Feelguild

Chapter 1

"Tell me, did you kill her."

Sebastian couldn't speak, nor could he muster the energy to vomit. His hands were cuffed behind his back, blood stained his face, and his whole body ached from the relentless interrogation. He knew he looked guilty, but he remained silent, his breath shaky and his voice too strained to make a sound.

"Answer me, you brat!" the detective roared. His fury boiled over as he kicked Sebastian hard in the gut, sending him—and the chair he was tied to—crashing into the nearby wall. The impact forced the air from Sebastian's lungs, leaving him gasping and disoriented. 

"That's enough, General Bellerose!"

The grey interrogation room’s door swung open, and a tall, poised woman with midnight-purple hair strode in, her hazelnut-haired assistant following close behind. Her heels clicked against the cold tile floor, cutting through the tension like a blade. 

"We know you mourn your daughter's passing, but please consider all of the possibilities before throwing around accusations and beating this boy to a bloody pulp," the woman stepped closer to Bellerose and placed an empathetic hand on his shoulder. "Please just let me take the case. I'm more than capable of getting to the bottom of this; Dominic will even assist me."

Bellerose hesitated, his grief and rage warring within him. His hands trembled as he shrugged her hand off. "Yolande, do you promise? he asked, his voice cracking. The pain in his eyes was raw, the grief of a father who had lost everything.

"I promise." Yolande met Bellerose's gaze with a smile, not one of friendliness, but rather comfort. "Dominic," Yolande addressed her attention to her assistant. "Please, untie Mr. Allaire so we can get some answers. And Mr. Bellerose, please take it easy. Our agency relies on your continued support as the chief detective."

"You have my sincere gratitude, Ms. Delon." Bellerose reciprocated the smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. He nodded as he left the room, pausing only to pat Dominic on the back.

Dominic wasted no time, rushing to Sebastian. He set the chair upright and began untying his wrists. "I’m sorry for what happened. On behalf of Mr. Bellerose, I apologize."

Sebastian shook his head weakly. "It’s... fine," he rasped, though his throat burned with every word. "He has every right to be pissed. If it were my daughter..." He broke off into a fit of coughing, each spasm sending sharp pain through his ribs

"Easy," Yolande said, stepping forward. She placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. "He had no right to treat you like this, but let’s focus on finding the truth. Can you tell us what happened? I haven't seen a case this convoluted since the Zodiac Killer."

Sebastian hesitated, his chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath. "I don’t... know much," he finally said, his voice hoarse. "Adelaide and I were friends. She went missing, and now he’s accusing me of killing her. I didn’t do it."

"Easy." Yolande placed her hand on his shoulder. "Steady yourself; can you break it down slowly?"

Sebastian sighed, regaining his composure. "Possibly," he uttered before wiping off his mouth, seeing the crimson stain on his hand and tasting the metallica taste on his tongue. "Mr. Bellerose has... erm, had a daughter named Adelaide Bellerose, who was once my close friend. Don't know what happened to her... she went missing, and now he's charging me with the murder of her. I didn't do it."

Yolande exchanged a quick, concerned glance with Dominic before turning back to Sebastian. She reached into her blazer and pulled out a worn envelope. "We believe you," she said gently, handing it to him. "We were digging through the case earlier and everything didn't match up with your description, and besides, you don't have a criminal record to begin with to track previous offenses."

"What's this?" Sebastian raised the envelope to his face to better see the writing on the aged, yellowed paper.

"A letter of acceptance to Feelguild," Dominic explained. "It’s a sanctuary for people like you—those society has cast aside. Considering your current situation, it might be the best place for you until the case is resolved."

Sebastian’s brow furrowed in suspicion. "How do I know this isn’t some kind of trap?"

Yolande offered a small, understanding smile. "We're officials within the government, and while you might believe most of us are nothing by liars and con artists, rest assured we're trying to help, Mr. Allaire. Read the letter if you believe it to be a fantasy."

With a shaky sigh, Sebastian opened the envelope, pulling out the yellowed paper inside. His eyes widened as he read the words written in an elegant hand:

'There is a place for all of the misfits, lost souls, and unloved. This place is known as Feelguild, a home for the aforementioned and anything in between. You have received this invitation letter in response to your recent situation. We understand the reasoning behind your actions and we welcome you with open arms. Transportation to our facility has been paid for by oneself and will arrive by noon. You'll always have a home at Feelguild, Mr. Allaire. - M. Suchet'

Sebastian’s hands trembled as he lowered the letter. "It... seems too good to be true," he murmured.

"I promise it’s real," Yolande assured him. "Feelguild is a place where you can heal and find belonging. Are you willing to give it a chance?"

For a moment, Sebastian was silent, his gaze flitting between Yolande and Dominic. He couldn't believe his luck. To be deemed a criminal and yet offered the chance to have a place where he belonged. Sebastian stood up from his chair, almost stumbling over before regaining his balance. "I'll go."

"Excellent. Now, if you'll follow us, we'll get you there; Feelguild welcomes you with open arms." Yolande propped open the door to the exit, waiting on Sebastian.

Sebastian stumbled after them, hope flickering faintly in his chest. He couldn’t believe his luck—to be accused of murder yet offered a new beginning. But as he crossed the threshold, a strange unease settled over him. 

Sebastian quickly picked himself up and gathered his energy, rushing to Yolande and Dominic, grateful to have another chance at life. Today, he officially became part of the Feelguild family, but little did he know what was actually in store for him at this home of empty promises.