The Return of the Hades

Mayor

6

On the other hand, Darien was pacing back and forth, a determined expression on his face. "I cannot let Cersei get her hands on that golden apple. Its powers are not to be underestimated, and I cannot risk it falling into the wrong hands."

Lavinia, sensing Darien's concern, approached him with a reassuring touch on his arm. "Sir French, Let's try to trace the source of golden apple." 

Darien looked at Lavinia, intrigued by her suggestion. "Tracing the source could indeed provide us with an advantage. If we know where it came from, we might uncover its intended purpose, find out who is targeting me and how to safeguard it."

After two hours of searching, Darien looked frustrated. "We've combed through every lead, but the golden apple's origin remains elusive."

Lavinia sighed, "It seems like a needle in a haystack, Sir French."

Darien nodded, "Indeed, I prefer to concentrate on checking the destiny of every bodyguard who are secretly following Cersei."

They discreetly tailed the bodyguards, scrutinizing each one. Darien's gaze lingered on a tall, brooding figure who shadowed Cersei with a predatory grace. A shiver ran down his spine as he locked eyes with the man, and a fragment of the man's fate flashed before him — the gleam of a golden apple and a struggle with Cersei.

"That one," Darien murmured, pointing subtly. "His fate is entwined with Cersei's, and it's not for her protection. He seeks the apple for himself.”

Darien often observed the fate, and he knew that he can't easily judge the future through an image. So he wanted to take a closer look, but realized that he couldn't see it clearly. In the past, this happened because the other party's fate was highly correlated with his own.

But now, Darien looked at the others and realized that he could only see snippets of his own destiny. He knew that it was the effect of the toxin on him that caused his ability not to be fully restored.

Lavinia caught the undercurrent of frustration in his voice. "Can you see more? Perhaps a way to prevent this?"

Darien shook his head, troubled. "It's blurred, incomplete. Ever since I was poisoned, my sight's been compromised. I can't see clearly into the future like I used to. It's like trying to gaze into a fogged mirror."

Lavinia's brow furrowed in worry. "Is there anything we can do to counteract the effects of the toxin?"

Darien shook his head. "I'm not sure. But for now, I think we have to rely on other means to protect Cersei and prevent the tragedy I saw."

Lavinia reached out, her hand gripping his arm in silent support. "Then we must tread carefully."

Darien nodded, his expression grim. "Yes, and if my own fate is so closely tied to this, it could be why the vision is so opaque."

Lavinia, her brows furrowed with concern, searched Darien's eyes for guidance. "What do you suggest we do now, sir French? We cannot let this bodyguard's intentions go unchecked."

Darien sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "For now, we'll have to let the bodyguards continue following Cersei as normal. But we need to make sure someone pays attention to the bodyguard who will fight with Cersei in the future for the Golden Apple."

Lavinia nodded in agreement. "I'll take care of it, Darien. We can't afford to ignore any potential threats."

With swift efficiency, Lavinia dispatched a coded message to one of their most trusted contacts, setting the plan into motion. "It's done. Now, we wait and watch. We'll protect Cersei from the shadows since she refuses our warnings in the light."

****

Lavinia's contacts had learned of Cersei's plans for the golden apple. They tracked the sealed crate containing the precious artifact as it was transported under heavy guard to Cersei's high-rise corporate tower. 

"The apple is on the move," reported Rafael, Lavinia's top informant. "Her people have it locked down tight."

"Good work keeping tabs on it," Lavinia replied. "Let me know the moment it reaches her office. I have a feeling she'll try something bold now that she has it in her possession."

Sure enough, no sooner had the crate been delivered than Cersei's fingers flew across her smartphone's screen, her lips twitching into a sly smile. She had to admit, despite her initial reservations, the allure of the golden apple was too powerful to ignore. As she crafted her social media update, she was fully aware of the weight her words would carry.

"Looking forward to presenting a true rarity at the mayor's gala. #GoldenApple #RareFinds #GalaPrep," she typed, and with a tap, her message was adrift in the digital sea. 

"Let the games begin," she thought cunningly. Word of the apple's discovery would draw out any competitors hoping to acquire it first. And it might spur others like the mayor to raise their offers, elevating her own status in the process. 

She smiled imagining the stir her announcement would cause. Powerful figures from all corners would no doubt be vying for the legendary fruit. They would try pressuring or bribing her to turn it over, unaware that their interest was exactly what she wanted. Their contest over the apple would strengthen her position at the negotiating table. 

Back at the mayor's office, the news of Cersei's announcement reached the mayor himself. He was quick to act, dialing Lavinia's number with a sense of urgency.

"Miss Rose, I've just seen Ms. Smith's post. This gala has become more than a mere social event, it seems."

Lavinia's voice was calm, collected. "Indeed, Mr. Mayor. The golden apple is a treasure that could sway many to your side... or away from it."

The mayor's voice was laced with determination. "I want that apple, miss Rose. Once I have it, it's yours. Do whatever you need to ensure it ends up in my possession," the mayor instructed, his tone brooking no argument.