ALEXANDER BLACKWOOD'S POV
May 20th, Year 19
I was beginning to lose my patience. The air in the private boardroom felt thick, almost suffocating, as I waited for one of my associates from Tsep State to arrive. I had come here personally not because I didn't have men capable of handling it, but because second-hand information was often tainted. I wanted the truth directly from the source.
My fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished table, three times, a habit I had whenever I was close to irritation. The people around me stiffened at the sound. None of them dared to meet my gaze. The funny thing was that I hadn't even drawn my gun yet.
From my right, Sebastian- my second-in-command- leaned closer and whispered, "We're not in our headquarters, Master. Please… ease up a little."
"Really, Sebastian?" I asked dryly, one eyebrow raised.
He sighed quietly, as though dealing with a stubborn child. "We don't even know if this informant can be trusted."
"That's the interesting part," I murmured with a grin, leaning back in my chair. "It makes the game more… interesting."
Before he could respond, the door creaked open. All eyes turned as a man limped in, using a cane for support. He was an albino with pale skin and white hair. He removed his dark glasses and rubbed at his eyes with the back of his hand.
"Forgive me for coming late," he said, his voice raspy but composed. "My leg isn't what it used to be."
Silence took over the room. The chandelier's golden light reflected off the black marble floor, shimmering across the tension that hung between us. I loosened my tie slightly, resting my chin on my right hand. The man's eyes flicked around the room, studying every detail- the décor, my men, me. I could tell he was nervous and maybe just a little curious.
He stopped in front of me, his expression unreadable.
"I'm called Mr. White," he said. "Forgive me once again for keeping you waiting."
Before I could reply, Daemon- my cousin- snapped, "Show respect when addressing Master Alexander Blackwood!"
"My apologies Sir...", Mr white said with head bowed.
I didn't move. "Daemon."
He froze at my tone. I sighed, lowering my hand from my face. "No, Mr. White. It is I who should apologize. My subordinates sometimes forget when silence is preferable. Rest assured, Daemon's manners will be… corrected later."
A flicker of surprise crossed Mr. White's face. A few of his men exchanged uneasy glances. Mine stayed silent, disciplined. They knew better than to show anything else.
Mr. White gave a weak laugh. "Ha… Master Alexander Blackwood..."
"Just call me Master Alex," I interrupted smoothly, with a hint of a smile.
He nodded quickly. "Then, Master Alex… do you wish to receive the information now?"
"It's your choice," I said lightly, motioning to the chair opposite me. "Sit. Make yourself comfortable."
Sebastian stepped forward, pulling a folded file from his breast pocket and placing it before the man. Mr. White adjusted his glasses, opened the file, and began to speak.
And as I listened, a cold realization began forming in the back of my mind.
*****
Hours later, we were on the move- following the trail that Mr. White had given us.
"Master," Sebastian began cautiously, "forgive me, but are you sure it's wise to come along? This could be a trap."
"Really?" I asked, amused.
Daemon, sitting opposite him, added, "Master, allow me to go first. If there's danger, it should fall on me, not you."
"And how would we know if you're in trouble?" Sebastian shot back. "What if they take your phone before you can call?"
"ENOUGH, both of you," I said sharply, cutting through their argument. "Daemon will scout the area. Sebastian, you'll cover him. If you're not back in ten minutes, I'll take that as a sign not to proceed."
Both nodded. "As you wish, Master."
They stepped out into the cold night air. I leaned back and opened my phone, scanning the data Mr. White had given me. Something about it didn't feel right. My instincts screamed trap.
Then it happened.
BANG!
The sound of gunfire shattered the silence.
BANG! BANG!
"Master! Your orders?" my driver, Jonathan, shouted, already gripping the wheel.
More shots. Closer this time.
I kept my voice calm. "Drive to Safe House Number Three."
"Yes, Master!" Jonathan barked into the radio. "All units, retreat to Safe House Number Three!"
The car roared to life.
Bullets sliced the air behind us.
And through the chaos, one thought echoed in my mind- Mr. White had given me more than just information. He'd given me a warning… disguised as betrayal.