𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨 | 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟒 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚

𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨

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| 4 0 |

Location Unknown
10:01pm
Rose.
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Michael had been extremely distant. He avoided eye contact and small conversation. Throughout their two hour flight, he took something to sleep. Rose wondered if something was wrong with him. Maybe she had done something to make him be this way toward her? They were now being driven off to a private property outside the heart of New Orleans.
There was something off and cold about Michael now. His gaze didn't waver over her in the same way it used to. Every time they made eye contact, he acted as he didn't see her, if that made any sense. Or maybe there was the slight possibility that she was overthinking his new attitude way too much. Maybe they were all just tired and on edge. Richard was fine, he was being himself. But Michael..

Sighing, Rose rested her head against the window pane of the moving vehicle and stared out into the darkness, making out a few closed buildings. A lot of them were damaged, falling apart— most of Louisiana still hadn't recovered too well after hurricane Katrina to this day. Quietly, she traced her finger over the window and drew a star on the forming fog. She felt the weight of Richards side against her, he was leaned over. His hand traced around the star and formed a circle. "You're so cheesy." She laughed under her breath, staring at the fading pentagram. Leaning in, Richard planted a kiss on the side of her forehead. Although things were going smoothly, Rose still couldn't help but to feel uneasy about Michaels new changed persona. She could run over every little detail that could have made him do a 360 personality-wise, and came to the conclusion that he did not take the rejection too well— and that he actually took it to heart. She didn't know what he was plotting, and it scared her to her core. If he had brought destruction and death once, he would do it again. A long time ago, she recalled her father telling her— "there is nothing more dangerous than a humiliated man."
And perhaps he was right, because Michael— was acting this way. Although a humiliated man, was just a ego that was crushed. Men were dumb in that way. Something didn't go their way and they'd have to turn it into everyone's problem.
Closing her eyes, Rose leaned back and tried to enjoy the rest of the ride— although it was short lived. Because the vehicle came to a stop and Michael finally acknowledged them.

"We'll be staying in this house for a few days while I get some work done and gather information about a few women's whereabouts— feel free to explore the city until then— once I'm ready for your help, I will reach out." Michael turned away, and began leading the pair into the mansion with the help bringing in their luggage. Rose had so many questions, she always did. But she knew she couldn't let Michael get to whatever he wanted to do. If he did, a lot of lives would be a stake. And she knew Richard would be way too up his ass about this satan thing to even listen to her. If anything, he'd go to the city and get coked up in some bar and disappear until summoned. In the morning, she would set out and begin her on search for these women. She had to warn them about Michael. If he had the opportunity, he would ruin any kind of normalcy for the future. That grew deep concern and fear in the pit of her stomach. If warned, these women could help— they could get rid of him once and for all— she'd tell them about the portal he came out of, and everything that had happened. Maybe that way, she could secure something with Richard. Michael would ruin everything. 

Walking into her designated room, she closed the door and leaned against her door, Richard was already gone, as expected— back pressed against the dark cedar wood. Sliding down, she curled her knees up to her chest and began to weep. How could she do this on her own? Quickly wiping her tears, Rose stood up and quickly changed. Locking her bedroom door, she tossed a few pillows underneath her blanket and stared out of her window.

I have to go. She thought.

She was on the second floor, and climbing down would be a pain— and getting past the spiked gate, would probably end painfully. But in her heart, she knew she had to escape and something was telling her to go. Slowly pushing the blinds open, she unlatched the locks and quietly opened the window. Holding her breath, she stepped on the ledge and peered down before stepping on the leaf gutter. It creaked out of instability, Clenching her jaw while holding back from shaking, Rose turned and closed the blinds, and then the window. Hunching over, she gripped onto the wall while inching away from the edge and toward the gate. Her breath was shaky and uneven, but she was doing great on not falling onto her face and probably breaking a few ribs.

Once away from the house, she jumped carefully onto the gate and kneeled down before climbing over and sliding down onto the side of the street. Although in the process, cutting the side of her rib cage and causing a tear in her hoodie. Hissing quietly, she gripped her side and stumbled away while heading in whatever direction felt correct in her gut.

Out of instinct, she crossed a few streets with her hood up and began walking down blocks, making a few turns and hiding in the darkness— mostly to avoid whatever men she came across, which surprisingly, she didn't come into contact with any. After walking for about half an hour, she stood in front of a gated white Mansion. A few lights were still on, as she approached the gate, it instinctively opened on its own and the front door opened, revealing a tall blonde woman. "I've been expecting you Rose." another with outgrown roots and blonde ends appeared beside her. "We all have." A breath shuddered in the back of Rose's throat.

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End of page 40

I apologize for the short chapter babes, but things are about to get spicy and expect more as we approach the finale of Inferno <333 I hope you're all okay!!

-Kira.