RESIDENT EVIL • Assignment Ashley: Rescue Condor One (RE4)

Red

Meanwhile Ashley's POV:

The velvet carpet that stretched across the grand staircase leading to the hall had darkened to a deep crimson after encountering the unabated rain.

Its hue seems tainted, almost resembling the colour of blood, I observed silently, and immediately furrowed my brow underneath the safety of the umbrella. Blood, really? Was I banned from thinking positively today or something? Why couldn't I compare it to an apple—or maybe a ruby for a change? Ugh.

As I ascended the stairs, the paparazzi never stopped clicking pictures, their cameras ceaselessly capturing my every step. I could already envision tomorrow's front covers, printed with bold letters proclaiming, "Ashley Graham's First Public Appearance After The Kidnapping." The articles would no doubt recount the past events with haste, and fuel a whole lot of speculations and gossip on my whereabouts and engagements during my absence. While it was to be expected, given the clouded mystery surrounding my kidnapping—thanks to my father's intervention which kept the details confidential—I still couldn't deny feeling a bit agitated and unsettled by the entire ordeal. I pushed my thoughts aside; there was no point in dwelling now. Whatever came after shall be dealt with later; I had to stay focused.

The warm light coming from the towering double doors was eminently inviting after the cold, wet climb. As I stepped inside the opulent foyer, I was bathed in the soft, golden glow of the chandeliers which chased away the outside chill, and cozied up the interior. Not a moment later, another concierge, who politely stood by, swiftly came to my side and extended his gloved hand to receive my coat. The coat, embellished with ivory fur, had been drenched to the strands, despite the protection of an umbrella. I was nothing but grateful to hand it over. The concierge offered a kind smile, his eyes conveying an understanding of the inconvenience caused by the harsh weather. I returned his smile, and nodded my thanks before moving further down the hall.

The spacious corridor leading to the gathering mirrored the lavishness of the entryway. Elaborately sculpted marble columns, ornamented with delicate golden accents, lined the hallway in a graceful manner. On each side, tall, baroque mirrors—nestled within the niches of the wall—amplified a touch of grandeur in the place. As I walked through the empty passageway, the frames brilliantly captured and reflected the shimmering rhinestones bejewelling my dress. It felt as if I were draped in the galaxy, itself, reflecting the radiance of countless stars.

An elegant dress is all one needs to fit in, I thought humorously as I stole a quick glance at myself in one of the reflections. I had to admit, the attire I chose for tonight had enhanced my features quite impeccably. The fabric of the dress molded effortlessly to the contours of my body. And its neutral tone, dipped in dull gold and crystals, drew attention to the blue in my eyes, intensifying their shade to a striking prominence.

Beneath my feet, the polished flooring pulsed with the excitement emanating from the chamber beyond. I could sense the reverberation increase as I neared the celestial statues guarding the rich mahogany doors. The ball was already in full swing, and I had arrived fashionably late.

"Allow me, miss." Mr. Sherman offered courteously, as he finally caught up to me. With one firm push, he opened the heavy doors before us, and I was immediately wafted by the fragrant air which carried the sound of laughter and chatter, interlaced with notes of classical melody.

"Good luck. I will be within reach, so if you require my assistance, don't hesitate to look for me," he reassured me as I prepared to go in.

I guess he's still worried about the car incident. I hope he doesn't report it back to my father...

"Thank you, but I'll be fine, really. Has dad arrived yet?" I asked abruptly, as I scanned over the crowded room filled with whirling gowns and crisp tuxedos. I knew I would have found him by now if he were present; my father had this distinguished charisma which made him stand out.

"No, not yet. Mr. Kennedy contacted me a few minutes ago, he informed me that they will be arriving shortly. Your father was caught up in some urgent, last-minute business."

My heart gave an involuntary leap at the mention of his name. "Leon's coming?" I blurted out before I could stop myself from questioning the obvious. I immediately bit my lip, a little embarrassed.

"...yes, he would be accompanying Mr. President," he replied nonchalantly.

Of course he would be here, too, dummy—

"Ash, are you planning to stand by the door all night? Just so you know, you won't be getting paid to play security," Claire Redfield quipped, playfully interrupting our conversation and approaching me.

"That's too bad. I was hoping to make some extra cash tonight," I called back with a smile, feeling a surge of happiness as I rushed to embrace her. It had been years since I last saw Claire, I had truly missed our friendship.

"You look stunning!" We both gushed at each other simultaneously in admiration, which turned our smiles into contagious laughter.

Several curious heads tilted our way, but I tried not to pay heed to the onlookers. I was sharing a joyous moment with a friend who was effortlessly rocking a high-slit dress in her signature red with ankle boots.

"Thank you, though I much prefer wearing something more causal," Claire responded with a grin. "I was actually considering to wear my jacket, but I didn't want to violate the dress code and miss out on all the fun."

"Hey, at least it's in your colour, Red-field.," I lightheartedly comforted her as we made our way to one of the refreshment tables in the corner, seeking a bit of privacy to chat. "And something tells me 'the fun' you're referring to has nothing to do with dancing or enjoying these delectable sweets," I observed, as I picked up a chocolate coated strawberry and took a bite. The sweetness of the ripe fruit combined with the rich, creamy cocoa created an explosion of flavors in my mouth.

At least the food's good. Let's see if I can draw out some info...

"Well for one thing, it was obligatory for me to attend as a member of TerraSave, the co-organizers of this fundraiser," Claire replied, casually reaching for a macaron from the dessert platter. She glanced at me knowingly, her eyes sharp as a blade, ready to cut through my thoughts."But I can see that's not the answer you're looking for...you know Ashley, you have changed quite a lot in the last three years."

In acknowledgment of her scrutiny, I silently gazed at her, waiting for her to continue. She was right; I had significantly changed. However, this change had transpired prior to the last three years, even preceding the two years of intense training under her brother's guidance, back when we had first become friends.

Claire let out a sigh, her voice lowering as she leaned in closer. "Hon, let me tell you a little secret, though you may or may not already know. Everyone present in this room has some ulterior motive...and mine, quite simply, is to uncover it." Her voice carried a hint of finality, and it was evident that she had concluded the discussion on this particular topic.

Suddenly the chiming laughter, bouncing off the cold alabaster walls, no longer felt as inviting. I had already known that there was a different kind of dance going on beneath the surface. But Claire's brief, yet keen intuition, was all I needed to confirm the intel on Eyewall and their ties with several anonymous elites of the country. I had made the right call to return to Washington; I was sure of it now.

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I wanted to make this part longer, but then I decided to divide it up. Let me know your thoughts!