The Prototype

45. Building Bridges

TEMPEST

The sun drenching the estate in its golden warmth as we made our way through the west wing. The sound of our shoes echoing, each step a sharp patter across the marble floors, slowly giving way to the rising heat outside. Gia, Gabby, Sapphire, and I, walking in sync, our pace casual, as we strolled through the open hallway toward the heavy double doors ahead, leading to the backyard where Gia and Gabby planned their picnic.

The air inside the estate feeling cool, too smooth against my skin, like the damn place was trying to seduce you into forgetting how suffocating it really was. Glancing at Gia and Gabby, who were practically glowing with excitement, their voices floating with casual ease as they reassured me for what felt like the hundredth time that this wasn't some overcompensating gesture.

"Like you both know that you don't have to make anything up to me. We're good, I explained that Wednesday during the pampering session."I said, my voice laced with reassurance. Hoping that this wasn't a scheme for them to continue making amends.

Gia's ocean-blue, almond-shaped eyes softened as she glanced at me, her smile quiet but knowing. "We're not overcompensating, Tempest. I promise," she replied, shaking her head softly, her voice a calming hum. "We planned this once Boss gave us the green light that we were done with training and practice for tomorrow. We've been looking forward to it."

"Better that today is lovely," she added with a glance at the sky, "the weather's perfect, so why not enjoy some peace before tomorrow's madness?"

Gabby, walking beside Gia, nodded enthusiastically, her agreement evident as she chimed in, "It was perfect timing since we made up with you. We thought, why not make it a little group outing with you and Sapphire? We're all here together now, so let's make the most of it."

Watching as Gia and Gabby pushed the doors open, the air instantly hitting us, sweeping across my face and making my hair blow off my shoulders. I could feel the breeze through the light fabric of my summer dress, the sensation making me roll my shoulders as I breathed in the scent of the outdoors.

The estate grounds stretching out before us like the usual damn fairy tale it was always trying to be, too perfect, too picturesque. A soft breeze blowing, carrying the intoxicating scent of the sprawling flower garden that hugged the edges of the land. The colors hit like a splash of paint, blush pinks, fiery oranges, angelic whites, deep purples, all tangled together in a chaotic, yet stunning, display. The grass felt lush beneath the soles of my sandals, almost too green, too well-manicured, like invisible hands had trimmed it to perfection.

Glancing up at the sky, the blue so clear it looked unreal, only a few cotton-like clouds scattered lazily across the horizon. The heat blazing against my skin, just the kind of warmth that made your skin tingle pleasantly.

Sapphire walking quietly beside me, offering a soft smile, clearly content to see the four of us together again.

Ahead of us, Gia and Gabby were already moving with purpose, reaching the small plot they've apparently picked out for our little gathering. A picturesque spot, of course, right in the middle of the garden, surrounded by rows of those vibrant flowers. The sunlight hitting the patch just right, creating an almost dreamy atmosphere that would have made anyone else swoon.

Gia, with her graceful movements, pulled out a soft, beige blanket from the picnic basket she was carrying, shaking it out in a smooth motion before laying it across the grass. Every move she made was deliberate, controlled just like Marcellus trained her to be. The sun blazing down on her tan skin as she focused on creating the perfect picnic scene.

Gabby, crouching next to Gia, pulling out plates, glass cups, utensils, and containers of food with quick hands, her face lit up like a child excitement. The picnic basket itself matched them both with it's fancy woven and leather straps. Very fancy and rich, just like them and the world they live in. I expected nothing less. Even the food looked like it belonged in some gourmet magazine.