𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐃

“Who is this?” I demanded, my voice quivering with a mixture of fear and anger.

Ignoring my question, the caller continued, “The sands of an hourglass flow inexorably, and you may find yourself losing more than you’re willing to sacrifice.”

My patience waned as I shouted into the phone, “Don’t include Teagan in this. She has nothing to do with our world!”

Before I could glean any more information, the call abruptly ended, leaving me with a haunting sense of foreboding. The cryptic words hung in the air, echoing in my mind.

My carefully constructed world was unraveling, and the boundaries between my empire and the people I cared for were becoming increasingly blurred.

—

I sat behind my imposing desk, a stack of paperwork demanding my attention. The soft glow of the desk lamp cast a warm pool of light over the polished mahogany surface, a stark contrast to the dimly lit room beyond.

The atmosphere was one of quiet and focused determination.

As I signed yet another document, the door to my office swung open with an unexpected force.

I looked up, my stern expression softening into mild surprise as my brother, Roux, stormed in.

“Where the hell is Teagan?” Roux’s voice was laced with urgency, his typically easygoing demeanor replaced by palpable concern.

I leaned back on my chair, studying Roux for a moment before responding. “Teagan?” I kept my tone measured. “I thought you knew. She submitted her resignation letter last week.”

Roux’s eyes widened, a mixture of disbelief and frustration dancing across his features. “Resignation? Why the hell would she do that without telling me?”

I maintained my composed façade, not revealing the complexities that lay beneath. “She didn’t give a reason, Roux. It was her decision.”

Roux’s frustration simmered, but he nodded tersely. “I’ll talk to her,” He turned on his heel and left my office, the door closing quietly behind him.

Now’s not the time.

—

Sebastian and I sat in the elegant confines of his sprawling mansion, glasses of aged whiskey in hand. The air was heavy with anticipation, for we had convened not just for a friendly gathering, but to discuss the expansion of my flourishing club.

Sebastian leaned back in his plush armchair, the fire’s warm glow dancing in his dark eyes. “Dacre, the club is a masterpiece in itself. Expanding it to new heights would be a testament to your vision. Internationally.”

I nodded. “We’ve created something exceptional, Seb, but we need to scout locations and ensure the same level of quality and exclusivity as our flagship.”

As we delved deeper into our expansion strategy, Sebastian couldn’t help but share a recent discovery, a rather unexpected facet of Demetrio’s life. “Speaking of expanding horizons, did you know that Demetrio is a professor, imparting his knowledge of chemistry to college students?”

I arched an intrigued eyebrow. “Demetrio as an educator? Now that’s intriguing.”

Our conversation took a curious turn when Bartholomew joined us. He carried with him a transparent suitcase that held a deck of playing cards so rare that only two such sets existed in the entire world.

Sebastian’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he greeted his guest. “Bartholomew, you’ve brought the cards. I’ve been anticipating this game.”

Bartholomew, with an aura of mystique that never seemed to fade, carefully laid out the rare cards.

They seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow, their designs are more intricate and exquisite than any ordinary deck.

As the game progressed and the stakes grew higher, Bartholomew, with an air of nonchalance, turned his piercing gaze to me. “Dacre, what precisely do you intend to do with Teagan’s still unconscious body?”

The question hung in the air like an unspoken challenge, causing the room to fall into an uneasy silence as I grappled with the implications of my answer.

—

“In time,” I began, my eyes locked onto the cards in my hand, “I will know what to do with Teagan’s unconscious body, but for now, she deserves rest.”

“Nothing untoward has been happening, has it?”

I met Sebastian’s gaze, a flash of indignation crossing his eyes before I responded firmly. “Nothing of that sort,”

Bartholomew, ever perceptive, chuckled softly. “I’ve known you for far too long to think you’d engage in anything untoward, even if your business does tread in the shadows.”

The tension in the room suddenly evaporated, replaced by a shared understanding that transcended our unorthodox professions.

After the laughter subsided, Bartholomew deftly laid out his cards, revealing the right combination for victory. A triumphant smile played on his lips as he declared, “It appears fortune has favored me tonight.”

Sebastian and I couldn’t help but chuckle, acknowledging his win. In our world, where secrets and uncertainties reigned, moments of camaraderie and shared laughter were rare and cherished.

—

Roux and I sat in a quaint corner of the cozy café, a hidden gem tucked away amidst the bustling city. The café exuded an inviting charm, with warm wood accents and soft, ambient lighting.

The aroma of a freshly brewed coffee and the subtle hum of conversation created a soothing atmosphere, a stark contrast to the hectic world we all inhabited.

Roux’s brows furrowed with worry as he picked at his pastry, his thoughts clearly preoccupied. He glanced at me, his concern palpable. “I can’t reach Teagan. She’s still not picking up her phone, and it’s been two years. I’m getting worried.”

I sipped on my espresso, my expression betraying nothing but casual concern. “Roux, you know Teagan. She’s always been independent and headstrong. Maybe she’s just decided to take some time for herself.”

Roux’s frustration simmered beneath his surface, his concern for Teagan driving him to seek answers. “Dacre, it’s been two years. She wouldn’t just disappear like this. Something’s not right, and I can’t shake the feeling that you know more than you’re letting on.”

My gaze remained steady, though a hint of discomfort flickered. “Roux, sometimes people make choices we don’t understand. Teagan’s given her all for the past three years. If she believes it’s time to move on, all we can do is respect her decision and wish her the best.”

Roux’s skepticism grew, his voiced laced with frustration. “You’re too calm about this. It’s as if you expected her to leave. Did something happen that I should know about?”

My façade remained unbroken, but the tension in the air was palpable. “Believe me when I say I don’t have all the answers, but whatever Teagan has chosen, it’s her decision.”

TO BE CONTINUED.