Chapter 8
2234 Words
**
"For your own protection, let us retreat into hiding, my lady" Dion uttered these words, his voice strained from the effort of carrying the unconscious Idrian
"We need to secure Master's safety" Xyvel said
"Our sole recourse lies in traversing the forest, thereby ensuring Boss Ayesha's safety and potentially securing our own survival" Clark looked dead serious
"Okay" June's voice burst forth, a melancholic chime that harmonized with the conversation
Despite our hasty retreat, we were swiftly encircled by armed individuals, their weapons trained menacingly on us
"RELEASED MR. DE GUZMAN IMMEDIATELY!!!" A towering foreign figure looked over us, his intimidating presence rendering us speechless
"WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?" the foreigner's thunderous voice echoed once more
"Boss, I suspect he's the WebTriad group's leader" June's breath danced across my ear, his whispered words a soft, secret serenade
"We won't let him go.Try anything and Idrian De Guzman's life is on the line" My threat fell flat, they didn't seem bothered
A cold metal glinted menacingly as they raised their guns, fingers tightening around triggers, their faces twisted in hostility.
Moments before our execution, stray bullets unexpectedly struck the people surrounding us, leaving us stunned and uncertain about the source of the gunfire
"Who fired the fatal shots?" I inquired, perplexed
"It appears they were our rescuers, Lady Ayesha" Clark gestured toward six approaching figures, their faces obscured by black masks, their attire drenched from the torrential downpour
As they drew nearer, the six strangers shed their masks, revealing two stunning women and four chiseled men, each boasting exceptional beauty
"In the spirit of fairness, shed your disguise too. Anyway, we already killed M. De Guzman's remaining men" the tallest man pointed at Idrian, who is now lying on the ground thanks to Dion
"What's behind your decision to lend us a hand?" I spoke as torrential rains continued to fall, illuminated by a lightning flash that revealed the mix of emotions on their faces
Dion approached me discreetly and whispered confidentially
"I think we can trust them, my lady"
Dion's assurance prompted us to shed our disguises, exposing our bedraggled appearances
"Oh it's you, Miss Ayesha Mariannete Hilary Howard " statement from the tallest man, presumably their leader
"How did you come to know me? was it mere coincidence or prior connection?" I asked him with a puzzled expression
A hearty chuckle escaped his lips
"You're a famous beauty in the underground world. Your exceptional leadership and bravery have earned admiration from numerous leaders, particularly as a sole female leader of a prominent black organization" his tone conveyed awe and admiration
"And who the hell are you? Why did you save us?"
A woman with green hair spoke
"We're from the Gruppo Oscuro" She declared it with evident pride and joy
We were collectively stunned by the revelation. Does their selfless action genuinely indicate a shift in their values, or merely a strategic maneuver?
"It doesn't make sense. Gruppo Oscuro never revealed their identity and, how come you knew we were here?" confusion prompted my question
The tall gentleman's face broke into a warm smile
"Miss Ayesha, coincidentally, we're members of that group. Our presence here was predetermined, driven by a specific objective. However, fate intervened, leading us to stumble upon a gunshot and subsequently discover an armed people targeting you" He elaborated extensively
"We've discovered Mr. Faelden's abduction. Idrian De Guzman, notorious for his malevolent deeds, seems your target" he added
I took a deep breath
"Yes. He was our target. By the way, thank you for your expident intervention. Your selfless actions have earned our deepest gratitude. We pledge reciprocal support and loyalty, acknowledging our indebtedness. May we depart now?" I hurriedly uttered to the tallest guy
He grinned
"No problem, Miss Ayesha" following his response, the six individuals departed first, leaving us to proceed towards our vehicle
Upon arrival, Dion and Clark swiftly put Idrian's body inside the car, whereupon I retrieved my phone and activated the tracking application
"Dion, please proceed to the mansion with Xyvel. Ensure Idrian's secure restraint and vigilant surveillance" I said, gazing at Ethan's location, which appeared surprisingly close. Fortunately, he hadn't removed his clothes
"Clark and June, please remain for a moment" I requested prompting instant nods of assent
"Be cautious, my lady" Dion advised, his voice tinged with concern
"I do, don't worry. I'm just gonna catch someone who's trying to get away " with that, I promptly made my way to the car. June took the wheel, with Clark seated beside him
"Track the red circle meticulously, Ethan's location is strategically marked. Ensure his apprehension at all costs, excersing utmost caution" I commanded while handed my phone to them. Determination etched in my voice
Ethan, your betrayal is unconscionable. The woman you kissed will face my wrath. You cannot escape my vengeance
The signal from Ethan's device has halted, suggesting he entered a densely wooded area, potentially seeking shelter
Upon exiting the vehicle, we utilized flashlights to supplement our night-vision contact lenses, seamlessly navigating the forest's dense, rain-soaked terrain.The unwavering red dot confirms Ethan immobility, implying a calculated decision to lie low, awaiting an opportune moment
Muddy waters swirled beneath our feet as we edged closer. My heart is racing.
"ETHANIEL JARRED FAELDEN! YOU CAN RUN AWAY, BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE FROM ME" Ethan's location indicator began moving, suggesting he'd detecting my soft yells and now he's altering his position.
My timely arrival coincided perfectly with Ethan's whereabouts
The forest's symphony fell silent as our eyes met. My suppressed voice echoed through the stillness, a haunting testament to my turmoil
"Ethan" I whispered
"Found you" before me stood a man, drenched and battered, his clothes gruesomely stained with blood. I pondered the tragic events that had befallen him and his intended bride, whose absence only deepened the mystery
"Come back to me, darling" I approached him with measured calmness. My gaze fell upon his hands. His blood-soaked palms matched the ghastly hue of his garments
"I won't" his firm assertion was followed by the rapid disappearance of the figure into the nocturnal gloom
"June and Clark, apprehend that obstinate individual and return him to me" I instructed serenely, sitting down on a weathered trunk
As the two pursued the man who held my heart, I settled into a contemplation, my legs crossed amidst the intensifying downpour. The raindrops danced around me, casting a melancholy veil over the desolate landscape
Once I catch Ethan, Idrian then gonna pay for what he did to my mom. He shall endure the same agonizing torment he inflicted upon my mother. My soul cries out for justice, demanding Idrian's pain mirror my mother's
Before my father's passing, he shared a video revealing the shocking truth. Mom's tragic demise was not due to illness, but a heinous act of violence perpetrated by Idrian and five leaders of another organization. They subjected her to inhumane treatment, callously exploiting her vulnerability
I intend to hunt those masked individuals one by one, beginning with the waekest, Idrian De Guzman
Upon checking Ethan's location, I noticed it remained static.A satisfied smile spread across my face, indicating the two men had apprehended Ethan
Five minutes elapsed before the duo reappeared, accompanied by Ethan, whose hands were securely bound in handcuffs
"We caught him, boss" June uttered. I stood up, my eyes fixed on Ethan, and stepped forward
Ethan's face beneath my fingertips rekindled a flicker of hope within my sorrowful soul
"This time, I will gonna lock you in a dark dreary room, my love. Your voluntary exile has earned you a fate of deserved penalty" My firm grip on his chin ensured our eyes locked
"Behold me, Ethan. These eyes, once bright with trust, now burn with unyielding resentment, forever seared into your conscience. Gaze upon me, for these eyes will haunt your every waking dream" I forced his dampened features to confront mine
"Regardless of distance, your fate remains bound to mine, imprisoned within the depth of my creation" and then after that I signaled the two men to knock Ethan off
Ethan's defiance will be met with severe consequences. Having disregarded my warnings, he shall face the full force of my retribution. The good thing, GPS tracker ensured his recapture
Speaking of gps tracker, wonder how Dion figured it out? Did I slip up somewhere? I'll ask him about it later..
**
We're now inside of our mansion. I immediately ushered Ethan into a dark room in one part of the basement. I will keep him there for a week as his punishment. He should learn his lesson
"My lady" something strange to Dion when he welcomed me. An air of apprehension shrouded him and Xyvel's face had the same expression
"M-Master...sorry" I looked at them confusedly. They looked weirded out. Their faces hinting unspoken worries. Their guarded expressions whispered secrets, fueling mu curiosity
"Dion! tell me what's happening?" I asked coldly
Dion paused, clearing his throat before responding
"My lady, when we were in the middle of the long ride, a group suddenly intercepted us. They warned us that if we don't surrender Idrian to them, they will blow up the car" my expression darkened, a scowl deepening as comphrension dawned
"You didn't...." I uttered while my body is shaking due to immense stress and anger
"Regrettably, the group has taken him. We acknowledge our failure and humbly accept any consequences, my lady" He and Xyvel both knelt in front of me
Frustration gripped me as I clenched my fist, lamenting Idrian's swift escape, thwarted by his loyal goons
"Bring him back or face the darkness of your own demise" I commanded with a ruthless tone
With a deep sigh, I resolve to confront Dion, navigating the darkness with the beam of a substantial flashlight. The dimly lit room revealed Ethan's pitiful state. Feet chained, hand manacled to a pillar, his body language screaming despair. There's a small window here, but it doesn't let in much light
Dirt, debris and discarded remnants littered the floor, while rats darted freely, their furtive movements a testament to the space's utter neglect.
My gaze fell upon a haunting relic, the complete bone of Sheena Jane Buenavista, an 18-year-old woman whose tragic fate was intrixcably linked to my father's brutality
My father's heinous crimes, including r**e and murder, eroded my respect for him. The discovery of his atrocities, targeting innocent women and men, left me with utter disdain. My heart once held love, now only loathing remained
Sheena and I forged a bond, united by our harrowing experiences within the confines of that ominous room. In this foreboding room, Sheena's presence became my beacon of hope, illuminating a path through darkness and despair.Our friendship flourished amidst shadows, forged by shared pain, tears and whispers of comfort
The horrific memory of my father taking Sheena's life remains etched in my mind.
He is a devil. His reign of terror ceased only with his own demise at the hands of an assassin, who inflicted upon him the same cruel fate he had once reserved for others
When he died, I immediately replaced his position as the new boss of his organization. I hired new people and killed those old goons who agreed with his evil deeds. Dion helped me to build a new and much better organization
I chose to embody darkness, seeking retribution against those who perpetrate evil, fueled the anguish of witnessing my mother's exploitation
Ethan's gaze met mine, devoid of emotion, yet I offered him a gentle smile
" I told you before, you are mine. You will never get rid of me" with those words, I settled into the chair beside him
Ethan's eyes narrowed, sharpening into a calculated interest
"Just kill me. I prefer you doing that" he said
"No, I won't kill you. You're the only one who can ease this craziness of mine. Your presence envelops my heart in gentle serenity, melting away worries. My racing thoughts slow, finding solace in your gentle and reassuring gaze " I told him the truth
His gaze withdrew, shifting away from mine
"I wanna ask you this, why did you choose to live your life this way? you could have been a successful model or an artist nor a writer or whatever. You have a pretty face and wealth, why not choose a better life" for the first time, I detected sincerity in his tone, paired with a question no one had ever posed
I smiled at him
"Because I chose to.Once discovering the harsh reality my father revealed, my innocence has vanished. The traumatic experience obscured my memories of normal adolescence, replacing them with haunting shadows. Actually, my dream is to become a writer. I love books and I also wanted to be a writer who can inspire others, but things didn't go as planned" I said sadly
Then I remembered the traumatic incident where Dad inflicted harm and injected me with an unknown substance, resulting in memory loss
"Then why are so obsessed with me?" He asked
I smiled softly at him
"Because I loved you" His eyes widen in shocked
"We barely know each other, how can you love me?" he stated
"I fell profoundly in love with you at first sight. I was eighteen when I saw you in that park..."
Memories flooded my mind, revisiting moments where Ethan unwittingly captured my heart
**
To be continued...
- Writer
