A great mansion stood behind a gentle hill, at the West end of the city. Its silhouette an elegant harmony of stone and ivy, a testament to generations of wisdom and learning. As one approached, the ornate iron gates whispered tales of the many scholars who had crossed this threshold, eager to unravel the secrets within. The symbol of a Quill and An Ink was boldly engraved on the iron gates that led into the estate. The Symbol of House Rhodes - A symbolization of what they stood for.The gravel path leading up to the grand entrance crunched underfoot like the soft rustle of pages, setting the tone for what awaited inside.Upon entering, the scent of aged paper and polished oak enveloped the atmosphere, an olfactory embrace that hinted at the treasures contained within. The foyer, illuminated by a grand chandelier, was flanked by mahogany bookshelves stretching up towards the vaulted ceiling. Each shelf bore the weight of centuries, laden with tomes that ranged from leather-bound cl
"If the stars won't allign, I'll allign them myself." She said to herself as she got up from the bed. She was his partner after all. ***Outside the city, in a neighbouring town, a black jeep with tinted glass pulled up to a slum. The glass of the back door was rolled down revealing the Old Man with a hat on his head. "We're here sir." The driver announced, turning off the ignition of the car."Very Good." The Old Man said. His eyes scanning and observing the slum in front of him.He had spent too much time in affluence that he had almost forgotten there was another side of life. A side that was the complete opposite of what he and the other elites enjoined.Children in tattered and faded clothes ran all over the open space, with so much joy oozing from them. Despite their social status, they had a genuine happiness and love that most elite could not even boast of. The irony of life. The elite we're blessed with wealth and affluence but most lacked genuine happiness and peace, whi
"It's Jason Lockwood sir." Rachel answered with a straight face."Jason Lockwood?" Ethan repeated the name with surprise. "Send him in." He added."At once sir." Rachel answered and left the office.As soon as she left, Ethan turned back to the laptop in front of him and typed in "Jason Lockwood." Under a second, there was already a list of articles and blogs showing up as the result of the internet search.Ethan had barely begun reading up on him before the door opened once again."He's here." Rachel announced as she ushered in a fine young man, dressed in an impeccable suit that clung to his tall frame with an almost sculptural precision. His bespoke charcoal grey suit was crafted from the finest Italian wool, exuding a subtle sheen under the soft lighting. The jacket, perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders and slim waist, featured sharp, peak lapels that added a touch of boldness to his ensemble. Each button, custom-made from polished onyx, glinted discreetly as he moved.The c
"Hello Ethan, why have you been avoiding me?" Sandra asked, placing one of her hands on her hips."What are you doing here Sandra?" Ethan, the surprised look still remained plastered on his face. Was she spying on him? Ethan thought in his mind."Well let me see" Sandra began by moving around a bit. "I've called you multiple times without you returning my calls, left you a couple of messages but you refused to reply and so here I am in the flesh to see you.""What for?" Ethan asked, standing up and taking a step towards her."To see you obviously." Sandra stated, staring into his deep blue eyes.Ethan stared right back at her, refusing to be the one to break contact first. They stood just a few inches away from each other. His eyes looking down and travelling from her left eye to her right and back again, as did hers."Concerning the project. I'm your partner you can't just ghost me like I don't matter in this." Sandra cleared her throat, breaking the eye contact she held with Ethan,
"Very well then. No more messing around." Ethan said, driving away the silence that took over.***"Come in" the built man said as he ushered the Old Man and his driver into his hut.Inside the man's hut, the dim light filtering through gaps in the haphazardly arranged walls creates a warm, flickering ambiance. The walls, constructed from mismatched pieces of corrugated metal and worn wooden planks, are adorned with colorful scraps of fabric, giving the space a patchwork quilt-like appearance. Each piece tells a silent story of resilience and resourcefulness that had since their little civilization through thick and thin on the rough streets of life.In one corner, a small, handmade altar stands, crafted from an old wooden crate. Upon it rest simple offerings: a few fresh flowers, a small bowl of rice, and a flickering candle, all tokens of reverence to the spirits and ancestors. Above the altar, a faded photograph of a revered elder watches over the room, their wise eyes a silent
But which one? Alex pondered. This was another obstacle he had to cross in actualizing his vendetta against Ethan. He had to carefully pick a suitable house that would share his hatred for Ethan and partner with.***The storm arrived with a vengeance, tearing through the quiet night like a feral beast. A loud crack of thunder shattered the silence, reverberating through the walls of the Master Bedroom.Ethan's eyes shot wide up as the sound of the thunder travelled fiercely with so much strength. He had just another another nightmare. It's been the same recurring dream for the past few days.The nightmare was short and simple, yet so terrifying. Ethan was back at the alley, smashing the boy's head into the wall. Ethan would turn back and see the young boy, standing, looking at him with blood rushing down from his head to the rest of his body.The young boy would shout "You killed me" and with that, Ethan would jump out of the nightmare, back into reality.The storm wasn't helping
"It's me brother." Denera answered from behind the door.Jason heaved a sigh, placing the remote on the table in front of him.The duo outside interpreted the silence as a consent to enter.Pushing the door open, Denera stepped into the office and locked the door behind her. She was draped in an elegant, figure-hugging emerald silk dress that shimmered with every movement. The dress, cut just above the knee, featured a plunging neckline and delicate gold embroidery along the hem. Paired with strappy stilettos and understated diamond earrings, her outfit exuded a perfect blend of sophistication and allure. The Lockwood siblings were all about the Elite lifestyle.She walked over to her brother and sat on one of the chairs across the table."That's new." Jason began as she settled into her chair."Whatever do you mean brother?" Denera asked, feigning ignorance to what her brother was insinuating."You'd always go over there and seat on the cushions" Jason answered, pointing to one of
"I have something I need to show you." Alex answered."What is it?" The distorted voice questioned."I'm sorry it's not something that can be discussed through the phone.""Very well, I'll send you a location. Be there in the next 30 minutes. You know better than to double cross us." The voice warned, it's voice so scary Alex's throat dried up."I'll be there. Thank you." Alex said and dropped the call.Immediately the call dropped, the phone made a notification sound and Alex clicked it, revealing it to be the location.Without wasting time, Alex rushed out of the slum, heading for the meetup destination. Since he had no means of transportation, he had to beg his legs to carry him as fast as they could.***It was a chill day at Majestic Skies Building. The halls were not that crowdy as few people walked to and fro in the halls. A soft classical music played from the speakers, coupled with the strong air conditioner, further giving the atmosphere a chill vibe.Rachel sat at her desk,