A Villain's Story

Chapter 6: Dinner Party pt. 2

~Chloe's P. O. V.~

How many times did I wish to have a family that loved me? How many times did I cry myself to sleep when I had no one? Looked around the room and saw my dad and my grandparents. I was the granddaughter of Hellhound. The daughter of the most famous hero in this city. It almost felt like this was a dream. I won't cry. I won't get angry. This is my family. My heart feels it. My head knows it. Grandma's touch felt familiar.

"Are you alright, Chlo?" Seth asked me.

I sniffled and dried my eyes. "Yeah. I just can't believe who my bloodline belongs to. Hellhound and Undergod. A hero and a mob boss." Whispering to him. When I think back to my late teens, I am filled with sorrow. "I wish I had found out sooner, babe." I kept thinking of those nights.

A hand held mine. "Why are you rubbing your wrists?" Grandma asked.

Seth answered for me. "She's... Had a rough life. I caught her running away like a criminal would have, when in truth she was running from... Her horrors."

I leaned my head against him. "Chained like a common mutt." I murmured.

Grandma's expression changed into one of shock. "They didn't...? Did they?" I nodded. "Oh, honey. I am so sorry." She pulled me into a hug. "Who was it? The Dolphins?"

I shook my head and looked at my grandma. She had graying black hair and ruby red eyes. Her wrinkles were prominent, but in a good way. "No. I was taken outside of Sanctum Way. I found my way back."

She nodded and looked at my dad. "Azazel. How are you, dear?" It wasn't hostile, but it felt like she had an obligation to ask.

Dad crossed his arms. "I am doing better, Candice. How are you?"

Grandma smiled a little. "As am I. Happy to see my granddaughter again." She motioned for us to follow her to another room. The hallways were very much like those of an old but pristine castle. It was both beautiful and very haunting. I felt like I was in one of those old cartoon movies. The eyes in the pictures are watching me. I felt exposed to those eyes. I held myself close. This sucks. I don't feel at home. I feel restless and stressed. I know I can trust my dad. But can I trust my grandparents? This is Hellhound after all.

"The many portraits of our family, child." Grandpa spoke. "For many hundreds of years, we have claimed this area. Emerald Dragon wanted to take us over." We stopped at the oldest picture. It was of a man who had purple eyes and brown hair. He looked battle hardened. "This is our oldest ancestor. Ira von Jorge. He had the ability to extend someone else's life span. Not his own." Grandpa took my hand and pulled me to the front. "My granddaughter. Blood of Hellhound." He had me stand in front of me and took hold of my other hand too. "Blood of the first Von. We not only welcome you home, sweetheart. We have years to compensate for." He got heart broken. "23 long years of searching for you. Never did I imagine that you weren't in Sanctum Way. My daughter, your late mother, lost her life protecting you. Yet it did little. The day before your father found you, we found you. We tried to go to you that night. Yet, you never came home. We found you hours later in a bathhouse. I was relieved when we learned that your father had taken you to his home. Can you forgive our incompetence?"

I was really surprised. I didn't know what to say. I really had no words. "I-I..." They just got caught in my throat. Of course, I forgive them. How could I not? It's not like they knew. "O-Of..." They really couldn't come out of my mouth. I nodded as my response.

This made him cry too. "Chloe. You were born a Von and a Ballinor. But this path must be your choice. You don't have to choose us or your father. That is not the choice ahead of, baby." He took his right hand and cupped my cheek. "The paths laid before you are not easy ones. You may choose to remain in Sanctum Way. Where your family is. We will fund whatever you need. Should you choose to leave because you now know who your family is, we will support that too. We all understand that we cannot make up 23 years in just a few short days. And we will understand your anger. Isn't that right, Azazel?"

I shook my head and smiled. "Grandpa. Daddy. I-I don't want to leave. I found my home. I found my family. How could I leave?"

When I said that, the whole castle erupted into cheers. I looked around and saw the entire Hellhound Syndicate. They were kneeling before me. "My granddaught has come home. Your princess." P-Princess?!

"We are pleased to have you home, Princess Chloe Starveil." They used the last name I gave to myself.

Grandma started to giggle. "We can't call you Chloe von Jorge-Ballinor, now can we?"

Grandpa nodded once. "You are heir to two houses. It's only fitting that we call you our princess."

That just hit me like a truck. My head started to spin a little. "Oh, wow... That..." I breathed out harshly. Heir to what? I was dizzy. Oh, that is a lot. "Chloe?!" I felt my eyes get heavy and close on their own. "Chloe!" My body hit the floor before I passed out.

~Seth's P. O. V.~

I grabbed my girlfriend as she started to fall. This was too much for her. How could anyone possibly handle that kind of information? She was literally in rotten musk and a horrible neighborhood not even a week ago. And now, here she is as the next leader to Hellhound and the next Heiress to Ballinor Inc. It's no wonder she collapsed. I would have too.

I sighed and picked her up off the floor. "She needs her rest. It's been a long day for her." I looked at her. She seemed so at peace yet the stress caused her to faint.

"I shall take you to her mother's old room." Candice told me. "You and Azazel are more than welcome to stay the night." I held onto Chloe more tightly. I don't want to be here. This is unsafe for myself and my leader. But I can't just leave Chloe either. No. She and I will stay together. Zephyre can have his time with her later. But right now? She needs me. Not him.

I followed her grandma down several corridors, too many for me to keep track of. This place is like a maze and unless you're born here, you can forget about leaving. I suspect that was the whole purpose of the design. To confuse any heroes that might come looking and ambush them. They know the layout of this place. And frankly, have the upper hand. This isn't a safe place. I keep telling myself that. Don't get me wrong, if they wanted to try anything, they would have already. That doesn't mean that I trust them.

Another hour later and we finally got to a room. It has been sealed shut for a long time. The moment she opened the door, the musty smell poured out of it. Immediately, a bunch of maids went in and cleaned the place in no time at all. I was in shock with how efficient they were.

"Place her on the bed. We can get you yours soon. I know that you don't want to leave her, Seth.. But no naughty stiff in my home." She grabbed my ear and slightly pulled on it. "Am I clear?"

"Ow, ow, ow! Yes, ma'am!" She let go and chuckled. I placed Chloe on the bed and she immediately hugged the pillows. She was also snoring loudly. Candice left the room and closed the door. I smiled at Chloe. How long had it been since she rested comfortably? Zephyre and I would often watch her from her window. How could we not have noticed her dog? Just bad luck, I guess. I shook the thoughts from my head and sat in one of the lounge chairs. I watched Chloe. I didn't want to sleep tonight. Not until we left this place. It was very creepy here too. Old is right... For now. I'll keep on my guard. Nothing can surprise me. Not Hellhound. Not anyone else.