005
721 Words
The next morning, Alina slipped into a loose, pastel-colored t-shirt tucked neatly into a pair of light blue denim jeans. White sneakers hugged her feet, and her hair was tied up in a messy ponytail that framed her delicate features. A small backpack hung casually over her shoulder, giving her a simple yet effortlessly cute look.
Grabbing her phone, she walked out of her room and headed downstairs, where her parents were already waiting, tension heavy in the air.
“Alina,” Mr. Cole began, his voice low and hesitant, “I think you should stay home today. The Devil… he’s not a man to be trifled with. I don’t want to risk your life.”
Alina stopped halfway down the stairs, her expression unreadable for a moment before a stubborn fire lit her eyes. “Life? What life, Dad?” she said firmly, surprising even herself with how steady her voice sounded. “The same life that’s slipping away in just a few months? If risking what little time I have left can save our family, then I’ll do it.”
She was startled by her own defiance. Normally, she never argued with her parents, but something inside her refused to back down this time. Something pulled her toward this meeting, as if fate itself was dragging her forward.
Mrs. Cole reached for her hand, worry etched on her face. “Sweetheart, listen to your father. The Devil isn’t someone you can reason with. He’s dangerous, deadly.”
Alina tightened her grip on the strap of her backpack, lifting her chin with quiet determination. “Mom, I’m going,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “I can’t just sit here doing nothing while you both fight this battle alone. If this is happening because of me, then I’ll face him too.”
Her parents exchanged a helpless look. They could see it in her eyes; she had made up her mind, and nothing could sway her now. With a heavy sigh, Mr. Cole straightened his jacket and cleared his throat.
“Fine,” he said reluctantly, his voice grim. “Let’s go.”
He turned and walked toward the door, Mrs. Cole following close behind. Alina trailed after them, her heart pounding fast.
*****
They had been waiting for over an hour in the spacious meeting room, and Alina’s patience, what little of it she had, was long gone.
She had come here to meet the so-called devil. And yet, here they were, the ones in desperate need of his help, being made to wait as if their time was worthless.
Her eyes narrowed at the clock. What kind of arrogant man makes people wait this long?
It was unfair. No infuriating.
The words slipped out before she could stop herself.
“Where is the i***t called the Devil?”
Her voice was sharp.
The room froze. Every head snapped toward her in disbelief.
The door opened, and a man dressed in a black tailored suit entered the room with his assistant following him behind, keeping at least five steps away from him.
Liam entered the room nonchalantly and sat at the head table. As soon as he sat, his eyes glanced at every single person who sat in the room. Soon, his deep voice sounded. "Who said those words"
When he spoke, his voice was deep, calm, and far too controlled.
Everyone stiffened. The very air felt heavier, as though oxygen itself was rationed in his presence.
“I hate repeating myself,” Liam said, the cold edge in his voice making sweat prickle on the backs of necks.
Mr. Cole stammered nervously, trying to defuse the suffocating tension. “Please, nothing like that was said. We were… only discussing how good you are.”
Liam’s lips curled into a slow, humorless smile.
“Do I look like a fool?” He leaned back in his chair, gaze locking on Mr. Cole. “It’s fine. I already know who said it.”
He raised a hand slightly, and Caleb stepped forward, placing a small, gleaming pocket knife into his palm.
Gasps rippled through the room as Liam rose from his seat. Without a word, he walked to where Mrs. Cole sat.
Then he stood behind her and without hesitation rested the blade against her neck.
- Writer
