FIERCE, NOT FAITHFUL

CHAPTER 2-The Marble Skin

Chapter Two

As Caius and Amara walked in the sculpture wing, the sound of galloping wine glasses was taken in by the enormous alabaster structures all around them. The peaceful statues were opposite to the burst of energy rushing through Stella. Her movements were thoughtful and full of energy, since she was walking between what she had and what she was becoming.

She used her wine glass like an anchor instead of noticing the drink itself. She lingered on her dark and conflicting emotions, ideas, and dreams.

“You must be under the impression that you know me,” she said, in a low voice, watching herself in the mirror. However, you can see only the smiling version of her in the media. The image Julian hopes to project in front of everyone.

Caius slowly got closer, making others around him feel attracted and nervous at the same time. The spicy scent of cedar and other spices nearby heated up his skin.

‘I don’t want anything to do with that woman,’ he said in a quiet voice. ‘I search for the person covered by the façade, who was up on the rooftop drinking and full of excitement for our next moment.’

Amara’s face was tightening in anger. That evening, Julian was busy making praises about his new venture in Dubai, and her need for anonymity made her spend that night in the wandering . She came across Caius in the end. A brave mafia challenging her, remarking she might not believe: to make her be seen.

As she walked past the sculpture of Persephone, she felt a strong symbolism in this representation of the lost and unwilling goddess.

She sternly said, “You aren’t allowed here,” as if to tighten her point. “Julian… he—”

Instead of looking for problems, Caius is focused on fixing his own “image” more and more. He interrupts, almost making it sound like he is mocking those around him. Amara burned with emotion and became very intense.

Her heartbeat became louder and faster. She did not like the way real his words sounded, and did not like the way much more alive she felt with him near. Afraid and thrilled at once, she was still pulled towards him once more.

She looked away from the main hallway, walking among statues and hidden cameras, all while she looked toward the doors leading to the back courtyard.

Caius, please understand that this isn’t a game she said, her words going from anger to attempting to plead with him. The way things are going could put an end to our lives.

He stopped, looking at her with a deep expression. “I am not the one who is at risk,” he said in a deep and heavy voice. “You? You find yourself enclosed by silk and diamonds. I have gone through hard situations before. With all the scars, I am still breathing.”

She gasped when she realized it. He actually meant what he said. She recalled how Julian made her feel lonely, set tight goals, and grew guiltier as she tried to meet them. The mildly explained excuses given only to close ones. At that point, Caius’s rough scars seemed more real to her than the sparkly corset and other items she used regularly.

Amara started closing her eyes as she spoke. “What is it that brought you here tonight?” he whispered, moving closer as they walked in the empty room.

"I had to realize who I truly am when no one was around me." She gazed into his powerful gaze. “And maybe… I thought it would be nice to know if the feeling you created is still alive."

She met his eyes; her effect was cool, in sharp contrast with his fierce stare. In the end, the streaks of grime covered the smooth designs and bright exteriors. They were alongside one another in the special moment.

Inside the atrium, he walked back and forth while holding a glass in one hand. His eyes remained serious while his mouth smiled. He met with big donors, shaked hands with important individuals, but his thoughts always turned to Amara.

”She’s lost her way once more,” said Bianca Weller, a senator’s daughter with diamonds and ambition. Her smile showed she had everything perfectly planned.

The moment made him catch sight of her. This event is meant to raise money, Bianca. The idea of a runway is not what I mean.

‘It’s possible, but porcelain ends up cracked,’ she replied while sipping her champagne. That is especially true when you hear the wolves from outside.

Julian’s face twitched out of anger. He like to plan and control everything that happened to her, including her looks, her daily routine, and their image. He needed power, but she disappeared from him.

The night air outside in the hidden garden courtyard was very crisp and cool. Amara was able to find some peace under the fairy lights and among the statues made of stone. The phone in her bag started vibrating two more times.

“One hour. East exit. My guy is going to be present. No questions. No games.”

-- C.

Her hands clenched even more. Julian was holding her more tightly, and it was now obvious that he was checking her movements with his emails and messages.

She had to decide whether to keep living under other people’s demands or to leave for the unknown with Caius.

Babar – her pulse was strong and thudded in her ears. Was she willing to lose everything?

As she finally began to want it, Caius pointed out that was the real reason for her fear. Perhaps this was the moment she was being tested.

Julian went through the gallery back hall and noticed Amara on the other side through the window. There she stood, not quite settling in one place, with her purse tightly held in her hand.

He underwent a personality shift.

After he paused, he turned around. He wouldn’t agree to join in her recklessness this evening. Later, he succeeded in becoming the winner by playing the game his way.

Caius was watching from the shadows nearby as she stopped dead in his steps.

The light of the stars guided Amara into the garden’s soft area. The warm sound of others talking was very quiet from where he sat.

“Evening is beautiful, and so is the start of another day,” said Caius as he made his way forward.

Her breath coming in and out, she waited for what to happen next. "Do you feel certain that this is really the case?" She said sternly

He lifted the corner of his lips and gleam could be seen in his eyes. Such thinking has no place in an institution. The greatest stories usually begin when a character makes a terrible decision.

She just couldn’t help laughing, and it was genuine, true, and full of joy.

“I’ll lead you” he said, reaching out and offering to take her hand. People can go completely undetected. Tonight.”

She looked back at the museum and remembered all the memories she had there. After all this, she again confronts the creature—fear, chance, and the chance of building her own story.

“Okay I have to go.” She said thinly

She got out through the east gate, almost invisible, with only the tunes, the lights, and the cages waiting for them behind. She continued walking, and did not turn to look at what Cauis and the museum behind her.