The dimly lit room was filled with an air of tension, every man present aware of the gravity of the night's mission. Cigarette smoke curled lazily towards the ceiling, mingling with the heavy scent of sweat and anticipation. They had waited months for this opportunity, and now, every second felt like an eternity.
"Where is he?" one of the men growled, pacing back and forth. His eyes flicked towards the door with increasing impatience.
"I don't know. I called him an hour ago, but..." another man responded, glancing nervously at his phone.
"Call him again! We don't have much time left. After months of planning, we finally got this chance to take down the leader of the Davis clan," the first man barked, his frustration evident.
"How about we proceed without him?" someone suggested desperation lacing his voice.
"No need, I am here," came a calm, authoritative voice from the doorway.
All heads turned to see their young master stride into the room. His presence was commanding, his expression unreadable.
"Finally, young master, you're here. We didn't mean to-" the first man started, his tone deferential.
"It's okay," Aiden interrupted, waving off the apology. "Let's proceed with the plan flawlessly. I need to return as soon as possible."
"Why? Why the rush?" one of the men dared to ask, curiosity overcoming caution.
"No need for you to know," the young master replied coldly, his gaze sweeping across the room, silencing any further questions.
"Let's begin," Aiden commanded, his voice brooking no argument.
The men nodded in unison, the room snapping into action. Detailed maps were unfurled, weapons checked and rechecked, and final instructions were given. The young master moved through the preparations with precise, almost clinical efficiency, his mind already several steps ahead.
As the group geared up for the night's mission, the tension shifted from nervous anticipation to focused determination. They had a single chance to bring down the leader and heir of the Davis clan, and failure was not an option.
Upon crossing the threshold of the grand estate, echoes of gunfire pierced the air,
Amidst the screeching, not only the resolute voices of men but also the delicate cadence of women,
Until, in an instant, silence descended like the softest whisper,
Leaving naught but the hush of anticipation, pregnant with mystery.
***
Ring Ring Ring~
Evelyn's hand groped across the nightstand, her eyes half-opened to the glaring screen. "Who's calling?" she muttered, her voice thick with sleep's remnants.
"It's Jake, Miss," came the hurried reply. "From your brother's office. There's something you need to know—"
"Spit it out," Evelyn cut in sharply, her drowsiness vanishing at the urgency in Jake's tone.
"It's your family, Miss. They're..." Jake hesitated, struggling for words.
"Get to the point," Evelyn demanded, a surge of fear gripping her.
"Miss, they're gone. All of them," Jake's voice cracked with the weight of the news.
Time seemed to stop. Evelyn's heart skipped, her breath catching in her throat. "What... what do you mean?" she managed her voice barely a whisper amidst the chaos in her mind.
"I'm so sorry, Miss. There's been an... an incident," Jake's words were heavy with sorrow.
The room spun, Evelyn, struggling to grasp the reality of what she was hearing. "I... I need to..." She faltered, unable to form coherent thoughts.
"Miss, are you alright?" Jake's concern pierced through the haze of shock.
"Orion Hotel. Ten minutes," Evelyn's voice was distant, detached, as she hung up the phone. Cold determination settled over her, masking the storm of emotions raging within.
She ended the call and sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the wall. The tranquility of the morning was shattered, replaced by a storm of emotions threatening to drown her. She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms, grounding herself in the present.
Knowing the line of business her family worked in, Evelyn was well aware of the cost of continuing it. She always feared for them, and today that fear turned into reality.
The memories of family dinners, holidays, and simple everyday moments played in her mind, each one a dagger in her heart. Just a few hours ago, she had received her father's permission to go to the party, with her brother's help in convincing him. And in just a minute, her life turned upside down. They are dead. The grief was overwhelming, a crushing weight that threatened to suffocate her. Her eyes burned with unshed tears, her throat tight as she fought to keep her composure.
Within minutes, she was dressed and ready, her mind a whirlwind of grief, anger, and a desperate need for answers. Each movement was mechanical, her body operating on autopilot as her mind brawled with the enormity of her loss. She headed down to the hotel lobby, her steps purposeful and resolute. The facade of calm she wore was a fragile mask, barely concealing the turmoil within.
Outside, the city moved on, oblivious to the seismic shift in Evelyn's world. As she waited for Jake, she felt a grim determination settle over her. This wasn't the end—it was only the beginning. There would be a reckoning, and she would be at the heart of it.
Her thoughts turned to her brother, the one connection she still had to her shattered life. The love she felt for him mingled with the sharp pain of their loss, fueling the fire within her. Her grief was a raw, festering wound, but it also gave her strength. She would find those responsible, and they would pay dearly for what they had done.
The minutes ticked by, each one a reminder of the urgency of her mission. When Jake's car finally pulled up, Evelyn took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She climbed into the passenger seat, her eyes meeting his.
"Let's go," she said, her voice firm despite the tremor beneath.