The Shadows We Keep

Chapter 4

The tension

It seemed like if someone had hit me in the gut. Kreed Montagro was my real father, right? And I was essential to his kingdom's survival? I did not know how thoanswer or what to say. I sat there staring at Kreed Montagro in disbelief. But I heard someone behind me.

. "Daddy, what's happening?" With a firm tone, Dorina enquired. Turning to her, Kreed Montagro's face lit up with a smile. It was "just a little family reunion, darling," he said. Dorina's gaze grew strained.

Then she said, "What do you mean?" However, Dorina's expression changed to one of distraction before Kreed Montagro could respond. She had wide, surprised eyes and was looking at something behind me. I pivoted.I turned to see what she was looking at, and my heart skipped a beat.

Louis, Kreed Montagro's handsome and charming assistant, was standing in the doorway, a smile spreading across his face. Dorina's eyes were fixed on him, a look of adoration in her eyes.

I realized, with a start, that Dorina had had a childhood crush on Louis. But what I didn't know was that Louis felt the same way. And as I watched, he walked over to Dorina, his eyes locked onto hers.

He said, "Dorina," in a soft, low voice. "It's been a while." Dorina looked up at him, her eyes beaming with extreme anticipation, her cheeks flushed. Just as I was beginning to feel isolated and left out, Louis turned to me and grinned.

"Dior, good to see you once more," he said, his eyes red, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she gazed up at him. Just as I was starting to feel isolated, Louis turned to me and smiled. "Dior, it's nice to see you again," he replied, his eyes furrowed at the corners.

I returned the smile, feeling a genuine connection to him. However, I noticed a warning expression in Dorina's eyes as I stared at her. She was urging don't get too close to Louis. He is not who he appears to be.

The tension between us was evident when the room went silent. However, before we could continue, Kreed Montagro interrupted, He added, "I think it's time we got down to business," with laughter glimmering in his eyes"Dior is more than just my daughter, you see.

She is also my empire's heir. I had the impression that I had been struck in the stomach. The empire's heir to Kreed Montagro? What was the meaning of that?

But before I could push him more, he revealed yet another shocking revelation: "And Louis, here, is the one who's going to help her claim her rightful place." I had the impression that I was dreaming. Louis responded, "I'm happy to help, Dior," still focused on me. "I'm happy to help, Dior," he murmured in a worried, low, husky voice. " With firmness, she said, "Father, what are you talking about?" Kreed Montagro remarked, "I'm talking about the future, darling," as he leaned back in his chair and grinned slyly.

" "And Dior is the key to it all."I shook my head, trying to clear the fog. I responded, "I don't understand," and Louis stepped forward to meet me staring. He stated, "Let me clarify, Dior." "As you can see, Kreed Montagro's empire is facing difficulties. There are people out there that want to ruin it. Fear washed over me. "Who?" I enquired. He said. You can see that Kreed Montagro's empire is having problems. Some individuals are out there that wish to destroy it. A shiver of fear went through me. "Who?" "What?" I asked. Louis had a sullen look. "The same people who have been trying to destroy your family for years." It seemed like if someone had hit me in the gut. My own parents? What was his meaning?

However, Kreed Montagro cut me off before I could ask any questions, his voice filled with hatred. "Dior, it's time for you to occupy your proper position," he answered. "It's time for you to claim your inheritance." I shook my head in an attempt to wipe out the fog. "I don't know if I can do this," said me.

But Louis had a strong attitude and his gaze was on mine. "You can do this, Dior," he clarified. I'll be right there with you.”Things began to go south at this point. A luxurious bed surrounded by pricey furnishings and exquisite décor greeted me as I awoke. With his hand in mine and a concerned gaze, Louis sat beside me.. "Dior, can you hear me?"With a sweet and soft voice, he requested.

Trying to sit up, I nodded. I had to lie down again, though, since I felt lightheaded. "What happened?" I enquired, feeling lost and bewildered. Louis's expression was glum. He remarked, "You fainted," "You've been out for hours." felt a wave of panic. Number of hours? What was going on in those hours? However, Louis revealed something shocking before I could ask any questions. His voice husked and low, "Dior, I have something to tell you," he whispered. "Something that could change everything."

This made me apprehensive. How could Louis possibly say something that would make all the difference? He spoke up before I could ask him any questions, though, and his words sent shivers down my spine. "Dior, you're not who you think you are," he responded. "You're not merely Kreed Montagro's heir apparent. And you're...his worst enemy's daughter."

My heart thumping in my chest, I glanced at Louis while my head reeled. How did he mean it? Which person was Kreed Montagro's biggest adversary? However, a figure strode in as the door exploded open before I could ask any questions. A person I knew. Someone who chilled me to the bone. Victor Vex, Kreed Montagro's bitter rival and the vicious CEO of Vex Corporation, was the one who strode into the room.

Victor's sneaky smirk flashed across his face as his eyes met mine. "Dior, darling," he remarked with a hateful tone. "I see you're getting acquainted with your new family." I felt a surge of terror when Victor's eyes locked with Louis's. He added, "And I see you're getting cosy with the enemy," in a tone that was venomous. With anger shining in his eyes,Louis rose."Victor, what are you doing here?" he responded. Victor laughed icily, cynically.

He kept looking at me and said, "I'm here to claim what's mine," "And that includes you, Dior." I was unable to get Victor's comments out of my brain. What did he mean, anyway? What was he attempting to extract from me?

But before I could ask him anything, Louis stepped forward with a determined look. "You'll never have her, Victor," was his harsh reply. "She's under my protection now." Victor's smile expanded as his eyes glistened with laughter. "In a annoyed tone, he uttered, "We'll see about that. Let’s just see how it goes". He then pressed a button on a tiny gadget he had removed from his pocket.

I could feel Victor drawing me in as the room was filled with light. I was in a dark, dismal cellar with the sound of dripping water and the smell of rotting things all about me when the light went out. In my ear, Victor was whispering. "I've got you, Dior. "Forever and ever."