Ceremonial Rites

Ceremonial Rites   Twenty Six - Cover Ups

"What is going on here?"Thalia was surprised to see numerous security details on her court yard. She's very delicate and careful with her house's landscape. Seeing some men in black walking around the grass which been mowed regularly almost hit her sensitive nerve."Arthur!" She called their butler.The butler quickly approached the furious lady descending on the grand staircase. He bowed the moment he had a glimpsed of the mood of the mistress. Thalia immediately asked him to straighten up."Could you please tell those gentlemen not to walk on my grass? Philip has been trying to keep them from dying and those mongrels just casually stepped on it," and she checked the window again to see if her garden is being invaded by those armed men."Those mongrels, milady, are precautionary measures." The bulter replied."Why do we need additional security? Did I pass on some news? Enlighten

Ceremonial Rites   Twenty Five - Sacrifices

Paris, FranceChateau Rinardi"My lady, my lord."Catherine and Renard arrived at the peak of Samira family's power. Even though the Constantines hold most of the country, Renard's ancestors were wise enough to put their prime power elsewhere. The Samira family has been in nobility for centuries. The mansion in front of them is the symbol of their surviving place in that. Things that went back generations of wealth which Catherine has managed to marry into. They quietly went inside.Steven has called for an emergency meeting with the High Council of Samira, the High Tables and the Horsemen. The latter has yet to confirm their attendance given the tasks handed to them by Viktor. The Alderige also declined to avoid any suspicions from the House Drax and promised to support any conclusions the council may have decided to consider.The couple were stunned to see a familiar person descending from the grand st

Ceremonial Rites   Twenty Four - The Attack Dogs

White House10:00 AM"Mr. President, we already picked a new head chemist in our Bioscience research." A man in suit approached the president on his way to the oval office."Who is it?" Michael asked."He's Dr. Rodney Nirvana, sir. He has a brilliant accomplishments from the Alderige International and he was also a great junior chemist in Morningstar Corporation."Marco almost stumbled on his own tracks when he heard Rodney's name. He quickly radioed the three other men to relay the message to Viktor. It is alarming that the enemy have managed to push through their high defense. As bad as it may become, the president is oblivious to the devil they just invited in.Marco's words were tied to his own tongue. Rodney arrived at the building. Newland muttered some series of profanity after he realized he was reassigned to inspect the garage that's why he never mentioned the person in front of

Ceremonial Rites   Twenty Three - The Choice

"Master Vincent, sir. Are you sure about this?" Our butler asked me one more time.I've been planning to surprise those son of a bitches whom I've heard have started working in the white house. Apparently, Lord Samira hired them. My dad gave me the same expression as well."These are dangerous times, Vincent. All they know was your dead. You can't just walk inside the white house and greet the president," he started walking around the place."I know your concerns people but I can't just stay here and wait for the judgement day." All this hiding is making me crazy. Knowing full well that they are there in the open trying to do the same thing to another council member."This is a serious moment, son. For once in your life listen to me. Alexander has already concluded your death and when he finds out that you're not. Do you expect him to be glad that you're still walking this earth? Alive?" This time my dad's ton

Ceremonial Rites   Twenty Two - Guarding the Dogs

White House, Washington DC"Who are you?" The president asked the four new faces he encountered outside the oval office.If the secret service have decided to rotate personnel, they may have the decency to inform the very person they are intended to protect. At least that's what the president had in mind. Changes in security details overnight can be implied that this occurence was caused by deeper power."We are your new security details, Mr. President. I'm Marco and I will be your personal bodyguard from now on.""What about my former security details?" The president is still skeptical to this sudden changes."They were reassigned, sir." Marco responded carefully.With last single overall lookover, the president instructed them to stay outside the office because there will be a close door discussion with his chief of staff. Some white house personnel were a bit curious

Ceremonial Rites   Twenty One - Blood in the water

Ceremonial Rites   Twenty

The Plaza Hotel07:00PMStanding outside the main ball room. Waiting for his courage to take him inside. The expensive suit he is wearing is not enough to silence his inferiority complex whispering inside his head. Taunting him with all he lacks inside the very door he's been staring for more than a minute. Rodney Nirvana quickly plastered a confident smile to the hostess who just got from fixing one of the guests' concern. With full of pretense, he handed his gold plated invitation.He never felt this intensity of anxiety attacking him before, only tonight. All the ruling class of the society are present in the same place. One could only wish he belongs in such level.Nirvana was greeted with champagne by a fine waiter. He was glad he was offered for he needs every bit of support he can get, even from a glass of wine. To remind him how low he is in the food chain, the only heir to th

Ceremonial Rites   Nineteen

New York CityThe Plaza Hotel"Papa! What on earth are you planning to do? These are dangerous times.""It's just a small fiesta, mijo.""Fiesta? Que, papa?!""Tómalo con calma, Hector. This is just a simple gathering."Like he was instructed, Hector heaved deep breaths to suppress the growing anxiety inside. This is dangerous for their family. A lot of clans are trying their best to put them down and he doesn't want to be on the spot. Another frustated sigh escaped Hector's mouth as he watch his father organize everything."I beg for you to reconsid