Chapter 3. His Malevolent Aura

The moon cast its silver glow over the city, an hour where creatures of the night roamed free.

Baron Lupo Bianchi, his eyes gleaming with a sinister light, stepped out of his car and onto the cracked pavement of Aurelia's rundown apartment complex, the flickering street lights casting eerie shadows on the walls.

The wind whispered secrets in the alleys as Baron's footsteps echoed through the deserted streets, his presence a dark omen that sent shivers down the spines of even the bravest souls.

The very air seemed to thicken with malevolent intent as he approached the entrance, his eyes burning with an unholy hunger that threatened to consume all in its path."

"Right there, the lamb was sleeping like an innocent, her gentle slumber a stark contrast to the darkness that lurked nearby.

Baron's gaze fell upon Aurelia's peaceful form, her eyes closed in a deep slumber. Her features, so serene and innocent in repose, only served to fuel his contempt.

He took in the gentle curve of her nose, the soft contours of her cheeks, and the fullness of her lips, all so reminiscent of her traitorous lunar.

“Same lips, same deceiving smile, same lying eyes. Why do you have to look like her”, he thought, his expression cold and unforgiving, his eyes glacial.

His gaze was a scalpel, dissecting every feature, searching for any hint of deception. His face was a mask of ice, chiseled from the very stone of his soul. No warmth, no empathy, only a calculated cruelty, honed from years of pain and betrayal.

"Why do you have to look like her?" he whispered, his voice a low, menacing hiss, as if the mere resemblance was a personal affront, a deliberate attempt to torment him further.

His words hung in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown, daring Aurelia to deny the truth he saw so clearly etched on her face.

The striking resemblance was a mockery, a cruel reminder of the betrayal that had consumed his very soul.

As he stood there, his eyes roamed over her face, his gaze cold and calculating. The same piercing brown eyes, though now closed, seemed to taunt him still.

The same sun-kissed blonde hair cascaded around her alabaster skin, a constant reminder of the darkness that had destroyed him. The same delicate features, so fragile and vulnerable, only inspired disgust and loathing.

Baron's expression was a mask of stone, his eyes empty of emotion, a reflection of the soul he had lost long ago.

His gaze lingered, not in search of truth, but in cruel fascination, drinking in the details of the face that had betrayed him for so long.

The silence was heavy with malevolence, the only sound was the soft rise and fall of Aurelia's chest, a reminder that she was alive, and soon to face his wrath.

*********

Aurelia wakes up to her alarm, unaware of the ominous presence that lurks in the shadows while she sleeps.

As she begins her peaceful morning routine, a sense of serenity envelopes her like a warm embrace, feeling refreshed and calm.

She gets out of bed, takes a warm shower, gets dressed, and heads to the kitchen. Aurelia starts her day by getting ready and setting the table for breakfast with care, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

She arranges the tableware and adds fresh flowers.

"good morning, sis!" Ann said, entering the kitchen with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Ann," Aurelia replied, returning the smile as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

"Breakfast is served!" Aurelia announced, gesturing to the beautifully set table.

"Thank you, Aurelia. You always make mornings so lovely," Ann said, taking a seat.

"How was your night, sis?" Ann asked, her expression turning concerned. "You seemed a bit troubled when you went to bed."

"Oh, "I'm fine, thanks for asking."

"Okay, if you're sure..." Ann trailed off, eyeing Aurelia with a hint of skepticism.

"I'm positive, Ann. Let's just enjoy our breakfast and start the day fresh," Aurelia said, taking a sip of her coffee and changing the subject.

"Absolutely! I'm starving," Ann said, digging into her breakfast with enthusiasm.

Just then, their dad, Carlos, dressed in his crisp new uniform, hurried into the kitchen, his eyes fixed on his watch. "Good morning, sweeties! Sorry to rush, but I've got to hit the road soon.

Big day ahead, first day on the new job!" he said, pouring himself a quick cup of coffee.

Aurelia and Ann exchanged a proud smile, happy to see their dad excited about his new driving job. "Good luck, Dad! You'll do great," Aurelia said, giving him an encouraging nod.

"I promised to change my ways and make you proud, haven't I?" Carlos said, looking at his daughters with a determined gaze.

"No more late nights, no more worrying about my gambling. I've quit, and I'm starting fresh. I want both of you to be proud of your old man."

Aurelia and Ann exchanged a warm glance, seeing the sincerity in their dad's eyes. "We're always proud of you, Dad," Ann said, smiling. "And we're glad you're getting help. We love you."

"Thanks, kiddo. That means a lot. Now, I've got to run.

Drive safe, and don't forget your lunch!" he called out, already heading out the door, his hurry evident in his rapid footsteps.

The sisters watched him go, smiling at each other, before returning to their breakfast, the warm atmosphere and delicious food a perfect start to their day, filled with hope and new beginnings.

After finishing breakfast, Aurelia and her younger sister Ann began to clear the table. Aurelia loaded the dishwasher while Ann wiped down the dining table.

Their dad, Carlos, had already left for his new driving job, and the sisters were getting ready for their days.

"Ann, don't forget your lunch money!" Aurelia reminded her sister as she headed out the door to her restaurant.

"I won't, Aurelia! Thanks for reminding me!" Ann called back, already halfway out the door on her way to school.

Aurelia smiled and waved goodbye as she closed the door behind her sister. She felt a sense of pride and responsibility, being the older sister and helping to take care of Ann. She headed off to catch a bus to her restaurant, feeling grateful for the new chapter in their lives.

As she walked, Aurelia couldn't help but think about their dad and how far he'd come. She hoped he would continue to do well in his new job and stay away from his old troubles.

Just then, Ann came running back to her, looking worried. "Aurelia, wait! I forgot to tell you something!"

Aurelia turned around, concerned. "What is it, Ann?"

"I saw Dad talking to some shady-looking guys yesterday. I don't think it's good," Ann said, her voice trembling.

Aurelia's heart sank, and she felt a surge of concern. She had thought their dad was doing better, but now she wasn't so sure...

"Don't worry, Ann, I'll look into it," Aurelia said, trying to reassure her sister with a calm tone and a gentle smile. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, but I'll talk to Dad and find out what's going on."

Ann nodded, looking slightly relieved, but still worried. "Be careful, Aurelia. I don't want anything to happen to you or Dad."

Aurelia nodded, giving her sister a quick hug. "I will, Ann. Don't worry. I'll take care of it."

With that, Ann turned and headed back to school, leaving Aurelia to her thoughts. Aurelia watched her go, her mind racing with possibilities.

She hoped Ann was just being paranoid, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She made a mental note to talk to their dad as soon as possible and get to the bottom of things.

With a determined sigh, Aurelia continued on her way to the bus stop, her heart heavy with concern for her family's well-being.

******************

As Aurelia's father, Carlos, reported to his new driving job, he was greeted by Marco, Baron's enforcer. Marco's cold eyes and menacing gaze made Carlos's skin crawl.

"Carlos," Marco growled, his voice firm and intimidating. "Boss wants to see you in his office. Now."

Carlos's heart raced as he nodded, trying to hide his unease. "What's this about?" he asked, his voice firm but wary.

Marco's expression turned even darker. "My only duty is to summon you to the boss. But let me warn you, Carlos... “Here Commands are not debated, only carried out. That’s if only you want to survive.”

Marco turned and walked away, leaving Carlos feeling uneasy and trapped. As Carlos watched him disappear into the shadows, his phone buzzed with an unknown number.

The message flashed on the screen, making his blood run cold:

"The clock starts now. You have 24 hours..."

The message cut off abruptly, leaving Carlos staring at the screen in horror. Who was behind this ominous warning? What did they want from him? And what would happen when the clock struck zero?