𝔅𝔬𝔫𝔡: ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔚𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔰

Chapter Eighteen: Mind Games

Vale

Days after everything, I was in my office trying to figure out how I’ll locate Amber. I was thinking back on the time that we talked. I could've told her what danger she’s in but that would’ve only caused her to panic. She sounded relaxed for once, although still feisty. I was genuine when we spoke… I really do miss her, especially reading her unguarded thoughts.

I sighed. Why is he doing this… why cause her more suffering as if murdering her girlfriend or separating her from her father wasn’t enough already. She’s trying to heal all her wounds. Anyway I got in contact with the investigator's mom hired when she was missing. He didn’t say outside help was cheating. “So you want us to just report to you Madam Terra?” I filled them in already, all they need to do is find her location. And I gave them a deadline. 

“Yes, everything to me. If something happens don’t spit a word out,” I said. “Alright, we’ll be in touch.” The call disconnected and I placed my phone aside before dragging my screen in front of me. Before I got into my own thing there was a knock on the door. “If it’s not urgent, leave it with my secretary,” I said. “Orchid, open this door,” my mothers voice boomed from behind. I flipped the switch under my desk and it opened on its own. A new feature my technical employees installed. 

“I’m sorry mom,” I muttered, moving to grab a chair for her. Her tone softened once she got in. “How are you feeling dear?” She sat across from me, placing a light hand on my shoulder. “Never been better,” I forced a fake smile. I’m annoyed, tired, scared… but it all comes with the title. 

And uncle Sam carried this for almost forty years. But of course her mother’s intuition comes in. Her hand crested my cheek, and turned it so I could meet her cool silver eyes. Sometimes I envy them, I wouldn’t look like him if I was born with them. “We’re here to give you advice. You have this Vale.” I smiled, returning her sweetness, “I know mom.”

—--

Four days later I got a call from one of the investigators. I was told there was a lead on where she may be. To say I was happy was an understatement. “That’s great, what do you have,” I muttered, leaving my car. I had just gotten off work, I signed in a half day since there wasn’t anything to do.

“We found out from some sources that she may be in a neighboring country, unfortunately it’s going to take more time to locate the exact one since we’re surrounded by five bigger ones.” I sighed, stroking my hair back. This stinks but what can I do, I don’t want to ask her straight where she is now. She probably wouldn’t even answer me.

“Alright, is there anything else?” I said getting ready to disconnect. “I’ve also heard rumors that she’s  started in the fighting industry. But that's all I know so far,” he said before hanging up. Wait… the fighting industry? Why would she… I can’t question it.

I barely know what's going on with her now, and Alexis is much more secretive right now. I sighed and decided to go back out, I don’t know where but wherever it may be. “Celyn,” I called out for my beloved companion. Hearing his familiar cries I walked in the kitchen and he was sitting next to his empty bowl of water and food.

I smiled and poured him more food and water. “I’m stepping out again, guard the house will you.” I patted his snowy coat and poked his pink nose that reminded me of her, he purred and I left to change.

When I got back it was early in the night. I had dinner with my uncle and mom. It was his turn to host. Still I went to my gym, just for a good hour or two. As if he knew, Celyn came running towards me. I rolled my eyes and walked around him to change. I walked back down stairs with my hair in a bun, with a pair of shorts and sports bra. I passed the corridor mirror catching a glimpse of my scar. I stopped to stare for a moment, then walked off. I’m not bitter towards her or anything but I just wanted to return the favor.

I started to do my reps and tuned the world around me out. Pushed all my thoughts away, and focused. Twenty or thirty-five minutes later I dropped the weights to take a sip of water. Taking a little break in the moment , then I felt a subtle presence in front of him. And that irritating cologne was proof that I had an unwanted guest.

“Congratulations my lovely Monarch. I’m sorry that I couldn’t make it to your crowning.” I rolled my eyes. “You weren’t invited,” I replied. He chuckled, “I was there, my lovely kinder. You should know shadows are everywhere.” Albeit from a distance, everywhere in that place was illuminated. Then he changed the subject. “How long has it been Vaia? Two… three weeks,” his voice peered through the shadows.

“Three,” I hissed. “Really? Time has really run by, did I ever give you a deadline to meet?” I started in the dark ahead of me, and bit my tongue. For all I know this man has this hunter under his thumb. The hunter… I disregarded that piece of information. “Vaia, are you still there?” Now he decided to step out of the shadows. His cunning red eyes staring back at me with a giant grin. “You didn’t,” I replied.

“And I take it you followed the single rule I gave you, right?” His head tilted the other way as he moved closer to me. “What is your problem, what is your deal?” I stood up and met him halfway. “Oh, that curiosity of yours will kill the purpose of the game, Vaia. Patience will be awarded… well if you find her in time,” he smiled. “What do you want with her,” I questioned. I was itching for him to say something stupid, I’ll hurt him badly. His serpent eyes looked me up and down his smile cracking wider. “Are you sure she’s just a friend, because you're acting a bit suspicious.”

“Not an answer,” I growled my hand forming  a fist. He sees it and knows, secrets are held by many and I have my own. But for this very man standing in front of me secrets are dangerous. Unpredictable, smart, cunning just what Alexis said. He then stepped closer leaving a few more inches in between us. “I see it now, you love her but she doesn’t return your affection.

Those flowers you buy monthly, white roses. You think she’s pure darling but I assure you she’s not. She’s had blood on her hands ever since she’s been out in this damn world, even in that orphanage. And when I had her for that year she had even more on her hands-” Before he could finish his words I sucker punched him. I watched as he stumbled back holding his mouth.

He whipped the dripping blood from his lips and laughed. “You can't fix what's already broken, Vaia. She’s lost, and has demons beyond your understanding,” he huffed. “You don’t know shit,” I barked back. “But I do, more than you would want to ever know,” he sneered, backing away. I watched as the shadows embraced him. “You have four weeks Vaia, time’s ticking,” he said before disappearing.

I huffed and left that room, snapping my fingers for the lights to turn on. I stared at my bruised knuckles and then they healed on their own. I could have killed him if I wanted to, but I won’t stoop to his level. “You don’t know crap about her,” but neither do I. I don’t care if she loves me back. It can be one sided for all I care. Your little mind games wont work on  me.

I called one of the investigators and told him to split the priorities. Finding her was still a major one but finding out who this damn hunter is that would be stupid enough to hunt people could be. It’s illegal and down right inhumane, but of course not so damn uncommon. “Find me a list of family names outside the country, old blood lines that are known hunters,” I said before hanging up.

***
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