KING OF TORMENTS

CHAPTER 1

Everytime I arrived late at the Sinclaire Mansion, there was a common noise I got used to. My brother called it his own version of 21 gun salute in honor of my stubbornness. Pagkalabas ko pa lang sa minamaneho kong sasakyan ay narinig ko na nga ang mga sunod-sunod na putok ng baril. Kasabay nito ang malakas na pagtahol at pag-ungol ng mga aso. The birds on the nearby trees even scattered as the noise continued to disturb their peace. Our mansion was located in the most remote area, surrounded by forest and placed at the center of wilderness. Thus, it never bothered my brother to do his little exhibition of insanity. Sometimes, he would shoot aimlessly; there were also times, a poor man received all the bullets. Sana lang ngayon wala akong bangkay na madadatnan sa loob. I had seen enough death today. Damn, I deserve a break.

Sinalubong ako ng mga tauhan ng aking kapatid. They all wore black suits, a perfect contrast to the vibrant colors of the Sinclaire Mansion. My family lived in too much luxury. This mansion, a small portion of their wealth, could attest how much money they had in their arsenal. After many renovations, the architectural structure was almost modern, combining both the use of expensive glasses and some touch of gold. We passed the fountain in front, glittering under the moonlight.

The men in black followed me as I entered the large, double door. My silent plea earlier was futile the moment I stepped inside the living room. May isang lalaking wala ng buhay ang nakahandusay sa marmol na sahig. Tadtad ito ng mga putok ng baril. The poor man's face was beyond recognizable in this state. I almost gagged.

"Tell me, what did this man do to receive such a brutal death from my brother?" I looked at the nearest man in black, and sighed. "Answer me."

"He was a spy. Boss became impatient getting a confession—"

"Where the hell have you been, young lady?!"

Umalingawngaw ang malakas na boses ni Lush Sinclaire—ang nakakatanda kong kapatid. May hawak itong derringer at tila isang modelong naglalakad pababa sa grand staircase. He looked like a model, with his lazy eyes focused on me, before it shifted to the man whom he interrupted.

"Jules, you're wrong. I did not become impatient. This young lady knows the repercussions of going home late. The spy paid for it. All of you, get out. I need to talk to my sister."

The men in black leave in an instant.

Lush stared at me again. "So where have you been?"

"Somewhere." I yawned.

"Your somewhere led me to kill this bastard before I could hear any confession from him. What a waste."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. "Do not use me as an excuse to justify your craziness, Lush. And your men are no longer here. No need to act like a strict brother or a tough alpha."

As expected, my older brother pouted in front of me. Napangiwi ako.

"Baby Sappy, naman e! Bakit kasi ang tagal mong umuwi? Wala man lang text, tawag or explanation kung saan ka pumunta. Syempre, nag-alala ako kaya hindi ako makapag-isip ng matino! I deserve your explanation!" He continued to give his rants.

May papadyak-padyak pa siyang nalalaman. He was acting like a kid with tantrums. I scoffed. Lush was older than me but heck, I couldn't even bring myself to call him, 'kuya', knowing he couldn't even act as one. He was bipolar. Demonyo sa harap ng iba, abnormal naman kapag ako ang kasama.

"Shut up Lush, I'm sleepy." Walang gana kong ikinumpas ang kanan kong kamay senyales na pinapalayas ko siya sa harapan ko.

He pouted again. I didn't understand his mannerism. Hindi ko rin maintindihan kung bakit naririnig pa lang ang pangalan ng kapatid ko ay maraming natatakot at kinikilabutan. If they just knew who is Lush Sinclaire behind the facade...