Bound by Shadows

10

Stepping out of the elevator, we were met by Zavian's displeased stare in the lobby, with Stella by his side, taking in the sight of us leaving together. A bold move.

A nervous energy lingered, and I couldn't help but notice Caelus subtly brushing his hand against mine—a silent reassurance, a gesture that spoke volumes.

"What brings you here?" The question was aimed at Caelus, and surprisingly, Zavian maintained a semblance of civility, given the bustling lobby of the hotel. At least for a moment.

Caelus casually slid both hands into his pockets, asserting, "You and I need to talk."

Zavian scoffed, "Do I look like I'm in the mood for that, Hudson? Your trip here is a waste of time. She's not leaving under my watch."

"I'm aware," Caelus responded calmly, "That's why I'm staying." Zavian's patience was visibly wearing thin.

My eyes widened, "You are?"

Caelus turned to me, a subtle smirk playing on his lips, then redirected his attention to Zavian, who clenched his fists.

"You're not staying," Zavian insisted.

"I am," Caelus retorted.

"No, you're not."

"We are!" Tadashi beamed, striding through the revolving door with a grin and winking at me in greeting. "New York has always been on my exploration list," he said, closing the distance to Stella and bending down slightly to her height. "Maybe you could be my guide sometime?"

"Get away from—"

"Sure," Stella agreed, nonchalant to Zavian's escalating anger permeating the lobby.

Zavian cursed at him, took a deep breath, and, upon catching Stella's raised brow, relented, "Stella, cancel all my meetings," he ordered, glancing at Caelus with softened eyes. "Let's have a private conversation."

After leaving Valida, we opted for separate cars—I followed Zavian while Tadashi accompanied Caelus. Throughout the drive, Zavian maintained an air of nonchalance, engaging in small talk as we ventured into a secluded area, far from the city, where winding roads led us to the base of a mountain.

The scenery outside was a sea of green, the road weaving deeper into the woods until a gated entrance guarded by stern-faced security personnel came into view. As our car approached, the gate swung open, granting us access.

Zavian explained that this was his usual headquarters, having relocated some essentials for late-night business dealings. Stepping out of the car, I surveyed the surroundings—a porch with glass railings, a house adorned with plentiful windows.

Behind us, Tadashi parked his car, and both men emerged, taking in the scenery. Meanwhile, Stella stepped out from the front passenger seat of our car, guiding us to the entrance and effortlessly opening the door with a code.

As the chime echoed, we entered, and I was struck by the simplicity and elegance of the interior. Sunlight cascaded through expansive glass walls, casting a warm glow on the sophisticated decor. The air held a refined subtlety, seamlessly blending with the surrounding forest.

The interior boasted a palette of dark hues, perfectly complemented by well-placed lights. The house, spanning two stories, featured a spiral staircase leading to the upper floor, where a glass-encased meeting room allowed us a view from below, with curtains likely available to obscure our sight when needed.

"Stella will guide you to your rooms," Zavian informs, motioning toward her. "Hudson, upstairs." Zavian climbs the stairs, Caelus following. However, I catch the hem of Caelus's cuffs.