Eclipsed Love

Chapter 4: Twists in the Shadow

Leaving the guy I danced with, I went upstairs, hoping for a peek below to find the spy my father sent to Adrian's. Still, there's no sign of him. I scanned the venue, but I kept sensing eyes on me.

It felt like the spy wouldn't show if people kept looking at me so I  took a breather on the terrace. While enjoying the cold breeze, I felt someone behind me. Quick as a cat, I pulled out the tiny knife hidden under my dress, turning around to stick it near the guy's neck.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

The guy, frozen, stammered, "I'm the spy."

Feeling skeptical, I asked, "How do I know you're not messing with me?"

He then spilled about Adrian's plans and handed me a paper with an address.  He rolled up his sleeves, revealing spy tattoos that Montgomery House only knows.

Hmm, seeing the tattoo was convincing enough because only in our house can do that kind of tattoo. It was all about being sneaky and strong. Tattoo of spies in our house, you'll see two crossed swords but if you look even closer, there's a secret to it. In the open spaces between the swords, there's a kind of hidden shadow. It's like a cool, mysterious touch that shows strength in the shadows.

I took the paper and told him to leave first. I waited for a few minutes before leaving and when I opened the door, there he was—the mystery dance partner—watching me like he'd been waiting to have me but I ignored him and walked away.

He pulled me into a blind spot where no one could notice.

He grinned,  "Playing hard to get, huh?" Leaning closer, he locked eyes with me and glanced at my lips, signaling he intended to kiss me.

Aside from his smile like he believed he could have anything he wanted, his comment about "playing hard to get" irked me; I'm not into those games.

Wanting to show him his place, I smiled back sweetly, looking at him seductively. I slid my hands from his chest to his shoulders, locking eyes with him.

Leaning close to his ear, I whispered, "I'm not playing; I am hard to get" With a swift sidestep and a coy smile, I slipped away, showing him that he couldn't have me.

I left him puzzled in the corner. As I walked, I couldn't help but think how some girls might fall for his bad-boy act, but not me. I admit, he was attractive to catch my attention but it won't be enough to have me. His arrogant smile fueled my determination to keep him at arm's length.

Walking away from the venue, I couldn't shake off my curiosity about the address on the paper, I think it would have been better if I went first to verify this tip before I gave it to Father but I remembered Father's order that my role around Adrian is minimal tasks due to his dangerous nature, yet I just can't shake the feeling I have to verify the information.

After a brief hesitation, I decided to check it out, but I wanted to move around more easily, so I changed into a more comfortable – all-black outfit. I wore all black to be discreet, and I had a belt corset, hugging my chest and waist with small weapons. My face was covered, and I had a high ponytail and a hoodie for flexibility.

As I arrived, the address led me to an old, falling-apart building. Time had messed up its fancy design, with the bricks looking worn and covered in vines. The place seemed to hold stories of the past nobody remembered. It gave a creepy vibe to my already kinda scary mission. There were no guards, but it felt off. I sense neither people nor movement, I just can't help but feel suspicious. I utilized my acrobatics skills to climb walls and peek through an upper-level window, revealing nothing but darkness inside.