shadows of deceit by author berryy

CHAPTER 23

It's been a month now since Lila has come to castle, and she had finally settled into her surroundings. Ryker, on the other hand, was engrossed in his multifaceted endeavors - expertly navigating the complexities of Cormac Inc. and his clandestine mafia operations.

Lila, now comfortable in her environment, couldn't help but revel in the passion that Ryker ignited within her. 'Sex with Ryker is scorching and addictive', her cheeks flushed at the mere thought of their intimate encounters.

Meanwhile, Varyl's application to the prestigious Ravenhood Academy had been accepted, and today marked the day of his departure. Lila's emotions were in turmoil as she struggled to come to terms with the impending separation from her baby brother. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she envisioned the void that Varyl's absence would leave in her life.

As they gathered to bid Varyl's farewell, Lila's anxiety reached a fever pitch. She clung to her baby brother, her arms wrapped tightly around him, as if trying to savor every last moment of his presence. Varyl, sensing his sister's distress, offered a reassuring smile, but Lila's heart remained heavy with sorrow.

In the midst of this emotional turmoil, Ryker stood steadfast, his gaze fixed intently on Lila as if trying to convey a sense of comfort and reassurance. His eyes burned with a fierce intensity, a testament to the depth of his feelings for her.

"take care of yourself, okay? And study well...I'll be worried sick about you", Lila said.

Varyl smiled at her and replied, "Don't worry, Leo. I'll be fine. I'll make sure to study hard and become a top student. (teasingly) But don't expect me to become a bookworm like Ryker here".

Lila laughed at that, "Hey, Ryker's not a bookworm!"

Varyl chuckled, "Oh, really? Then why does he always have his nose buried in some business report or mafia manual?", he asked.

"Hey, someone's got to keep the family business running", Ryker said playfully.

"Yeah, yeah. Just make sure you don't forget about me while you're off having fun at Ravenhood", Lila said.

"Never, sis. I'll call you every week and keep you updated on all the juicy gossip"

Lila smiled at him, "you better"

"And don't worry, I'll make sure to send you plenty of pictures of me with my new friends...just to make you jealous"

" Varyl!", Lila said as they all laughed, decreasing the tension and her anxiety.

Lila smiled sadly as she said a goodbye to her little flower.

As Varyl departed for Ravenhood Academy, a surge of determination coursed through his veins. He was eager to embark on a new chapter of his life, leaving behind the struggles and hardships that had accompanied his battle with a brain tumor. The experience had been arduous, but Varyl had emerged stronger and more resilient.

As the car pulled up to the school's entrance, Varyl gazed out at the imposing structure, its walls standing tall and proud. He felt a sense of awe wash over him, followed by a swell of pride. He knew that he, too, could stand tall and proud, just like the building before him.

With a deep breath, Varyl stepped out of the car and onto the school's grounds. The crunch of gravel beneath his feet served as a reminder that he was taking his first steps towards a new beginning. He squared his shoulders, his eyes fixed on the entrance, and began his walk towards the unknown.

As he approached the building, the sounds of laughter and chatter grew louder, mingling with the rustle of leaves in the trees. Varyl's heart beat with anticipation, his senses heightened as he prepared to embrace this fresh start. With each step, his confidence grew, until he finally pushed open the door and stepped inside, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

He stood tall, not because he had no scars, but because he had learned to embrace them, and to use them as a reminder of his strength....
______________________________________

Lila sat in the library, surrounded by dusty tomes and flickering candles, her eyes fixed on the pages of her book. But her mind was elsewhere, lost in the tumultuous events of the past week. Memories of her whirlwind marriage to Ryker, the struggles she had faced, and the pain she had endured swirled through her thoughts like a maelstrom.

Her gaze drifted to the clock on the mantle, its gentle tick-tock a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. Evening had fallen, casting a warm orange glow over the room. Lila sighed, her breath trembling as she closed her book.

As she rose from the couch, a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to grasp the corner of the sofa for support. She steadied herself, her hand tightening around the upholstery as she waited for the vertigo to pass. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, and she knew that her emotional state was to blame. The stress, the anxiety, and the sheer weight of her emotions had finally caught up with her.

Lila took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She thought of Varyl, now gone, and Ryker, who had become her rock in such a short time. The memories of their time together, both joyful and painful, threatened to overwhelm her once more. With a quiet resolve, Lila straightened her shoulders, steeling herself against the emotions that sought to consume her. She would face whatever came next with courage and determination.

Ryker was in his office busy as he had a new deal, which was important for his company. The company he had worked so hard for.

Ryker sat at his desk, engrossed in his work, as his phone buzzed with an incoming text from Lila. She was going out, and Ryker's instincts immediately kicked in. "Take a guard with you," he replied, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

But as he returned to his work, Ryker's mind became preoccupied with the thoughts of his Leonessá. He had been meaning to tell Lila the truth, but it had slipped his mind. Now, he cursed himself for his oversight.

Meanwhile, Lila had taken Ryker's advice and brought a guard with her to the mall. She had been feeling down, and a shopping trip was just what she needed to lift her spirits.

After buying some makeup, she and her guard were walking out of the store when suddenly, chaos erupted. A group of men, their faces obscured, attacked without warning.

The guard quickly pulled Lila down, shielding her with his body, but he was vastly outnumbered. Lila, frantic with fear, looked around for an escape route, she tried to run towards the exit sign, but it was too late. The men overpowered the guard, and one of them grabbed Lila, holding a cloth soaked in chloroform over her nose and mouth.

She struggled, but her vision began to blur, and she felt herself being lifted off the ground. As she lost consciousness, she saw the guard lying motionless on the floor, and her last thought was of Ryker.

SOON TO BE CONTINUE....

______________________________________

The fun part is here berries>3
______________________________________

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.