Into the Unknown

e i g h t

"What is it then?" Vincent asked.

"Well, from my not-so-extensive italian knowledge, it's a love letter." Aileen said, narrowing her eyes at the old, crumbled paper.

"A love letter? From Morone?" he was taken aback. "Let me see" he said and kneeled down next to her, picking a few letters from the large chest.

"Yes, to a woman named Francesca Giovanni. From what I understand, they had a fiery love affair back in Milan, and kept in contact ever since." she said.

She then dug up a framed picture from the chest. "I imagine this is her."

An alluring woman was the subject of the photograph. She was a beauty, really. Her hair was ebony black and the curls from her elaborate hairstyle were hardly touching her bare shoulders. A red silk dress was falling over the rest of her lean body, leaving her shoulders and sharp collarbone exposed. Her defined cheekbones and jawline that was looking up added to her look of superiority. Her cherry red lips were parted seductively and her cold grey-green stare was filled with arrogance and pride.

"Damn" Vincent whispered, captivated by the image. He then picked up one of the smaller chests and opened it. His eyebrows shot up in recognition. He showed it to Aileen. It was a ruby pendant, in a silver socket decorated with snakes.

"This" he said, fascinated. "I remember him always carrying it around. It belonged to his mother, a family heirloom. He used to say he'd only give it to the one who broke down his walls."

Aileen made a gesture like she was shoving two fingers up her throat and puking.

"Very mature" Vincent said.

"Ugh, romance" she said disgusted, then took the chest, the letters and the picture, put them back in place and closed the chest. But she kept the pendant and placed it in her pocket. She then walked up to Constantin, who looked very confused.

"This is what he wanted to protect so badly? A chest full of love letters?" he asked.

"You don't understand. The person to whom the letters are from and adressed to means very much to him. She's his vulnerable spot, the crack in his armor. I want you to find this woman at all costs and not come back until you have her, alive. And take this chest somewhere safe." she commanded.

"Yes ma'am" he nodded and left.

She smiled. Success, finally.
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She sat up at the edge of the bed quietly and strapped on her bra. She got up to find her pants, when she heard stirring.

"Leaving already, baby?" Ciara asked.

Aileen sighed internally and turned back smilling. "I have things to do, Ciara. And you do too, aren't you the freaking district eternee?"

"I just wish you'd stay a little longer" she pouted and flexed tiredly, exposing her dark skin.

Aileen sighed outloud this time, climbed up to the bed and kissed her passionately. She then proceeded to put on her shirt, grab her phone and head towards the door. She stood there for a moment, only to ask Ciara:

"You're coming to the casino party tonight, right?"

"Yeah, yeah" Ciara dismissed and turned on her side to go back to sleep.

Aileen smirked. "Great, see you tonight then. And wear something nice."
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Vincent stood in front of a tall building. The road was empty, and distant car sounds could be heard. Behind him, a large, blunt brick wall.