Chapter 1

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Am I the villain? I guess that all depends on which version of the story you're told. Honestly, I used to think I was the victim. A poor simpleton caught in the crosshairs of a battle between powerful men. But then, I realized that I didn't have to be the victim. I also acknowledged to myself that not only did I no longer want to consider myself a victim, but I wanted to be seen as a hero. A hero to my own happily ever after. No knight was coming to rescue me. I would become my own knight. Of course, those whom I consider the villains in my story don't view me as a knight, but as a nightmare. Like I said, it all depends on who is narrating.

The villain or the hero are only labels. I detest labels. Who in the hell decided what was considered right or wrong? Moral or immoral? It's once again, all in who you ask. Every country has different laws. Every religion has different beliefs. There're even disputes within the same dominations, hence why there's a ton of various Christian sects. Do you baptize, or do you not? Adult, or child baptisms? Nobody can agree.

I've been baptized in the blood of my enemies. It has been the ultimate spiritual experience. Washed in the blood. I sing to myself as I clean my knife. They paid for their sins against my family. I made sure of it. I smile at my reflection gleaming on the large blade. But I'm not finished. All of my planning has been derailed, slightly off schedule, due to my own selfish desires and temptations.

All things must come to an end, unfortunately. That's one thing every story has in common. Every person, despite their religion, or ethnicity, can agree, that at some point it will be the end of this life's journey.

To the people sitting in the plastic-covered room, I'm the villain. Which is absurd, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. To my mother, I'm the hero. I made Mommy proud by doing what she didn't believe was possible. I slithered my way into The Illicit and beheaded their dragon. To me, I'm my own savior. I got me to where I am today. I saved myself. I gave up on everyone else long ago, and I depended on me to get me out of the slums, and into the mansion of The Illicit. Where everyone else has been a disappointment,I've yet to let myself down.

That's not entirely true. My little gathering in the room, they haven't been a disappointment. These people have made the last couple of months more entertaining than I could've ever imagined. When this all began, I was fueled by pure hate, but somewhere along the way, I've become a happier person. I've grown as a person. I guess watching the life drain out of a person will do that to you.

I enter the room and smile at my blindfolded guests. To keep them, or not to keep them? I've been pondering this all morning over my coffee. I need to decide what to do with the Concord heirs. Unfortunately, through all my stalking and manipulation, I've grown… fond? Maybe just attached because of all the fun we've been having. Fucking rookie mistake. They've certainly proved they're willing to bleed for the brotherhood, let's see now if they'll die for the family.