Shadow Of The Prey

CH1. Recon.

A hand on the doorman's open palm, my legs leisurely exit the car first.
My limbs move with no hesitation—but slowed as if I'm in no rush. The light tapping of my heels against the pavement, I step out elegant and mannered just as the agency taught.


Expressions of those around don't go unnoticed—even the subtlest the gazes—the brief glances, the tenses in the bystanders brows as they try to hide a look of awe, solidifies the approach I've decided.
Elise Barrington subtly allures those around. Her presence is soft and almost unnoticeable, yet once in sight, she ensnares gazing eyes.

Light honey-brown hair curled and styled into a messy updo. Curled bangs framing my face, accented by simple pearl earrings. Lipstick the shade of a dark muted rose, vibrant enough to draw attention, yet subtle enough to hide provocative intention that harsh coloured lipstick can insinuate. My eyeshadow, a subdued yellow-brown with glitter pearl shadow accenting my waterline, creating the appearance of innocence with an undertone of reserved sultriness—making anyone curiously drawn.
The gown hugs the curves of my body, made from black charmeuse. Slits in the front of the skirt that extend to reveal a portion of my thighs. The halter bodice held up by a bow around my neck, and an open back covered with draped pearls. Black heels accented with large black ribbons that match the sheer black gloves—and the prop that'll aid as an excuse for my exit—a black handheld satin mask.

A glance at the woman presented is more than enough to capture the mind of anyone. A woman of high class that isn't gaudy or desperate for attention, a woman who radiates the air of a fragile exposed animal yet has a fierce strength underneath, never able to be caught or hunted.

Elise Barrington, the woman who should only be worshipped.
Elise Barrington, the woman of mystery who's secrets seem complex.
Elise Barrington, the woman who's ignorant to how radiant she is.
Yet nobody will know that Elise Barrington, who holds a vast ocean of mystery—is simply a ruse. That the abyss of her mysteries, is only as deep as a layer of makeup and act.

Pacing my steps, I walk up the staircase to the casino—designed as if a palace.
The trace of it being a casino, nowhere in sight; guests dressed in formal evening wear, and the workers in pressed tuxedos.
The vibrant neon lights outside normal casinos I've seen—non-existent. Merely the gold plated plaques on the entry stone staircase, engraved with 'Pandora Casino'.

Entering the main doors, the welcoming staff stop, gazing upon me.
Giving a curious look around the lobby I meet eyes with a group of workers. Among them, one approaches as he bows his head, maintaining his composure.
The worker's subtle expression, seemingly stunned at the beauty ahead of him. His ears slightly changing into a subtle shade of pink from nervousness, and his Adam's apple moving slightly as he gulps trying to keep calm.

"Good evening, Madam." He politely speaks.
"Good evening." I reply, my lips forming into a gentle, captivating smile.
"Do you need any assistance?"
"If it's not a bother." Sliding out an envelope from my clutch, I show him the card as an airy composed sigh rolls off my lips, "Oh dear... A friend of mine invited me, but I can't seem to get in touch with her."

Pandora has many different amenities.
Games of chance spread throughout the casino, private rooms on reserve, and lounges that provide different entertainment.
The top of the invitation stamped with a title of 'Red Jade', the most exclusive lounge for invited members only. A secluded lounge made as a private oasis for the target and his acquaintances. According to the files, they always frequent the lounge on the weekends.


The card addressed to Elise Barrington, guest of Meredith Caine.
Taking the invitation, the worker nods, holding out his hand.

"Allow me to escort you there Madam Barrington."
Placing my hand on his with a feather-light touch, I give a gentle accepting nod.

Only those with a high status can be offered a membership to the Red Jade lounge. Even the agency couldn't find a way to receive a membership for me, but fortunately Meredith Caine is the heiress to the Caine Railways. Aside from being apart of the elite family that first industrialized travel and transportation, Meredith Caine is a previous client of ours who had offered to help whenever she could.

With no way to trace her communicating with UNS, she merely appears as a friend on paper.


In the basement floor of the casino, a grand lounge spreads in front of me once the elevator doors open.
Plush berry tufted booths surround a stage in the center of the lounge. The extravagant cream marble stage with a band performing jazz, music fills the room with a symphony of smooth yet lively melodies.
Tables of dealing are made of luxurious materials, the dealers dressed in all black, wearing golden face masks. Bars surround the room, accented by the wainscoted black walls with thick velvet curtains.

Throughout the calm yet bustling room, I catch a glimpse of the target.

Sitting in a luxurious booth—standing out from the rest like VIP's—upon a slight lifted platform, Carlisle Lennox and three other men occupy the table. Women dressed clad in high-end gowns sitting aside them as two more ladies greet them.
The target simply watches as they speak—what can only be assumed—flirtatious words, batting their lashes at the elite men.


The man who escorted me bows.
"Allow me to check if your acquaintance has been checked in." He politely speaks.
I give an ecstatic relieved smile.
"Oh that'd be wonderful, thank you." My voice is soft spoken and gentle, yet enthralling with a grateful tone.
"Please make yourself comfortable. If you'd like, you may take a look around to see if she's here. I'll be back in a moment."

Giving a smile and nod, I watch as he leaves to a back room, behind the decorative red curtains.