UNTIL DEATH ( Love should Never be this deathly )

Chapter 1

The clock struck 2 AM, casting a spectral hush over the thick forest and towering mountains that enveloped the sprawling estate. At the heart of this vast domain stood an enormous mansion, its exterior aglow with golden lights that shimmered like a beacon in the night, waiting for its master's arrival.

A sleek car rolled to a stop in the parking area before the grand entrance. In a flurry, a young man in his mid-twenties emerged, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. He rushed over to Enzo, his equally youthful friend, who had been waiting impatiently for an hour.

"Jack! Where the hell have you been? I've been calling you nonstop! I swear I'll break your damn phone!" Enzo exclaimed, his frustration palpable.

"Enzo, my phone died on the way here, and you woke me from a deep slumber! I was in the middle of some serious beauty sleep," Jack retorted, his emphasis on 'sleep' almost comical.

"I swear, if Mas—" Enzo began, but Jack interjected.

"Please tell me I made it on time. Has Master arrived yet?"

As if on cue, the immense black gates swung open, slicing through the oppressive silence. The guards, security personnel, and maids formed a disciplined line on either side of the mansion's entrance, heads bowed and hands trembling slightly.

Jack and Enzo exchanged wary glances, scanning the area for any security lapses. They understood the gravity of their positions as heads of security; the wrath of their master was a force to be reckoned with. Instinctively, they straightened their postures and clasped their hands behind their backs, bracing for the storm that approached.

A luxurious black Rolls Royce glided through the gates, coming to a smooth halt at the foot of the mansion. Heart pounding, Jack stepped forward, opening the door for his master. He averted his gaze, bowing his head as he murmured, "Welcome, Master."

A tall, muscular figure emerged—a man in his late twenties, clad in an expensive gray suit. His honey-brown eyes swiftly surveyed the surroundings, revealing a dark intensity that bespoke a ruthless and aggressive nature. Despite his chiseled features and clean-shaven face, there was an unmistakable aura of danger about him.

His expression was devoid of warmth; jaws clenched, eyes darkened with barely contained fury, his hands formed tight fists. He stepped out of the car without a word, striding up the grand staircase like a king, passing the servants without acknowledgment. The massive entrance doors stood wide open in anticipation of his arrival. Jack and Enzo followed closely, sensing the impending tempest.

In a swift motion, he reached the second floor and flung open the double doors to his office. He adjusted his suit jacket and settled into his chair like a sovereign on his throne, his gaze piercing into his two men, radiating an unsettling fury.

"WHERE THE HELL IS HE? BRING HIM TO ME NOW!" he roared, causing both men to flinch.

"Yes, Master!" they stammered, bowing deeply before hastening out of his office to fetch the man he demanded.

Slumping back in his chair, he fixed his gaze on the door through which his men had departed. Gripping a bottle of liquor from his desk, he poured a glass, anticipation coiling within him for the confrontation that was about to unfold.

Jack and Enzo, accompanied by several guards, hurried toward the basement. Upon arrival, Enzo pressed his palm against a hidden scanner, revealing a narrow, flickering-lit corridor. An acrid stench of blood and decay hit them, a grim reminder of what lay beyond.

"Hey, En... psssttt," Jack whispered, elbowing Enzo.

"What, Jack? Can't you hold your tongue until we deal with this?" Enzo replied tersely.

"No, I can't! I appreciate you pulling me out of that hellhole, but I've seen enough in this month. This isn't for me, Enzo. You know what I mean," Jack pleaded, desperation creeping into his tone.

"SHUT UP, JACK! The people you borrowed from are part of a gang that traffics organs. They wouldn't have left you alive if you'd crossed them. This is the best I could do to help you with your debt. You'll get used to it; you're my cousin and brother. You'll adapt," Enzo insisted, his voice firm.

"We're here; that's the cell," one of the guards announced, pointing to a dimly lit corner.

Enzo peered inside at the battered man hanging from the ceiling, chains binding his arms. Blood dripped from his torn shirt, and his lips were chapped and dry. "Bring him to the Master's office. No need to remove his chains; just drag him," Enzo ordered as the guards moved to obey.

Back in the office, the master awaited his prey, eyes fixed on the door. He would ensure that the traitor felt the weight of his betrayal. For six long months, the man had siphoned money and leaked sensitive company information to a rival, all while playing a role in the kidnapping and murder of his childhood friend, Luca. This betrayal would not go unpunished.

As he finished his drink, a knock echoed through the room.

"COME IN!" he barked, impatience lacing his tone.

The doors swung open, and his men entered, flanked by guards dragging the beaten figure into the room. The sight of the wretched man stirred a twisted satisfaction within him.

With a predatory gaze, he observed the traitor, now reduced to a shell of his former self. The guards shoved the man to the floor at their master's feet. He crumpled, face pressed against the polished boots, a whimper escaping his lips as pain radiated from his injuries.

"Mercy, Master! Please! I got blinded by greed! I never intended for Luca..." His pleas were cut off by a thunderous slap that echoed through the office.

The master, a calm facade masking the tempest within, rose to his full height, circling the man like a hawk. "Tell me how much information you leaked to him," he demanded, menace lacing his voice.

"I—I..." the man stuttered.

"JUST ANSWER MY QUESTION!" he shouted, fury igniting within him.

The traitor sobbed, "All the projects, the deals, the latest activities..."

His master clenched his teeth, unable to contain his rage. In one swift motion, he seized the liquor bottle and shattered it against the man's head, sending shards of glass flying and crimson liquid spilling over.

As the traitor collapsed, cries of pain filling the air, the master knelt beside him, gripping his hair and forcing him to meet his gaze. "Do you think I'll ever forgive you? You've not only betrayed me, but you've taken my brother from me!" he seethed, delivering a heavy punch to the man's face.

The traitor fell silent, knowing he had crossed a line from which there was no return.

When the man remained mute, the master's fury boiled over. He seized the traitor by the collar and yanked him upright. "I have something to show you," he growled.

"ENZO!" he barked.

Enzo understood the command and activated the laptop, the screen illuminating with damning evidence that would seal the traitor's fate.

TO BE CONTINUED!