Nevermore (Book One)

Chapter 1: Trent

Mendrez Mansion
Yorkshire, England
Victorian England, 2017

                            I woke up in the middle of the night with her name in my mouth.

                            Akiane.

                            It's not that simple to break up with the best pianist in town. We're always meant for each other. I am a violinist, she's a pianist, and together we can make beautiful music. But not right now.

                           I fix my bed and left my room. On the hallway, the lights from the chandeliers really blind me.

                           As I gaze on the grandfather clock, I was amaze that it was no longer evening. It's already dawn.

                          I went down to fetch some coffee. As I walk down the stairs, I notice that two of my servants are already awake, sweeping the marble floor to remove the dust.

                         "Good morning sir!" Alicia said. She is an American. I met her two years ago in the street of Salisbury in Wiltshire. She's a street dweller way back then and also a victim of rape. Her fair skin reflects her past. But then, it didn't became a hindrance for her to continue her life.

                         "Good morning too. What's in a hurry that you woke up at this early? Is there an occasion or something?" I ask her. She's going to answer my question but then, the other maid response before her.

                          "It's been a 119 years sir since the incident in Wiltshire happened. Remember the Asian guy who died there? Some people said that he works for a big time syndicate in England." Felissa said. She's taller and slim fit than Alicia.

                          As I heard her say the incident in Wiltshire, I quickly remembered it. Cause 119 years ago, they saw a man dead in the famous Stonehenge.

                         I would like to ask more but we've been cut by the sound of the phone ringing. Alicia left the broom and head for it.

                        "Hello, Mendrez residence...." She ask the person on the other line. It took her a few seconds before she realize the identity of the person she was talking to. "Oh, Mr. Santiago, yes. Worry less, I will tell this news to him immediately."

                        Alicia lowers the phone and she walks to my direction. She stops, a few steppings in the stairs, then she tells me what Raphael is up to today.

                       "Master, sir Santiago invited you to come with him in a ball. A masquerade one. He's waiting for your response before 7 this morning." She said then left without another word.

                        I made my way outside. To see the stars above, still there waiting for the morning light to hide them. It's not that I am not always going outside but I am a timid person. Meaning, I am not that exposed to the world. Especially right now that England is in the midst of warfare against the pirates.

                         I never see the sky so blank like this. No stars stood still in the bluish lavender sky.