Daughter Of Shadow's King

Chapter 9: Being Watched

Matteo's POV

I walked into the biology department, a stack of syllables in my hand. Professor Matteo, that's me now. I'd taught at plenty of universities under different names, but this one was personal. I adjusted my glasses, scanning the room. The familiar scent of formaldehyde and fresh paper filled my lungs.

There she was – Hazel, laughing with friends, her rose-gold hair catching the morning light. My brothers, Nevan and Vincenzo, were a few rows back, blending in with the other freshmen. I noticed Vincenzo whispering something to Nevan, and Nevan's subtle nod. Good, they were getting into character.

I wrote "Biology 101" on the board, turning to the class. "Welcome, everyone. I'm Professor Matteo." My voice was steady, a calm I didn't entirely feel.

The students quieted down, shuffling their notes. I started the lecture, my eyes occasionally drifting to Hazel. She was attentive, curious – like our mother. Her eyes sparkled as I explained cell structure, and she nodded along, making notes.

As I moved to the whiteboard, I noticed Hazel asking Vincenzo a question. He played it cool, shrugging and smiling. Nevan jumped in, explaining a concept, and Hazel laughed. Good, they were getting close.

After class, I gathered my things, lingering by the desk. Hazel approached. "Professor Matteo, I had a question about mitosis."

I smiled. "Shoot."

She asked about the process, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to grasp the concept. I explained, watching her eyes light up. This was Lorenzo's daughter, my sister.

As she left, I texted Dad: "In position. She's smart. Boys are making contact."

The response was immediate: "Good work. Keep watching."

I nodded to myself. We were getting closer.

I turned to Nevan and Vincenzo, who were waiting by the door. "You two did well. Keep building rapport."

Vincenzo grinned. "Piece of cake."

Nevan's expression was more serious. "She's cautious. But she's warming up."

I nodded. "Good. Keep me updated."

As the day went on, I kept an eye on Hazel from afar. She was the key, and I was just one piece of the puzzle.

My phone buzzed again. Lorenzo: "Dominic, Stefano, and I will be attending the university's charity gala tonight. Make sure Hazel's invited."

I replied: "Got it."

The game was on.

I watched Hazel leave the cafeteria, her smile lingering in the air. I turned to Nevan and Vincenzo, my expression serious. "Keep an eye on her. Something's off."

They nodded, their eyes scanning the hallway. As they followed Hazel, I noticed a stranger watching them. Tall, dark coat, eyes fixed on my brothers.

I texted Dad: "Possible tail. Dark coat, tall."

The response was immediate: "Handle it."

I nodded to myself. Time to play. I headed to the university's security office, my steps quiet.

The officer looked up. "Professor Matteo, what can I do for you?"

I smiled. "Just checking the footage for the charity gala tonight. VIP guests, you know."

He nodded, pulling up the files. I scanned the screens, spotting the stranger. He was checking his phone, a message popping up.

I memorized the number, my mind racing. Who was this guy?

As I left the office, Hazel approached. "Professor Matteo, do you know anything about the gala tonight?"

I smiled. "Just that it's going to be interesting. You going?"

She nodded. "Grandma's making me."

I laughed. "Sounds like a plan."

As she walked off, I texted Dad: "Hazel's in. Stranger's still watching."

The response was cryptic: "Good. Let him watch."

I frowned. What's Dad planning?

The night was getting darker, and the game was heating up. I checked my watch. Time to get to the gala.

As I arrived, I spotted Hazel across the room, laughing with Nevan and Vincenzo. The stranger was there too, lingering near the bar. He hadn't shown his face.

I smiled, playing along. But my mind was on high alert.

Suddenly, the lights flickered, and the music stopped. A figure stepped onto the stage.

"Lorenzo's here," someone whispered.

The room fell silent.

Lorenzo appeared, his eyes scanning the crowd. He spotted Hazel, and his expression changed.

"Hazel," he said, his voice carrying across the room. "Welcome home."

Hazel's eyes widened, confusion etched on her face. She looked around, unsure what was happening.

I moved closer, my eyes on the stranger. He was watching Hazel, his face still hidden.

The room erupted into chaos. Lorenzo's men moved in, surrounding Hazel.

Nevan and Vincenzo signal them not to surround her because it will only scare her off.

The stranger watched, unmoving.

And Hazel still didn't know what was happening.

I know she's trying to find a way out but who the hell that stranger is? I need to keep a close eye on him.

As the Gala continue and people keep mingling with each other, I keep my eyes on everything. Dad, Mom, Vincenzo, Nevan, Dominic and Stefano are trying their best to hold their selves back. I know mom wants to rush and hugged her tightly but can't risk to scare her off.

Hazel's POV

I don't want to attend the Gala but Grandma told me to attend it. I don't know who this Lorenzo man is and why he said welcome home but I can tell something is not good here.

First I'm forced to attend this Gala, second these brothers Nevan and Vincenzo are trying to get close, third this Lorenzo man and fourth I feel like I'm being watched but can't see anyone.

I take a deep breath and walk out of the event to take a walk. I want to keep my mind off of these things which makes no sense. I want to think clearly and also find out what Grandma is hiding from me.

As I turn the corner, I get the goosebumps when I saw the hoodie figure coming straight towards me. I look around in panic. Everything is dark out here and no one around to help me.

I turn away and start walking faster and at some point I can tell I'm literally trying to run but suddenly the second man come out of nowhere and block my path. I'm so scared and shaken up that no voice is coming out of my mouth.

I feel pain on my neck and I knew that I'm screwed up completely because the man from before injected me something.

If I knew this was gonna happen to me, I wouldn't have been out here for a walk.

I try to scream but nothing came out and my vision start to blur.

Last thing I remember before losing my consciousness is that the man threw me over his shoulder and walking towards the black car.

And then everything goes blank.........