CHAPTER FOUR

The trill of my NyxPhone jolted me awake, banishing the remnants of my dream to the shadows. I blinked, letting my eyes adjust to the soft morning light filtering through my window. My heart raced from the vivid images that had haunted my sleep: a dark, enchanted forest shrouded in mist, where a majestic black unicorn roamed, its presence both comforting and foreboding. In the distance, a powerful dragon watched over the realm, its eyes a molten blend of red and gold, filled with a possessive intensity that both thrilled and terrified me.

I reached for my phone, my fingers trembling slightly. The screen lit up with a message from Ezra, but my mind lingered on the dream's haunting symbolism. It felt like an omen, hinting at a fate I couldn't yet grasp.

"Hey, what's your plan for today?"

I responded vaguely.

"Not much, just a few errands. You?"

Before I could set the phone down, another notification popped up. This one was from Nefertari.

"We still on?"

"Yes, about to get ready now ." I sent back quickly, confirming our plans.

Stretching my limbs, I swung my legs over the edge of the bed.

Amalthea, who had been curled up on her rug, raised her head and blinked sleepily at me. "Good morning," I murmured affectionately on my way to the bathroom.

After brushing my teeth and washing my face, I selected a comfortable outfit suitable for the day's activities and then headed downstairs. My parents were in the kitchen, the familiar aroma of scrambled eggs and toast filling the air. Dad was at the toaster and Mom was at the stove, her chestnut hair piled on top of her head. She looked up as I entered, her warm brown eyes surveying me from head to toe.

"Morning," she greeted, a smile playing on her lips.

"How was your night?" my father echoed her sentiments and asked.

I stiffened slightly. The question wasn't as innocent as it normally would be. They knew something. Fucking Ophelia. "It was...eventful," I admitted, unwilling to lie but not ready to delve into the details without knowing how much she'd told them.

He glanced over his shoulder at me, stormy-grey eyes a little darker than my own meeting mine. His cropped hair, a peppered mix of black and silver, was damp, but he hadn't shaved. His jawline still had a couple of days' stubble, giving him a stern appearance. I diverted my gaze and went to the sliding glass doors that led to the deck, pulling them open to let Thea out into the backyard.

"Were you busy?"

"Not any more than usual." Walking over to the fridge, I pulled out a container of fresh raw meat, specifically tailored for Amalthea's unique diet. The delicate scent filled the air as I placed some into her bowl.

While I was occupied, my mother moved in closer, wiping her hands with a dishtowel. "Korinna," she began, her voice gentle but laced with concern, "maybe you should consider rescheduling your plans today. It might be safer if you stayed close to home."

"I can't. You know the housing officials set each appointment up individually weeks in advance. Nefertari's already on her way to pick me up."

"But why the rush to move out? Is there something we should know?"

I almost laughed. Neither of them had any tact whatsoever when it came to fishing for information or being discreet with their intentions. "Mom. I'm an adult. It's a part of growing up, making decisions. You and Dad always preach how you want us to be able to stand on our own two feet." I paused for a moment, gathering my thoughts before continuing in a way that would give nothing away. "Whether I'm here or in my own place, it's not going to change whatever is happening out there."

They shared a look, and a familiar determined glint lit in both their eyes. I almost groaned. This meant they were gearing up for a united front, ready to pull out all the stops. Rarely was I the one at the receiving end. Ophelia had been carrying that burden all on her own.

"Listen, with everything that's been happening, we thought perhaps we could have a quiet day. Maybe watch some old films or play some board games?" Mom asked, her gaze hopeful.

"You mean just us two? Dad has to work today, doesn't he?" I challenged, glancing at the wrist-comm my father wore that signified his association with the city's central grid. "And Ophelia, she's not even here. She must be at the boutique already. Why is it only me you want to stay home?"

"We worry more about you. You're the one who more often than not faces dangerous situations head on. Your sister is less confrontational," my mother responded, her hands wringing the edge of her apron.

I felt a twinge of guilt for keeping things from them, but I knew them too well to do otherwise. They wouldn't leave this alone. I'd never been a little girl who hid behind her parents, and I wasn't going to start now as a grown woman. "I appreciate your concern, but staying home isn't going to make any of what happened go away. If the Triad wanted me, they'd have me."

"Don't talk like that, Kore." She turned towards Dad. "Tristan, some help please."

My father sighed, clearly not fully onboard with the tag-team method. "Korinna, it's just—like your mother said. You've always had this spark, this fire. We fear that it might make things worse if you are approached again."

I was about to retort that I didn't completely lack common sense when Mom added, "It's not that we don't trust you, honey. We don't trust the world around you."

The sound of a soft horn interrupted our conversation. "I have to go. Can one of you let Thea in when she's ready?"

"I got it," Dad replied, shooting my mom a look that said leave it alone—at least for now.

"Thank you."

Grabbing a piece of toast, I quickly ate it while simultaneously collecting my documentation card and other essentials into a small satchel. As I approached the front door, my mother called out, "Be safe, Korinna!"

"I will, Mom."

Stepping outside , Nefertari's distinctive SUV waited for me at the end of the driveway, its design unique with sleek lines and ambient lights. The moment I slid in, she shot me a sidelong glance, her eyebrows drawn together in a mixture of concern and curiosity. Her makeup was done impeccably. There was a hint of mauve on her full lips, light eyeshadow framed her dark eyes, and a touch of blush highlighted her enviable cheekbones.

"I know that look. What happened?"

"Long story." I heaved a sigh and leaned my head back against the seat. The inside of the SUV smelled like her usual perfume, Midnight Jasmine.

"We've got a long day, so start telling."

"It's been one thing after another. You won't believe what happened yesterday." I began sharing the tale of Aidoneus' sudden appearance at the café, my nerve-wracking journey home, and my parents' subsequent attempts to keep me under their protective wings.

Nefertari listened intently, her expressive eyes widening with every twist in my story. "Damn, Kore. That's... intense. What would they want from you, though?"

"I have no idea. If not for work or going out to eat with you, I would barely leave the house—aside from the usual shopping that needs doing."

"Yeah, I know. Don't get mad, but this seems more of a result of something Ezra's ass probably did."

"I thought the same thing," I admitted.

"You know that would be fucked up, right? But maybe that's why he's been acting so weird. He did joke about you two running away to sector three."

"Ugh, I almost forgot about that."

Sector three, Tartarus, was the slum of Nixon City and a bleak, miserable contrast to the other two sectors. Closer to the sea, its buildings were worn down by the salted air, time, and neglect. The only way to access it was by traveling through a dense woodland, passing the Enforcers manning its perimeter, and then getting over an electric and barbed wire fence.

I looked out the window, contemplating whether I was the reason for the Triad's interest, or my boyfriend's stupidity. I felt a little bad about not fessing up about the woods incident even to her. Part of me wanted to believe too much time had passed for that situation to be relevant, but the other couldn't get over what Aidoneus had said.

He'd killed for me.

I could only assume that made me indebted to him in some way. Thinking about all the what ifs made my head hurt. It wasn't like I could drive over to Elysium and knock on his door to demand answers.

"I don't want to get into this now. Tell me how your internship with the city's historical archives is going? Have you dug up any juicy secrets?"

Nefertari lit up at the mention of her favorite subject. " I'm having fun with it. Girl, some of the things I've come across are so damn scandalous. Others are completely fucked up. I see why the Triad's PR works so hard."

Our conversation shifted smoothly as we drove around, viewing potential homes. Before long, we found ourselves seated at Lunar Lagoon, a cozy bistro known for its eclectic mix of modern and traditional dishes. Surrounded by green foliage and the gentle hum of diners, we indulged in plates of herb-roasted chicken, a medley of seasonal vegetables, and honey-drizzled baklava for dessert. Amidst bites of the flaky pastry, my NyxPhone vibrated, signaling an incoming message. I saw Ophelia's name on the screen.

Kore, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have gone behind your back. It's just... I was worried.

I wiped my fingers on a napkin, debating what to say back.

This was one of the reasons I didn't tell her anything. I trusted her in the sense I knew she'd never do anything to hurt me, but I didn't trust her to keep my secrets between just us.

"Your sister?" Nefertari guessed.

"Yeah. Ophelia feels guilty. We'll sort it out later. Let's focus on the last place we're visiting. I have a good feeling about it."

We finished our meal and then headed out of the bistro. The waning sunlight painted the cityscape in shades of amber and gold, casting a surreal glow that made everything look like a scene from a vintage film reel. I could never get over how different Nixon was from day to night. It went from stunning and picturesque to a beautifully hellish nightmare.

As we reached the SUV, I took a deep breath of fresh air and glanced over at Nefertari. "Thanks for tagging along with me today."

"Huh? You don't have to thank me. I wasn't letting you go house hunting alone or without me."

"I still appreciate the company."

She waved me off and voice-activated the radio. Our next stop was Havenstone, an impressive high-rise and the place I was most looking forward to seeing. It stood tall, its reflective windows capturing the hues of the sky. Conveniently located near my workplace and the ever-vibrant Demeter Plaza, it seemed ideal. I could envision walking Thea early in the mornings before work.

Once inside, we passed through security at the front desk and then ascended to the thirteenth floor. A middle-aged woman with a practiced, friendly smile greeted us at the unit. She opened the door to reveal a luxurious apartment, meticulously designed. The main living space was an open concept with a modern kitchen, sleek appliances, and a comfortable lounge area. Floor-to-ceiling windows bordered one side, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the cerulean ocean surrounding the city, the waves serenading the shore in their age-old song.

I wandered through with Nefertari, listening to her commentary and trying to imagine Amalthea lounging in a sunny spot, soaking in the warmth and watching the world below. I'd been adamant that every place I viewed allowed pets. I refused to leave her behind or live without her.

"Which place did you like best of what we've seen?" I asked Nefertari quietly.

"Oh, this one for sure. It's beautiful, and the location is perfect. If I didn't just sign a renewal for my place, I would be applying for a unit here."

Taking a moment to evaluate, I turned towards the showing agent who had been pretending she wasn't listening to our conversation across the room.

"What's the rent on this again?"

The woman smiled warmly. "It is 280 SD a month. That includes the protection fee and utilities."

I gnawed my lower lip and mentally did the math. It was doable. I brought home a base amount of 220 SD before tips, which usually brought me up to approximately 420 SD a month, give or take. I had savings of around 1000 SD, excluding the two gold SD Aidoneus had tipped me last night.

If I accounted for that, my savings rose to 2000, but the idea of using his money rubbed me the wrong way. He hadn't given me that tip out of kindness. I planned to donate it to one of the Triad causes so in a sense, he would be getting it back. I surveyed the apartment again, growing a little more excited. Before I could get too far ahead of myself, I would have to be approved, but I knew I could afford this place and still survive.

"I'll fill out an application," I said, imagining life in the upscale space.

"Great!"

The agent provided the paperwork and quickly checked over my documentation as I filled it out.

"Everything seems in order. You should hear back shortly. We've had lots of interest in the place, but a few applicants have already been denied."

I didn't think she was supposed to share that information. "Oh, okay. Thank you for your time."

"My pleasure, you ladies have a good rest of the day."

Feeling cautious optimism, Nefertari and I headed back to her SUV. However, before we could even buckle in, the distinct ring of my NyxPhone interrupted us discussing the unit. I frowned at the OLED display.

"Ezra?" she guessed.

"No. It's the agent we just left." I settled back into the seat and accepted the call, hitting the projection button so Nefertari could hear too.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Korinna. I'm sorry, but your application has been flagged. " The voice on the other end was the same agent, but her practiced warmth was gone.

"What? I'm sorry, how is that possible? It takes two days for applications to process. I just saw you less than five minutes ago."

"It seems there are some ties to the Triad you failed to mention."

Stunned, I responded, " The Triad? I have no idea what you're talking about. And that doesn't make any sense. I wouldn't be denied for that, if it were true."

Without another word of explanation, she ended the call abruptly. A heavy silence enveloped the inside of the SUV. Both Nefertari and I were left grappling with this unexpected turn. A tempest of emotions swirled within me as I stared at the phone screen.

"What the hell was that? The Triad? Kore, after what you told me, I don't think this shit is random. Something's up."

She sounded so much calmer than I felt. I didn't believe in coincidences, especially of this magnitude. I thought I had a slight understanding of why the Triad—Aidoneus himself—would step into my life, but now I felt like I'd gotten it wrong.

"I don't know what's happening, Tara," I muttered, trying to piece together the bewildering events of the past two days. "But you're right, something's wrong. I need to get home."

"Right, okay." She started her car and navigated out of the high rise's parking lot.

Neither of us spoke much on the way there. As we neared my house, my pulse quickened. The barrier gate was wide open, not a guard in sight.

The typically serene street was now cluttered with Enforcer vehicles, unmistakable with their stark emblems. They let Nefertari's SUV pass without a single question, increasing my unease. Parked alongside them were two flashier cars that clearly belonged to the Triad. The very sight had my heart rate spiking.

"Tara, stay in the car," I managed to say, my voice shaking.

Without waiting for her response, I jumped out and ran. Enforcers stood on either side of the driveway, but none moved to block my path. I pushed the front door open and raced through the house. I could hear the frenzied sounds of Amalthea. She'd been shut in the utility room and was franticly scrabbling against the door. From the distressed noises she was making, it was clear she'd been trapped there for a while.

I couldn't risk letting her out. If she tried to attack any of these men, she'd be killed, and if it came to that, I would be next. My steps faltered as I entered the living room. The sight before me was like a scene from some grim movie.

My parents, Ophelia, who had only a towel wrapped around her, and our neighbor, were all on their knees with guns trained on them. Standing arrogantly in the center of the disarray was Aidoneus and the ever-present Jae-Hee . The chaos and terror of the scene around me faded for a moment as I locked eyes with him.

"Korinna," he greeted, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. "So glad you could join us. I was beginning to think you'd stood me up."

"What the hell is going on? Why are you here?"

His chuckle, low and almost melodic, sent chills down my spine. "Always straight to the point. I quite like that about you," he mused as he stepped closer. His fingers slid beneath my chin, gently tilting my face upward, forcing me to meet his gaze. The same magnetic pull I felt the last time resurfaced, drawing me to him despite my better judgment. It was as if an invisible thread connected us, tugging at something deep within me. My pulse quickened, and I struggled to keep my composure.

"You feel it, don't you? It's inevitable." His words were cryptic. I couldn't focus enough on them to decipher their meaning when my family was down on their knees a few feet away.

"What did we do? Why are you doing this?"

He leaned in, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my lips. "Because business is business, princess, and you've always been mine." He abruptly released me, taking a step back. "I didn't just come for you, though," he added, looking away from me to stare at my mom. "Your mother baked her infamous lemon cake. I thought about trying a slice."

How did he know about that?

Mom just made it last night for dessert. A cold realization washed over me. We'd been being watched, maybe for longer than I dared to think, and in ways that violated any semblance of privacy. This couldn't be related to the incident years ago in the woods. The raw hostility in the room didn't fit the narrative of what happened back then.

My thoughts jumped wildly, grasping at any logical explanation. Had my parents or Ophelia done something unknowingly? Dad did work for the city's grid, after all. But would that draw the wrath of someone like Aidoneus? The Triad wasn't known for playing small games. There were people that diligently served them to handle any transgressions. I thought of Ezra again, trying to connect the dots to him. A sinking feeling in my stomach told me that the answer was far more complex than I was currently able to fathom.

"You've got four minutes, Vasira ."

Vasira? That was Vercretan. I had no way of knowing what it meant. "Four minutes to do what?"

"Say your goodbyes. You're losing seconds already. I suggest you don't go into overtime."

A fresh wave of panic settled in my chest, and I cast a quick glance at my family. Their expressions were stricken, especially Ophelia's tear-filled eyes. Our neighbor hadn't lifted his head since I'd stepped into the room and was trembling violently.

It was clear to me then: they were hostages, and I was the intended prize. My father, overwhelmed with terror, abruptly cut in. "Please, take anything. Take me . Just leave my family be."

Aidoneus turned his head, gaze slicing into my father. "A man begging while on his knees? How distasteful."

"Please," my father repeated. He sank even lower, trying to become one with the floor. "Please, don't take my girl," he murmured, the weight of his words tinged with terror. His once proud posture, the backbone of our family, now lay crumpled and humbled. It was soul-crushing to see him in such a state, any pride he had vanished, all to shield us—me—from this looming catastrophe.

I hated that multiple people were witnessing him like this. Surrounding us were Enforcers, cold, calculated, and trained to obey Aidoneus' every whim. Jae-Hee stood to the side, his face expressionless, betraying no hint of his own thoughts while Aidoneus observed my father with an amused expression.

"Mr. Hearst. This is truly noble of you," he remarked with feigned admiration. "This whole scene is touching, really. Shame it does absolutely nothing to change anything. Korinna belongs to me with or without your blessing."

As he spoke, the frantic sounds of Amalthea, still trapped in another room yet desperate to protect us, grew louder, echoing the heightened tension in the room. The door she was behind thudded and creaked. I swore I heard splintering. No one reacted, not so much a whisper of caution as her snarling intensified. Aidoneus turned back towards me, calm as ever.

"Remember what I said about those four minutes? Well, at least two have gone by, but because I'm such a compassionate man, let's just say it's only been one." He signaled towards Dominic, our unsuspecting neighbor, and in the span of a breath, the room reverberated with the chilling sound of a gunshot, ringing in my ears.

I could do nothing as Dominic's body crumpled lifelessly to the floor, and a pool of crimson began to spread.

My mother reached for Ophelia as she began to scream, the side of her face stained with evidence of what had just happened as well as her knees. The terror in her eyes was palpable. My father reared back and took one look at Dominic and the small hole in his head before he began to retch. My heart thundered so loudly that I was sure it would burst from my chest. Our lives were more fragile than glass in Aidoneus's hands.

The thought of resisting faded away; my family's safety had to come before my own. Taking a shaky breath, I turned to my parents and sister, willing them to understand the urgency in my eyes. "It's okay," I said, trying to infuse my voice with as much confidence as I could muster. "I'll go with him."

Aidoneus stepped forward, his voice smooth and unyielding. "See? She wants to come with me." He then turned to his Enforcers, speaking sharply and concisely using the language I didn't understand. Their disciplined stance never wavered as they listened to his commands.

Jae-Hee approached and he leaned in and said something to him I couldn't hear. The other man simply nodded, his stoic demeanor betraying no emotion. When he moved away, Aidoneus's attention came back to me. He placed a possessive hand on the small of my back, leading me out of the living room and towards the front door. My mother's anguished sobs followed after us, as did Amalthea's howl, as if she knew I was being taken away.

My eyes burned with tears, but I didn't let them fall. Nor did I look back. If I did, I knew I wouldn't be able to do this. The weight of Aidoneus' touch helped me focus on placing one foot in front of the other. Each step felt like a descent into an abyss. Outside, my eyes darted around until they landed on Nefertari, her expression a mix of shock and worry. I was relieved she was still in her car unharmed. She was blocked in, but they weren't paying her any attention. As our eyes met, a silent message passed between us, her silently pleading with me to stay strong.

We reached Aidoneus's vehicle, a sleek luxury car that seemed out of place amidst the chaos. I hesitated at the door, the reality of what was happening hitting me full force. His voice cut through my thoughts, low and commanding. "Get in the car, Korinna."

There was no room for defiance in his tone. Swallowing hard, I complied, praying for a way out of this nightmare. He forcibly closed my door and then circled to the driver's side. The smooth purr of the car's engine engulfed the tense silence between us as we pulled away from my home. Each turn and twist of the road took me further from the life I had known. The gated community faded into the distance, the once-familiar trees and houses becoming a blur of colors through the tinted windows.

"Will my family be safe?" I finally managed to ask.

He cast a sidelong glance at me, his expression unreadable. "As long as they don't try to be heroic, they have nothing to fear. But that depends on you, doesn't it?"

I frowned, trying to comprehend his words.

"Cold?"

"No," I replied briskly.

"Then why are you shaking? Don't tell me you're scared. We've barely begun, princess."

A sharp retort poised on the tip of my tongue. I didn't like that term in general, but coming from him it felt patronizing and too intimate. We didn't share that level of familiarity. I didn't know if he was trying to unnerve me or what. I fought the urge to snap back, reminding myself to stay focused on the situation at hand.

As Aidoneus drove through Antheia, I could feel the weight of the city's gaze upon us. In the rearview mirror, the formidable fleet of Enforcer vehicles maintained a tight formation, their intimidating presence undeniable. Jae-Hee trailed in his own car, the tinted windows obscuring any glimpse of the man inside. The plaza, which always buzzed with activity, now seemed to stand still. Vendors paused mid-transaction, pedestrians froze in place, and even the ever-present hum of chatter seemed to fade to a murmur.

We traveled away from the heart of the sector, and all too soon the looming gates of Elysium were in sight. Their intricate design and solid build reflected the elite status of what was beyond them. Strangely, the road leading to the gates, typically teeming with guards, was noticeably barren today. Only a few of the usual sentinels stood by.

From the circular towers above, I could see figures monitoring our approach, their silhouettes dark against the bright sky. There was no delay as we neared; the gates began to swing open, the guards granting us unhindered access. Thoughts swirled in my mind, each more confusing and terrifying than the last. My pulse quickened, a deep-seated apprehension squeezing my heart.

Without thinking, the name that had been haunting the fringes of my consciousness tumbled out. "Is this about Ezra? Is that why you're doing this?"

For a moment, the only response was Aidoneus slamming on the brakes, the car screeching to a deafening halt.

Jae-Hee, caught off guard, swerved behind us with a wild laugh, cursing loudly as he narrowly avoided a collision. His voice echoed as he accelerated past. One of the Enforcer SUVs, also taken by surprise, swayed precariously, its wheels skirting the edge of the road. Turning slowly, Aidoneus fixed me with a penetrating stare.

"Korinna," he began, his voice dripping with warning, "I've never been one ruled by jealousy, but mentioning that boy isn't the way to endear yourself to me."

"We aren't exactly on endearing terms to begin with," I retorted, refusing to be intimidated.

He responded with a slight grin, filled with arrogance and a hint of dark amusement. Placing the car back into gear, he cruised effortlessly through the gates that had opened for us, as if he hadn't nearly caused a pile-up moments before. "We do have a relationship, you know."

I decided the best strategy was to stay silent, not giving him the satisfaction of a response. Unsurprisingly, Aidoneus was undeterred.

"There was that time I shot a man in the head and then had him skinned and hung in the center of what's now the plaza for daring to touch you," he continued, reminiscing as if discussing a fond memory. "His pelt became a rug in my stables."

I vividly recalled that man and seeing his flesh peel away from him. I'd been grateful for Aidoneus' intervention and still to date didn't feel remorseful about his end. Still, the image of a man's skin used as a rug was sickening, and the fact that he spoke of it so nonchalantly only amplified my unease.

"Some might say you're insane."

"Insane? Or simply dedicated to protecting what's mine?"

"I wasn't yours then."

His eyes seemed to darken. "You've always been mine, Korinna. You just didn't know it yet."

"But that was so long ago."

"Absence only sharpens the desire," he replied, his voice smooth and commanding. "Time hasn't changed a thing. Just last night, we shared a coffee date."

Listening to him, a creeping suspicion settled over me. It wasn't just the content of his words, but the carefree manner in which he spoke. I couldn't tell if Aidoneus was unhinged or simply reveled in the power of his own unpredictability. Either way, it was becoming clear that navigating this relationship, or whatever he wanted to call it, would require an abundance of mental fortitude.

As the vehicle transitioned from the main road into the meticulously planned streets of Sector 1, Elysium in all its opulence greeted me. Tree-lined boulevards spread out in every direction. The people, dressed in the latest high-end fashion, barely glanced at the stream of Enforcer vehicles or the luxury car I was in, indicating how common such sights must have been. The world inside these gates felt vastly different from my own. It was a bubble of privilege and prosperity.

Aidoneus made a turn down a particularly grand avenue that was a good distance away from the hustle and bustle of his sector's heart. A mile or so in, Jae-Hee's vehicle turned off and passed through a pair of gates with the head of an Amarok centered between them, the emblem of his family. The private drive led to a house that was as much an art piece as it was a residence.

Aidoneus had driven past it without a glance. I reminded myself that he'd grown up with the other heirs and had probably been to their homes plenty of times. After another minute or two on the opposite side of the road, a different set of wrought iron gates was visible. There was an imposing gryphon in their center, the emblem of the Orpheus family. Another few minutes revealed the gates that led to the Vesper family estate, their emblem a raven.

I'd always been told that each of the Triad Four had a symbol that characterized the traits and lineage of their respective families. It wasn't something I'd ever bothered looking into, because it didn't have anything to do with me. I deeply regretted that now. Ignorance in this situation was not bliss. It was sheer stupidity. Soon, the unmistakable wrought iron gates of the Maelstrom estate appeared before us, bearing the emblematic crest of a dragon.

They silently swung open to grant us entry.

A cobblestone driveway stretched ahead, lined with intimidating statues of mythological creatures. On either side, manicured gardens flaunted exotic flowers in a myriad of colors. The mansion itself was an imposing sight. It looked more like a palace, perched on a cliff with the tumultuous sea below as its backdrop. Made of dark stone and a blend of modern architecture, it had a classy gothic design.

It was adorned with balconies, spires, and stained-glass windows that captured the light in an ethereal dance. An expansive courtyard that lay ahead boasted a fountain, but what caught my attention was the unusual dark crimson water it spewed, a macabre yet fascinating sight. As the estate's grandeur became increasingly apparent, a coldness spread through my body.

"What is it you want from me?" My voice wavered slightly, betraying the unease I felt.

"What any man would want from a beautiful and intelligent woman," he replied smoothly.

Beautiful and intelligent? If I were truly smart, I wouldn't be in this mess. Before I could press him further, he brought the car to a smooth stop in the roundabout.

"You were searching for a new place to live," Aidoneus said, tilting his head with an amused smile. "Welcome to your new home, Vasira ."

"Home?" I echoed. Then it dawned on me. "You're the reason my rental application was denied."

"Denied is a harsh word. I simply made sure you didn't settle for something mediocre."

I glanced out of the window to find an impeccable line of staff, their postures straight and faces neutral, awaiting our arrival. Their black uniforms lined with threads of silver were pristine, each garment echoing the dark elegance of the estate. It was as if they were lined up for the arrival of royalty. As Aidoneus's door opened and he stepped out, I remembered that's exactly what he was.