OCTAVION'S ACHILLES HEELS (His little wench)

Octavus knocked—quietly but firmly—on the giant mahogany door that led into his junior brother’s mansion. No response. He knew there wouldn’t be one. No matter how many times he knocked, the door wouldn’t be unlocked. “This sh!t again…” He sighed, rubbing his temple. His brother was definitely inside. So, without wasting another second, Octavus controlled the door with his mind. With a soft click, the door opened. He stepped in and found Octavion seated on the floor, legs crossed, hands spread outward. His eyes were closed—clearly deep in meditation. Octavus wasn’t here to wait. “Octavion,” he called. No response. Octavion remained perfectly still. “Octavion,” he called again. This time, Octavion’s eyes snapped open with violent force. Instantly, a shelf packed with hundreds of books crashed to the floor. Octavus stared—but didn’t flinch. He wasn’t surprised. This always happened whenever Octavion was forced out of his focus. “Did you really have to interrupt me?” Octavion asked calmly, still seated. His voice was dangerously unruffled. “If you were anyone else, you’d be dead by now.” “I had to, Octavion. Sorry for that,” Octavus replied as he walked closer. “You didn’t attend the meeting today,” he continued, studying Octavion’s indifferent expression. “Octavian has disappeared again—and this time, no one can find hi—” “And how is that my business?” Octavion cut in, his voice deep and intimidating. Octavus sighed, then pressed on. “There’s an important message from Father. He wants you, me, and Octavius to go to Earth for an urgent mission.” A scowl crept onto Octavion’s face. “Earth?” he scoffed. “Why would he want us to go to that damned place?” “That’s where the Divination Mistress last located Octavian,” Octavus explained. “It’s important. We only have six months to complete the mission and return. We leave at the break of dawn.” Octavion inhaled deeply, then rose to his feet. “Octavian will pay for this,” he said darkly. Four Months Later (City A, Country V) Eldora Stone stepped out of the jet, one hand on her hip, bubble gum popping between her lips. She paused just before her heels touched the ground and removed her sunglasses for a better look. Oh. Damn. She was back in City A. She smiled, blew another bubble, slid her glasses back on, and strutted down the jet with her usual skimpy confidence. Once on the ground, she headed straight for her ride. “Welcome home, ma’am,” the driver bowed respectfully. “Whatever,” she muttered, waiting for him to open the back door. He did. She slipped in comfortably. Home sweet home. Her luggage was loaded into the boot, and the car pulled away. Eldora removed her glasses, pulled out a mirror, and admired her reflection. A slow smile curved her lips. Still gorgeous. Still flawless. Still her. Perfect enough to stun her parents after almost four months away. She ran a hand over her smooth cheek, giggling softly. Who could possibly be as perfect as she was? She grabbed her iPad, logged into her page, and posted: Back to City A. Get ready for me, girls Likes and comments flooded in instantly. Oh, how she loved being adored. She set the iPad aside and switched to her iPhone 17, snapping pictures and recording videos. She was having the time of her life. The ride was long, but finally, the gate slid open. Her breath caught as they drove into the massive mansion. Oh yes—she had missed this. She spotted her father standing at the entrance. “Oh!” she gasped, flinging the car door open while it was still moving. The driver slammed the brakes. Eldora jumped out and ran toward her father. “Daddy!” she squealed. “My Queen!” Mr. Stone exclaimed, opening his arms wide. She leapt into them, nearly disappearing into his chest. “My baby looks so beautiful! I can’t believe you’re back!” he cooed, holding her like she was made of gold. “I missed you, Daddy! I love you!” she gushed. “I love you too, darling,” he smiled. He kissed her forehead as they pulled