Coincidence

3

The moon was high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the castle grounds. The sound of water trickling from the fountain was the only noise that could be heard. I slowly opened her eyes, blinking in the dim light as I realized I had been unconscious for some time.

My head throbbed and my whole body felt as though it was engulfed in flames. As I looked around, I noticed I was inside a castle. Despite the situation, it was breathtaking. The stone walls were ancient and weathered, giving off a sense of history that seemed to permeate the very air. The fountain next to me was a marvel of design, with water spilling from the mouth of a stone faucet into a large circular basin. Trying to gain a sense of my surroundings, I realized that Leon and Ashley were missing.

In hopes of finding them soon, I began to explore the castle, taking in the ornate details of its interior. The walls were adorned with old paintings, each one more impressive than the last. The furniture was equally impressive, with ornate chairs and tables that looked like they had been crafted by the finest artisans.

As I moved deeper into the castle, I began to realize that the conspiracy was much deeper than just a religious group. The placement of the parasite was a deliberate tool placed by the Umbrella Corporation and something more sinister than imaginable was at play. I surmised that the remote location of the castle served as the perfect cover for Umbrella to carry out their plans without anyone noticing.

I felt a sense of foreboding as I pondered more on Umbrella's reach. It was clear that they would double-cross anyone who got in their way, including the religious group. Despite my growing apprehension, I continued my exploration.

The castle was massive, with winding corridors that seemed to stretch on forever. I eventually stumbled upon a doorway that led to a dark hallway. As I approached it, I heard the sound of voices coming from the other side of the door. Quietly, I pressed my ear to the door, straining to hear what was being said. To my surprise, I heard Leon's playful voice paired with another.

The unknown voice began, "You can stop right there, Leon. Wouldn't make me use this, would you?"

Leon answered, "Well after six years, that is one hell of a greeting..."

"You don't seem surprised. Interesting..."

There was a little scuffle between them before they began to talk to it. They were getting more and more intimate with each other as the conversation continued.

"So who are you working for this time?" Leon inquired.

"Oh, Leon. You know I don't work and tell...Leave the girl. She's lost no matter what. You walk away now...and who knows? Maybe you'll live to meet me again. And then I might get you that 'greeting' you were looking for."

Not wanting to hear anymore, I slowly backed away from the door, my heart pounding with adrenaline and heartache. I didn't know why, but I felt betrayed. It was true that I was hiding my past from Leon, but his was just as nefarious. How else was he involved in Umbrella and could I really trust him?

No, what I was feeling was much deeper. I had begun to develop something intimate with Leon. Ada brought out the jealousy I never knew I had suppressed.

Without a word, I turned and made my way back through the castle. The once-beautiful surroundings had lost their allure, now nothing more than a backdrop for my own insecurities. I couldn't help but wonder if Ada and Leon had a connection that I could never hope to match.

Trying to take my mind off my unstable state, I instead steeled myself for what was to come, determined to use the information I had gathered to take down Umbrella and its sinister plans. I thought to might as well save Ashley while I'm at it.