Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 22: Secluded Hermitage (The Phoenix)

Secluded Hermitage (The Phoenix)

Gabriel emerged from Champ's heavily fortified hideout, flanked by his bodyguards. They escorted him to the sleek black vehicle waiting outside. The driver, expressionless, held open the rear door. Gabriel slid into the plush backseat, letting out a deep breath as the door closed behind him. His gaze drifted toward the window, observing the cityscape roll by. His phone pierced the silence, shrill in the enclosed space. An unknown number flashed on the screen. Gabriel's brow furrowed. "Hello?" he answered curtly.

"Where are you?" a low, mysterious male voice demanded, skipping formalities.
 
"I'm heading back to the mansion, why?" Gabriel replied, his tone tinged with annoyance at the mysterious inquiry.

"Come straight to the hermitage first," the voice commanded curtly. "We need to discuss something urgent." Before Gabriel could respond, the line went dead. He scowled, irritation intensifying. The abrupt dismissal fueled his growing unease.
 
The winding route stretched on for over half an hour, leading Gabriel and his bodyguards deep into the wilderness. Towering trees loomed outside, casting long shadows that danced across the vehicle's sleek interior. Finally, the car halted before a massive, heavily fortified gate, its voltage-charged metal mesh glinting ominously. Gabriel's gaze swept the surroundings, noting the numerous figures clad in black, their faces concealed behind menacing masks. The air was thick with tension. The gate creaked, slowly sliding open to reveal a dimly lit pathway.
 
As the car rolled to a stop within the heavily fortified compound, Gabriel stepped out, flanked by his bodyguards. Before he could take another step, two masked men swooped in, swiftly grasping his arms. Gabriel's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait, wait! What are you doing?" he protested, struggling against their grip. "He sent me here; why detain me?" he demanded, reference to his mysterious summoner evident in his tone.

The masked men remained stoic, their silence unnerving. Without a word, they dragged Gabriel toward the hermitage, his bodyguards powerless to intervene. Resigning to his fate, Gabriel ceased struggling, his long strides matching the guards' urgent pace. They navigated a dimly lit hallway, the air thick with secrecy. The guards swung open a majestic door, revealing a grand foyer reminiscent of an opulent mansion. Marble floors gleamed beneath crystal chandeliers.

They ascended a sweeping staircase, the silence broken only by echoing footsteps. Another lengthy corridor stretched before them, lined with imposing wooden doors. The guards halted at the farthest entrance, pushing it open to reveal a lavishly furnished office. Gabriel was ushered inside, his heart pounding with anticipation. A figure shrouded in shadows sat behind the expansive desk, clad in a black hoodie and mask. Gabriel's eyes narrowed, confusion etched on his face. "Hey, what's going on?" he queried, incredulity creeping into his voice.

Before he could finish, a vicious punch to his stomach left him gasping. Agony exploded, doubling him over. "Argghh!" Gabriel groaned, stunned. Struggling upright, he glared at the masked figure. "Hey, I'm asking you!" he repeated, determination edging into his tone.

The hooded figure rose from the swivel chair, its deliberate slowness exuding menace. The masked figure's voice dripped with disdain. "Don't feign ignorance, Gabriel. I know what you did. You lack discretion and prudence. How could your father entrust you with responsibility, blind to your recklessness?"

Gabriel's shoulders slumped, realization dawning. His eyes dropped, shamefaced. "Fine, fine. I admit it," he muttered, contrition etched on his face. "But believe me, I didn't mean it. It was a mistake, a lapse in judgment." He pleaded for understanding, hoping forgiveness might temper the masked man's animosity.

The masked man's face twisted in rage. "Well, fuck you, Gabriel!" he snarled, venom spewing from his words. "For fuck's sake! Fix your job, you goddamn asshole!" Fury fueled his actions. He clenched his fist, then grasped Gabriel's collar, jerking him upright from his kneeling position. Gabriel's eyes widened, fear flashing across his face. The masked man's breath hot against Gabriel's ear, he seethed, "If I find out you've screwed up again, I'll kill you, you fucker!"
 
Gabriel's submissive tone momentarily placated Phoenix. "Okay, okay, Phoenix, I... I know," Gabriel stammered, rubbing his sore collar.