Dollhouse { 𝓑𝔁𝓑 }

{ ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 VI }

They stepped into the grand foyer, the doors closing behind them with a heavy thud that echoed through the mansion's opulent halls.

Etienne's gaze darted up for just a moment, catching sight of a man standing before them-a tall figure in a tailored suit, with white hair slicked back neatly and a mustache. Servants lined each side of the entry hall, their heads bowed, hands clasped before them as they remained in silent attention.

"Welcome home, Master," the man greeted. This had to be Antonio Vlad, the head butler, overseeing the household and servants. Antonio's gaze briefly flickered to Etienne, taking in the young man's disheveled state without a word before he shifted his focus back.

"Take him to the guest room, and clean him thoroughly. I will assist him soon," the elder man commanded.

"Yes, Master," Antonio replied, nodding respectfully before gesturing for a servant to come forward. The servant stepped up quickly, to guide the bodyguard who had Etienne slung over his shoulder toward the guest room.

"Call Nyx to my office," he commanded as he walked away, his shoes echoing against the marble floor as he made his way toward his office. He walked upstairs, the walls were lined with framed photographs of family and associates, their expressions frozen in time, each portrait telling a story of power and influence.

Stepping inside he took off his coat and let it fall onto the sofa. He made his way to the whiskey table, where the rich scent of aged whiskey lingered in the air. He poured himself a glass, the amber liquid catching the light. The sound of the liquid swirling in the glass echoed in the quiet room.

He brought the glass to his lips, savoring the initial burn as he took a sip. Sipping slowly, his mind wandered back to the young boy who had entered his life so unexpectedly. There was something captivating about Etienne's fragility, a stark contrast to the hardened world of his. The boy was like a delicate porcelain doll-beautiful yet vulnerable, easily shattered if mishandled.

Etienne's wide, doe-like eyes reflected a vulnerability that was both disarming and alluring. He was an empty canvas, untouched by the harsh realities of life, and that innocence made him all the more precious. The elder man found himself drawn to that purity, recognizing it as a rarity in a world so filled with corruption and betrayal.

The door creaked open, and a feminine figure stepped in. "You wanted to see me?" she asked. Nyx Andreev stood confidently, her blond hair falling over her shoulders, framing her sharp features. Her blue eyes, vibrant and piercing, locked onto the man in front of her.

"Yes," he replied. "Find out everything about Etienne Theodore."

"Etienne? So that's his name. Isn't that the fucker Vladimir's son?" Nyx raised an eyebrow. "So he's the one everyone is gossiping about, hmh?"

"Yeah, I bought him," he replied casually.

"Woah, I don't think your bitch Morana would like that," she chuckled. "You know how she feels about anyone who might steal the spotlight from her.

"I really don't give a fuck about her," he replied, taking another sip of his whiskey. "She's just another bitch I bought."

"Right, because that's how it works in your world," Nyx said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, alright then. So I assume you killed Vladimir and took Etienne as payment. I bet he sold him off to you."

"That's right," he said. "Vladimir was already getting on my nerves, so in the end, he sold his son off to me to clear off his debt."

Nyx raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "Not surprised, honestly. That fucker was always a weakling, trying to play big. He probably thought selling his own kid would save his sorry ass."