at the far end leaned forward. “He’s gone too far this time.”A second man turned his head. “You mean Cassiel?”He nodded. “Burning the boy alive in front of his own brother? That was reckless. Emotional. Not like him.”“He dug his own grave,” the third one murmured. “Cassiel’s slipping. He’s letting sentiment drive him now. That’s dangerous.”The fourth one chuckled slowly. “Sentiment? He was proving a point. That’s what he does best.”“No,” the first man cut in sharply. “That wasn’t Bash. It was Arnold.”A stunned silence settled like a bomb had just gone off.“You’re sure?” the second man asked slowly.
Third POVJulian’s head throbbed. His vision blurred, not from any injury, but from how tightly the panic coiled his chest. His arms were shaking, lips trembling, and no amount of wiping could stop the tears. They just kept falling—fast, hot, and helpless.He barely registered the harsh tug on his arm until he stumbled, dragged by Enzo toward the sleek black car waiting just outside the warehouse. His legs moved, but his mind didn’t. He was just… floating in a nightmare.Cassiel sat in the back seat. Hands clasped, expression cold, jaw locked. Not even a blink as Julian was shoved into the seat beside him like a broken toy.The door shut.Julian didn’t look at him. Couldn’t. He stared ahead. Still seeing Bash. Still hearing him scream. Still smelling burnt flesh.Cassiel leaned forward slightly. “Drive.”Enzo didn’t say a word. He obeyed immediately, tires screeching as they pulled onto the road.The silence in the car was brutal. Suffocating. Ju
Third POVWhat could Cassiel be up to? Why hadn’t he said anything? Was there something more going on — something Julian wasn’t being told?The questions circled in his mind, and he found himself at the base of the grand staircase without remembering how he’d gotten there. He paused, staring up at the darkened hallways above, wondering what he might find if he went looking.He’d always been good at reading people, at picking up on the smallest details. But Cassiel… Cassiel had always been an enigma, a puzzle he couldn’t quite figure out. And that frustration, the constant tug of curiosity, made it difficult to let go. To accept that some things weren’t meant to be understood.He closed his eyes for a brief moment, willing the thoughts to quiet down. But they didn’t. They only grew louder, more insistent.Something was happening. And Julian wasn’t sure if he was ready to find out what.As the morning stretched on, Julian found him
Third POVThe bed beside him was empty.He had known it would be. He'd woken up earlier than usual, his internal clock already attuned to the routine that had settled between them. It was a routine that kept the silence from becoming too uncomfortable, the distance from becoming too obvious. Cassiel had always been an early riser, his movements graceful yet purposeful as he left the bed. Julian, on the other hand, had become accustomed to lying still until the weight of reality pulled him fully awake.Rolling over onto his side, Julian stared at the empty space where Cassiel had been moments ago. The absence was familiar, like the echo of a song long forgotten. It wasn’t that Julian expected anything different, but some mornings, the emptiness felt more pronounced. He ran a hand over his face, rubbing the sleep from his eyes before swinging his legs over the side of the bed.He stretched his arms above his head, the muscles in his back a
Third POVJulian lay on his side, watching the shadows dance across the ceiling. Cassiel’s breathing beside him was slow, steady, the rise and fall of his chest almost hypnotic. He looked peaceful in sleep — something that seemed ironic considering the kind of man he truly was.Julian exhaled quietly and glanced at the clock.3:17 AM.He waited a few more minutes, letting time stretch as he lay perfectly still. Then, slowly, he turned to Cassiel. He reached a hand over his sleeping form and waved it softly in front of his face. No reaction. Cassiel’s breathing didn’t hitch. His eyes didn’t flutter.Julian allowed himself a tiny sigh of relief. Slipping the duvet aside, he planted one foot silently on the floor, then the other. His bare feet padded soundlessly on the cold hardwood. He tiptoed toward the door, his hand closing around the brass handle —"Going off to sniff through my computer again?" came the low, unmistakable voice
Third POVCassiel turned, meeting his gaze. "You tell me."Julian stepped forward, voice low. "I went into your study because I needed to see if what I suspected was true.""And?""You tell too many lies with too calm a face."Cassiel slipped his shirt on. "Then stop trusting me."Julian flinched. "Maybe I already have."The silence that followed was sharper than any argument. Cassiel finished dressing, adjusted his collar, and walked toward the door."Where are you going now?" Julian asked.Cassiel paused, looking over his shoulder. "To finish what you just made harder."And then he was gone.Julian sank onto the bed, the quiet roaring in his ears.He had poked the sleeping typhoon.And now the storm was coming.It was well past midnight when the screech of iron gates raked through the silence of the estate. Julian, stretched out on the leather couch in the sitting room, didn’t move. He’d been there for hours, unmoving, e