Rue Bennett Novels & Stories

“That’s just you talking nonsense, Mother.” “Perhaps.” But the way she said it lingered, like a judgment sealed. Later that evening, Beta Wells entered, adding a folder on top of the stack of sheets in front of me. “Alpha Percy,” he began, “Rue’s progress is really promising. The initiative she suggested, it has just started but the early signs are promising. She’s… capable.” I nodded. “Good. It’s a start.” He hesitated, then added, “Her identity is also remarkable to say the least.”

I had woken up to the news that my boyfriend, Finn Dalton, the newly appointed CEO of the SYR Group, had bought an engagement ring and was planning a surprise party for his love - me. I had immediately gone to fix myself up. I did my nails, hair, and makeup as he loved it - clean and not overly flashy - and I wore a maroon tea length dress that defined my curves. I paired it with my black stilettos, a pearl necklace, and a black purse. And when I stared at the mirror, I was proud of she who stared right back at me - Rhea Dawson.

Ruby's face turned heavy. "You were a researcher?" Ruby lifted her chin slightly, a trace of pride in her eyes. "I'm a virologist. I'm actually pretty well known as Rue." Hayley's eyes widened. Rue. The only woman among the ten toughest people: the Puppeteer, Rue. In Hayley's last life, she had heard that name only a handful of times. That woman's early history was a mystery. All people knew was that she drifted through many bases before settling at Hope Base, where she became their top virus expert.

And for the first time since entering the building, Yesha felt herself breathe fully. A woman in her forties approached with measured confidence, tablet in hand. Sharp navy suit. Minimal jewelry. Eyes too intelligent to miss anything. “Miss Elaine,” she said. “I’m Celeste Valencia, director of interior development.” Her handshake was firm, professional, and notably free of curiosity. A gift. “It’s nice to meet you,” Yesha replied. “We value competence more than introductions,” Celeste said. “So let’s begin.” Yesha blinked once, then smiled.

"I am Mrs. Gable, the head housekeeper. Mr. Blackwood wants perfect order and time in this house. Follow me." Without waiting for an answer, Mrs. Gable turned and walked into the big entrance hall. Clara hurried after her, her old sneakers making soft sounds on the shiny white marble floor. The house was beautiful, with high ceilings and tall pillars, but Mrs. Gable’s stiff back made the whole place feel as cold as a grave.

"We have. But new information has come to light." Morwen looked at Aldric. He nodded. "Bring the witnesses," Morwen said. Rue was brought first. She walked to the center of the hall with her head high, her gold-flecked eyes fixed on the Council. Her hands were shaking, but her voice wasn't. "My name is Rue," she said. "Lena told me my parents died in an accident. She told me she saved me. She lied." "Tell us what happened," Morwen said.

She is an average height doe-eyed black girl, dressed professionally, standing behind a simple rectangular desk with an aura of ease about her. “You look lost.” She added with a suggestive tone. I shook my head, my heart still pounding as I took her full gaze in. “I am Rachael and you are?” She pressed. “I am Roxette Bennett and I am here to see Mr. West.” Her eyes widened slightly in recognition. “Oh, you just missed him. That was Mr. West you were with in the elevator. I happen to be his secretary.” What? “What? That was Aaron….” I blurted and immediately shut my eyes briefly, correcting myself. “I mean Mr. West?”

“Instead, she is rising.” Serene leaned forward, frustration bubbling over. “She’s nothing special. She just gets lucky that people keep protecting her. That’s all.” Beatrice’s gaze sharpened, pinning Serene in place. “And whose fault is that hmmmm? You whine, you scheme in half-measures, but when it matters you fail. You think luck will protect her forever? No, Serene. She’s calculating. Quiet. Dangerous. That girl is building something beneath our noses, and Richard……...Richard of all people……is letting her.”

She keeps acting like I killed her puppy, constantly insulting me when ever she can. She being the daughter of one of the councilmen, should act responsibly and stop some one being bullied by others. But she made it her mission to bully me herself flanked by her two friends Nora and Pam. Both of them are still trainees in the royal pack while Melanie will be released soon and will be recognised as a royal guard. Amber blocks my view, or is she blocking Melanie? "Knock it off Melanie, stay away from Thea" Amber glares at her.

“My goodness, you scared the life out of me!” Aunt Caroline was a short and plump woman in her mid-forties. Her hair was always dyed blonde because she took after her idol Madonna. She kept her face hidden with all the cosmetics she covered it. The only time she was seen without her make-up was when she applied facial mask. “Aunt Caroline? What’s got you all fired up?” Yet inside Ellaine’s head she was still thinking about the empty town and the huge tree. “You were having a bad dream!”