WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 55: Targets Sighted

Born to a wealthy and influential family of Alpheus, Ezekiel swiftly learned the social graces of life in Obelia but preferred to spend his time in the great library. Equally adept at mingling with the moneyed citizens of the city or remembering every single detail in the book he finished once, he could confidently track down his target with little clues.

Ezekiel's greatest assets, however, were his intelligence and willingness to learn from his mentor, who reinforced his understanding of right and wrong. Though the family's skills had made them wealthy, his father always warned of his mentor's seduction and its gilded promises that could harden the kindest heart and bring him unwanted dangers.

Ezekiel paid little heed to his father, so Roger Alpheus decided to take matters into his own hands and sent his son away after the incident that was a rather particularly traumatic case involving firearms at the annual conference meeting.

Some years later, Ezekiel returned to find his home, feeling ransacked and empty. At least he felt so after hearing about his mentor's betrayal. Even so, he defended Anastasius' name regardless of the little information he knew about his mentor. Old enough to drive around with a car, Ezekiel set out to find his mentor and his mentor's daughter. But there was no trace of either of them and his father was not planning on letting him have his way anytime soon.

Ezekiel picked up more than just combat skills from his best friend, Lucas. Thus, he disregarded his father's warning and start tracking within the confines of the city. Although, this was very different from solving puzzles in the exercise book. But, one by one, Ezekiel managed to piece all the puzzles together and learned that his mentor, indeed, had turned against them and his daughter was kept safe from her own flesh and blood.

Unexpectedly, he had been recommended by Felix Robane to be the safeguard of Athanasia De Alger. Roger Alpheus beamed in joy, but Ezekiel refused, saying he had nothing to do with her or the President's internal affair. Then his father explained that Jeannette was with Athanasia in Arlanta City. Ezekiel knew he shouldn't have revealed his weakness so easily, but how much he wanted to see her again.

Bound by the chain of control, Ezekiel had to come to an agreement with his father. He had to keep his distance from Jeannette and be nothing more than an acquaintance to her while closing the gap with Athanasia. His ultimate goal would be the President's daughter.

It shouldn't be 'His Goal' but 'His Father's Goal'.

Ezekiel kept this covenant from Lucas because it was quite personal as they partnered and headed to Obelia where things escalated from the moment he set foot on Arlanta.

Through the window of the car, his silver hair was painted with golden light, and his eyes sparkled like a constellation of hope from beyond the great veil. With one hand on the steering wheel, his brows knitted together with slight irritation as he looked at the phone screen. He was already back inside the main city and the sun had begun to set.

"It shouldn't be the signal... But why can't I get through Lucas..."

Ezekiel quickly put the phone back in his pocket and stepped on the gas pedal, and made a U-turn. Originally, he wanted to check on his girlfriend first but he remembered that Lucas was left alone because of Athanasia's sudden request. As everything had been building up lately, he couldn't shake off this fear that was crawling up from his stomach.

It didn't take long for the young man to reach his destination. In front of Lucas' house, he parked his car before quickly getting out and heading to the doorstep then rang the bell. He made sure to pause every now and then, but still no response. So he tried knocking instead.

Once, he knocked with his knuckle.

"Lucas..."

Twice, with his palm, slightly louder.