~~~~Riele~~~~
As Abigael helped the guy up, her gaze shifted to us, and her expression turned cold. She bowed respectfully, her icy blue eyes gleaming. "Master Ray, Young Miss."
Raiden's poker face was unmistakable, his eyes avoiding Abigael's. I, on the other hand, couldn't help but notice how stunning she was.
"What brings you here?" Abigael asked, raising her head.
"I'm Riele," I said with a smile. "I really need your training. You're the best fighter I've ever seen."
Abigael shrugged, stretching her arms. "Thanks, if Master Ray approves."
Raiden nodded, his hands in his pockets. "It's fine."
I beamed with excitement. "Great, let's get started!"
Abigael smiled, leading me to a warehouse. "We'll begin with firearms training."
I followed her, eager to learn.
I stared curiously at the gun, having never held one before. Abigael raised an eyebrow, pulling out more firearms from the crate. "You've never seen a gun up close, have you?" she asked.
"I've seen Raiden with one, but I've never handled one myself," I replied, feeling a bit apprehensive.
Abigael smiled. "Let's start with the basics, then." She spent the next ten minutes explaining the features and benefits of each firearm, from the semi-automatic Glock G17 pistol to the assault rifle.
Next, she demonstrated how to load and unload the guns. I watched intently, then tried it myself. "This isn't as difficult as I thought," I said, feeling more confident.
Abigael smiled, seeming to enjoy my progress.
"Great job!" Abigael said, nodding in approval. "Now, let's move on to safety protocols and handling techniques."
She proceeded to demonstrate proper stance, grip, and sighting techniques. I mimicked her movements, feeling the weight and balance of the gun in my hands.
As we practised, Abigael shared stories of her own training experiences and the importance of focus, discipline, and control. Her passion for firearms training was evident, and I found myself drawn to her expertise. Forget about Taylor Swift, Abigael is way cooler.
"You're not from around here," I said, noticing her accent. "England," she smiled slightly.
As training continued, I couldn't help but ask, "Abigael, how did you become so skilled with firearm, and how did you join the mafia?"
Abigael's expression turned thoughtful, and she began to share her story.
"I moved to New York with my brother after our parents passed away," Abigael said, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "We were struggling to make ends meet, and life on the streets was brutal. There were times when we couldn't even afford food."
She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing. "I was desperate, and at one point, I considered... unsavoury options to survive. But then Raiden stepped in and offered me a job here. It was a lifeline, and I'm forever grateful."
I listened, stunned by Abigael's story. "I...I had no idea," I stuttered, unsure of how to respond.
I asked Abigael, "How long have you been here?"
She shrugged, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "About six years."
I raised an eyebrow. "You're 24. What about your brother?"
Abigael's expression softened. "He's doing alright. He's around your age, 21 or 22."
I chuckled. "Do I really look that young? How did you guess my age so accurately?"
Abigael smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's easy, you're cute, and you are literally the female version of my brother."
I grinned, feeling a playful vibe. "And you're hot. I'm sure there are many guys eager to date you."
Abigael's smile faltered, and she looked away. "Dating isn't allowed in this empire."
I frowned, surprised. "No love? Who the f**k created that rule?" I pressed, curiosity getting the better of me.
Abigael's eyes met mine, a hint of sadness in their depths. "It's just the way things are here," she said quietly. "At least, that's how Young Master wants things done,"
Andrew?? What's his deal?
"Besides, I'm not really into guys..."Abigael started, but I cut her off. "Oh, you're les-"
"No, no, I mean, I don't really have the time for all that falling in love relationship thing," she explained. "I just like the way I am, free",
"So... not even a crush or anything?"I asked. Poor Raiden, he can't date Abigael because of the stupid rule, and she's not even ready to date yet.
"I do have someone..." A slight blush crept onto her cheeks.
"Really? Who?" I asked, eager to know.
"Your brother,"
"Andrew?"
"No...Raiden."
I stared at Abigael, shocked. "No way! You and Raiden...?"
Abigael's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just a small crush. He saved my life; he's the reason I'm still alive."
I couldn't help but smile. "Awwn, that's so sweet! Who knew my brother could be so nice?"
Abigael's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Don't tell him I said that."
I grinned mischievously. "My lips are sealed."
Abigael's eyes locked onto mine, a mix of emotions swirling in their depths. "I've never told anyone that before," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Raiden's been like a guardian to me, always looking out for my well-being. I guess you could say I've developed feelings for him over time."
I smiled warmly, trying to put her at ease. "It's sweet, really. Who wouldn't fall for someone as caring as Raiden?" I never knew Raiden was such an angel deep down
Abigael's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her voice laced with a hint of embarrassment. "I know it sounds silly, but... I feel like I can be myself around him."
As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice the way Abigael's eyes sparkled when talking about Raiden. It was clear that her feelings for him ran deep. If only she knew Raiden felt the same way.
For the next two hours, Abigael and I trained together, bonding over our shared determination. She was cool, smart, and ridiculously skilled at kicking my butt.
"Ouch!" I winced, landing on the training mat with a thud.
Abigael pulled me up, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I think we need to start with something easier. What are your skills?"
She led me to another room in the warehouse, filled with an array of manual weapons. I whistled softly, impressed.
"Which one do you think you can handle?" Abigael asked.
I pulled out a pocket knife from my pocket. "You carry that around?" Abigael raised an eyebrow.
I shrugged. "My brothers made me carry it since I was 16. I'm used to it now."
Abigael nodded. "Okay, let's see what you can do. Attack me."
She stood in a fighting stance, her eyes sparkling with challenge. I hesitated, unsure. "What if you get hurt?"
Abigael smiled confidently. "I won't. Don't worry."
I charged towards Abigael, knife at the ready. She dodged my attacks with ease, her movements lightning-fast. I lunged at her again, but she ducked just in time, the knife barely missing her neck as it lodged into the wall.
Abigael pulled out the knife, her breathing slightly ragged. "That was intense," she said, a hint of a smile on her lips.
I looked at her, worried. "I almost hurt you."
Abigael chuckled, handing me the knife. "Girl, shush. This is your new weapon. You're great with it."