BLOOD OF DAWN

2.

***

The Arlando mansion was an ominous place. The minute you entered, the air would feel heavy, your body would tense automatically, which is ironic, since it was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen. The house, with black stone walls and gilded glowing details, looked like something pulled from an old aristocratic dream. The driveway circled a quiet fountain before leading to towering double doors framed by intricate gold carvings. Every window, spire and rooftop statue carried an air of wealth, mystery, and old power. I loathed the beautiful disaster,

As my brother rounded the driveway to the main door, my eyes hardened, and I straightened my shoulders, preparing for anything that was to be thrown my way. Just as I alighted from the car, my brother's voice stopped me.

“Be careful,” He said. That surprised me. Why did he suddenly start caring for me? Was this a warning? And if it was, why? Just before I could ask more, he closed my door and sped off. My mind raced with new thoughts. Each thought was worse than the last. I craned my neck in discomfort and clenched my hands in anticipation.

The guards opened the door for me. The familiar smell of blood and death invaded my senses. I snarled. The entrance was as beautiful as the outside, if not more. A grand staircase greeted you as soon as you came in, rising through the center of the mansion with its dark, polished wood. A huge portrait of Capius lined the center of it, showing how much of a self-centered bastard he was.

I lead myself through the halls of the house, the walls lined with photos of Arlando's lineage. Not many people were allowed inside the house. Being invited meant either two things, you are getting killed or a promotion, neither of which is as good as it sounds. I got to his office and knocked, the sound echoing through the whole house.

“Enter.”

I let out a breath, exhaling anxiety, inhaling resolve. I pushed open the door and went inside.

Nothing had changed since I last visited, even the smell. New wood and disinfectant. Dark mahogany shelves climbed from floor to ceiling, lined with books and artifacts that were probably stolen and smuggled. In the center sat a massive wooden desk. I could tell it was new, the chandelier above sparkled, making the already polished leather armchair at the front of the desk reflect. Every detail of the office, even the new, held secrets only discussed behind closed doors.

“You took your time.” My adoptive father said, his gaze locking on mine, his voice rough, old, and calm. It seemed the month we had not met, he had aged more. His white hair was more prominent; wrinkles had formed permanently on his forehead and eyes. It seemed daddy dear was not getting enough sleep. I wonder why. Curiosity brimmed inside me.

“I am here, aren’t I?” I sassed at him, plopping on one of the leather seats in front of him.

He narrowed his eyes.

“I will let that slide, because of the circumstances that have arisen.”

I raised an eyebrow. Curiouser and curiouser.

He stood up from his chair and faced the window behind his desk. The view being the whole estate land, acres and acres of land encasing the entity.

“There is a man I need you to kill.” He stated. In normal circumstances, this would have been like any other day, but he was tense, I could see and feel. The man he wanted me to kill was not an ordinary man.

“Who?

“No name. I will give you a date, time, and location.”

I scoffed. “And you could not tell me this through the phone?”

He turned his face, sending me a glare that made me want to shrink.

“Do you know why I adopted you?” he asked, moving to stand and lean on the front of the desk.

I shifted uncomfortably at the decreased distance between us.

“Do you think I picked you randomly? “He chuckled.

I ground my teeth, wondering where he was going with this.

“Why would I want a defective little girl, worth nothing more than the dirt under my feet?”

“You would have left me where I was.” I snarled at him, wanting nothing more than to tear him to pieces. Hatred burned deep inside me; it hurt to breathe.

“But how valuable you were, I created who you are, I made you worthy, and your time to repay me has come, little girl.” He stated.

“Why not Elio?” I asked.

He shook his head, stepping closer to me. “It has to be you and you only.”

It was my turn to narrow my eyes at him.

“Who is the guy?” I dared ask again.

“A man who has been a thorn in my side since the very beginning.”

Who had not been a thorn in his side, Capius had tons of enemies. I can’t wait to meet the guy who could unravel him this much.

“Cyrina.” I turned to look at him. “Don’t miss.”

A shudder went through me, he did not need to say it loudly for it to be heard. If I failed the mission, I would be dead. He would kill me without any remorse or regret.

I nodded my head. “Is that all?” I asked, wanting to leave the office. It had started to become more suffocating than it already was.

He fixated his gaze on me without blinking, the cogs in his mind moving. I wondered what the demons in his head were telling him.

He finally nodded his head, waved his hand, dismissing me, and went back to his desk. I did not have to be told twice.

I left the office, heading right outside. I took my phone out, knowing exactly who to call, and if he did not give me any answers, I would beat the living daylights out of him.