𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟙𝟙: 𝕍𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕞 𝕪𝕖𝕥 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟

The stillness of four o'clock in the morning on a Saturday offered a peculiar kind of therapy—solitary walks through the deserted streets of Toronto, with tranquility enveloping me in its calm embrace. I paused, a short laugh escaping me. Yet, the serenity was shattered by the sudden appearance of a man before me. Twice my age, with wounds that spoke of past battles, he pushed me against a wall, gun pressed to my forehead.

"I believe I've found Sage Ashford," he spoke with a menacing tone.

"No, you're mistaken," I lied, heart racing.

"Don't lie, kid," he retorted. "Your description matches—blonde hair, crystal eyes..."

Panic seized me. Perhaps my brothers were right; perhaps I should prioritize my safety.

"There are plenty of people with blonde hair and crystal eyes," I countered.

"But I'm certain it's you," he insisted. "You can't fool me. I have far more experience than you."

In a surge of adrenaline, I knocked the gun from his grasp and fled, his enraged pursuit echoing behind me.

"No matter how far you run, I'll ensure you meet your end," he threatened.

His anger shattered the fragile peace, leaving me trapped in a dead end.

"You have nowhere to run now," he grinned triumphantly.

As he fired, I dodged the bullet with a fraction of a second to spare.

"You can't keep this up forever, darling," he taunted.

Another shot, deflected by an unseen force, halted mid-air before ricocheting back, piercing his heart. He fell, gun slipping from his grasp. I retrieved it and, recalling my brothers' teachings, fired again to ensure his demise.

This was my second kill, and it felt marginally easier than the first. Exhausted, I returned to the mansion, concealing the gun in my bathroom drawer. I succumbed to much-needed sleep, undisturbed until Alexis's abrupt awakening.

"YOU BLONDE BIMBO!" she screeched, yanking my hair.

"Ow..." I winced.

"FINALLY!" she exclaimed, relenting to allow me to brush my teeth.

Downstairs, Sebastian prepared breakfast, while Santiago tended to matters in his office.

"Morning, you two," Sebastian greeted.

Alexis approached him, offering assistance.

"By the way, Sage," Sebastian began, "we've received word that one of our allies intends to target you. To err on the side of caution, I'll share some information about him—"

"He's dead," Santiago interjected upon entering the room.

"What?" Sebastian queried.

"We found his body in an unused alleyway," Santiago revealed. "Seems he was killed with a gun—twice in the heart."

"Impossible for such an experienced mafia to fall so easily," Sebastian remarked. "When did this happen?"

"Today, at four fifteen AM," Santiago replied.

Sebastian's praise secretly pleased me.

"We have a meeting today with the heir of the malversation gang," Santiago informed, turning to leave.

Sebastian served breakfast, then prepared for the meeting. Noir arrived, greeted by Santiago and Sebastian.

"Sup!" he greeted with a handshake.

"Farewell," the brothers bid in unison before departing, leaving Alexis, Noir, and me alone.

"What's that in your pocket?" Alexis inquired.

Noir retrieved a pocket knife.

"Stupefying!" Alexis praised.

As the day unfolded, Alexis retired to bed, leaving Noir and me to converse. Eventually, I confessed about the morning's events.

"You heard about the murder," I began—

"Let me guess, you killed him," Noir interjected.

My eyes widened.

"How did you guess?" I asked.

"Escaping such a high-profile criminal is difficult," Noir explained.

He held my gaze.

"Bill was trained in such attacks," he continued. "A person can't fool him, nor your brothers."

"Reminds me, how are my brothers still alive when he is around?" I inquired.

"Your brothers are secretive," Noir answered. "You are different, Sage."

"How so?" I pressed.

"You are the type to roam around," he observed.

"Yes, and you expect a kidnapped girl to stay at home," I retorted sarcastically.

"You've got a point," Noir conceded.

"I know," I affirmed. "I am smart."

"Says the person who got a D- in math—"

"That was a surprise test!" I argued.

"Surprise or not, I got an A+ in an English surprise test," Noir boasted.

"English is easy," I scoffed.

"I am French," Noir revealed.

"You live in Canada," I countered.

Spencer's arrival interrupted our banter.

"I could hear you two fighting from a mile away—" Spencer began.

"Do you wanna join?" Noir offered.

"I think it's a fight between a couple," Spencer quipped. "So, no thanks."

(...)

Rolling our eyes, Noir and I continued our conversation, enjoying the camaraderie of the afternoon. Later, Santiago returned, his excitement evident as he unveiled a bundle of decorated papers—an invitation to a masquerade ball.

"What's this?" Spencer inquired.

"There will be a masquerade ball," Sawyer explained.

"I've read about masquerade balls," I whispered in awe.

"The entire family is attending," Santiago announced. "As for Alexis, she can meet up with a few friends."

"Why can't Alexis come?" I questioned.

"It's hosted by a mafia heir," Sebastian clarified. "Only members are invited."

Disappointment clouded my excitement.

"When is the event?" I asked.

"Friday," Santiago replied. "Our designer Taylor will arrive the following day."

Despite my mixed emotions, the prospect of attending the ball filled me with anticipation.

"Cheer up, Sage," Spencer encouraged. "We'll be there."

"I guess," I replied, though my smile waned.

(...)

HIHI! 

Sorry for the delay, was taking part in the 8-cc conducted by justwriteit.