Missed call.
1069 Words
CHAPTER 17
- By doing what? Are you planning to eliminate him?
- Not at all. But what I can tell you is that if we don't act quickly, Hiden could manipulate her to serve his cause.
- You speak with such fervor. It seems like this battle is all about self-interest. Am I right?
Ryan didn't answer. The man had a point. His first goal in this war was to save Alia from her brother's clutches, and the rest came after that. He felt selfish to use a noble cause such as racial equality to keep Alia away from her husband and at the same time make amends.
- I confess, I have a hatred for Hiden Harrington that is beyond words. My greatest wish is to see him dead, however I have friends who are wolves. I have seen and heard what they face under vampire rule and I can assure you that equality between the two species is my ultimate goal.
- I'm sorry, but I'd rather not get involved. This battle is only for the English. We are in our own territory, so it is out of the question that the stability we have all established be destroyed for a war that does not concern us.
- I agree with him. supported one of the men.
- And if the King and Queen of England ever showed up on your soil? Tell me. Do you think Hiden Harrington will stop at the wolves of England?
His interlocutors straightened up. The reason he had mentioned this possibility was to get their attention and make them think they might be in danger too. This worked perfectly.
- This is just a guess, but all scenarios are possible. You just have to be on your guard to avoid unpleasant surprises.
He stood up and looked each of them straight in the eyes.
- On that note, I'm leaving. I'm sorry.
- Wait a moment. Tell me, Mr. Alaric. Do you know of any information that you are trying to hide from us?
- Not in the least.
Alaric Devilier left the room, put the book back in its place and left the library. His mind was immediately disturbed as soon as he stepped outside. He had forgotten Alia's presence during the discussions, but when the fresh air of the street crossed his nostrils, he distinguished a bit of her natural perfume. Instinctively, he searched the surroundings but the silver hair did not appear again. Disappointed, he returned home with the certainty of seeing the one he loved again.
Alia returned to their house located at the corner of the street of cherry trees. Her heart was beating so hard that she wanted it to burst out of her chest. Her footsteps had helped her to flee; she was ashamed to have given in to panic. Arrived in the living room, she made the winds steps during about thirty minutes before throwing her hat in the sofa on her left and slumping in one of the armchairs furnishing the room.
She could not believe she had found him, this boy who had made her suffer and earlier than expected. Her blood boiled. Her glance settled on the clock hung on the wall in front of her.
- Ten twenty-six, she read.
Taking her head in her hands, she wondered when her brother would return from his "delicious appointment". She knew Alois was very good with women and that he wouldn't be home any time soon, but she prayed that he would be back as soon as possible because she needed to talk to him. She needed to clear her head and find a proper way to deal with the situation. Her heart was still racing. Ryan's face kept flashing before her eyes. She couldn't get him out of her mind and blamed herself.
Hours passed while she lamented.
Suddenly, the front door opened.
- Ah, at last!" she exclaimed, getting up.
- Are you all right? You seem pretty upset.
- I am. Alois, I saw him again. He was down there. I saw him. I felt this thing..." she began in panic.
- Calm down. Come and sit down to tell me this story more calmly.
She complied and took her place next to Alois on the sofa.
- I was in my room this morning, you see? Then there was this weird feeling. I felt a particularly attractive aura. I went downstairs and found him. I panicked and ran away from him. Then I came home and waited for you for hours.
She got carried away at the last sentence she said.
- Hey. Take it easy, man. I was gathering information, mind you.
- In the company of young ladies in fancy restaurants? she ironically said.
- Yes. And did you know that dear Ryan lives with a fabulous young woman?
She squinted in surprise, then pulled herself together.
- I don't care who he lives with.
- You don't?
He looked unconvinced.
- I don't love him anymore. You can be sure of that. That man means nothing to me but bitterness and hatred.
- I want to believe you. Everything will be all right. Don't worry about it.
- Yes, I'll be all right. I feel so...
- So nothing. Whatever your mood. I have a special program for tonight and you're in no position to decline my offer.
- What are you talking about?
- I think that as foreigners in this territory, we should immerse ourselves in the life of the inhabitants. And what better way to do that than to go to a friend's house for dinner?
- I don't feel like going out," she complained.
- You have no choice, dear. I have already accepted an invitation from a friend who is very happy to host two very sociable Englishmen who are from high society. If you come with me, I'll give you information about Ryan's whereabouts.
- Is this blackmail?
- No, it's a negotiation.
- Did you tell him who we were?
- No, I did not. No, I didn't. For the record, we are Alois and Alia Phantomhive.
She frowned, curious as to where that name had come from.
- Don't look at me like that. I had to make up an identity on the spot.
She didn't comment, aware that he had to lie to her...
- Writer
