Ashes of Vile

22

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
Rekindled Fires

The party of the Ashdowns hadn't gone the way it was expected. Although events hadn't turned and chaos hadn't broke out, it was far from the usual parties the people of Ashgrim celebrated. The elites were outnumbered by the commoners, and people had lots of fun. The manor was extremely crowded. The size of the place was massive, but it wasn't big enough to fit what felt like all of Ashgrim.

Zakeen sat on the sofa with a scowl on his face, drinking his mysterious misery away. Beside him was Devin greeting every guest that passed by, telling them to make themselves at home and party the night away. It was unusual for the different social groups to mix in. Ashgrim was a city for all. Everyone was supposedly equal. But everyone concluded it was a load of lies. But it wasn't something to revolt against. Because Ashgrim truly was as equal as it could ever be. Compared to the old times where currency existed and people could gain power through the government, money, or social status. But the kind of social status people had was old. It was the equivalent to old money. Social status was to be inherited, not gained.

And there were only a few exceptions. Only about ten percent of Ashgrim were people who had the privilege of having a family who had real power to break the standards of a changed world. The origin of Ashgrim was blurry and understated; But people didn't mind. They were content with the world. They knew a lot about what life would have been if the city hadn't become Ashgrim. And that was really all they needed.

They did not want to relive a world of oppression and denial of humanity. Although there were a few repulsive words and actions taken, it wasn't as severe as what their ancestors faced. It was close to perfect. The most perfect it could ever be. And who were they to complain?

Devin had thought they were safe from any eyes but he had been mistaken. His father had pushed the location to the manor they were temporarily residing in for meet ups and of those who needed a place to stay after the dive bar being trashed. Or forced to hide. He had quickly ushered Chase, Cassidy, and Lilac into the basement. And the rest who unfortunately fell into the situation were forced to help set up the party. Devin had used the excuse of having such lovely friends there to help out the Ashdowns. And the Ashdowns, happy to accept help and praise, had zero suspicions.

He chuckled at Zakeen and his visible grimace. Zakeen noticed and raised an eyebrow, "What?" Devin Ashdown casually shrugged and replied, "It's okay. You've still got a chance." He patted his back and Zakeen gave him an extremely confused look. "What do you mean I've still got a chance?"

"Isn't that why you're so sour?" Devin questioned.

"I'm not sour." "Yes you are."

"Do I look sour?" Devin nodded. "Well, I don't know why I look sour. I'm just not feeling it." He added. Devin gave an understanding nod and said as he left, "I think everyone knows except you. Your heart will tell soon." He said, as wisely as he tried.

Devin roamed around the party and continued to socialize and keep up appearances. Every half an hour he'd discreetly check if anyone were approaching the basement. He wouldn't care so much if it weren't for Chase Creed. The most wanted man to be hidden in his basement was not good for his reputation, and most especially the entire dynasty of Ashdowns.

And as he made rounds around the manor, he noticed Inez performing her greatest tricks of inducing information from guests. She was determined to find out about the source. And although they had been dedicated to the source and its power, she had seen and known more; And so did the people of Ashgrim. It was easy to bring up recent events, and she was talented in cornering people into giving out anything including the most hidden secrets.