At Han gallery, the large hall contained people from around the country ready for the bidding of artworks from Han gallery. Leonel was seated at the high table, while director Wang addressed the public and was in charge for the bidding.
"Good day ladies and gents. Welcome to today's art extravaganza! Were thrilled to present a collection of stunning paintings that will take you on a journey of thoughts, emotions and creativity"
"Let's kick off with the first piece, 'Eternal bloom' by Jung Hae In. This vibrant masterpiece captures the resilience of the human spirit, symbolising growth and beauty in adversity. The artist's use of bold colours and textures invites you to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the power of hope."
"Shall we start the bidding at $700,000?"
A man lifted his card "I'll buy it. 700, 000 dollars."
"Eight hundred"
"Eight hundred and fifty...."
While the bidding went on, Leonel sat and watch the crowd. But then he heard something from afar so he strained his ears to listen.
'He was right. He's not here'
'What do we do?'
"Let it blow. There are many souls here for us to feast on'
'I don't like this way. I rather attack in the open. Argh...this one's frustrating'
'We should leave. It's just a few minute left'
The voices died down and Leonel had his brows creased. What would demons be doing here, at an auction. He strained his ears again and he heard a beeping sound. He quickly excused himself and went to look for the sound, teleporting. He appeared behind a man carrying an artwork. The sound was coming from it. There was a bomb...in the painting, which he saw through his heightened senses. Quickly, he grabbed it from the man.
"Chairman..."
"This won't be for the bidding. I'll take from here" and without another word he walked away hastily.
"...."
Leonel went to rooftop and leaped away as fast as he could. Dropping it forest, it blew up. He took a deep breath, that was close. Leonel turned to leave but then he was surrounded by a few demons.
"Why spoil our plans, you?"
"You? You have no manners" Leonel snickered as he dusted his shirt. "What were you thinking placing a bomb in such place? How cheap of you"
"We had no other option except bombing the place or attacking. Which would you have preferred?"
"Argh...what is this? Let's feast on him, I'm hungry" one said and began attacking. Leonel had to fight demons again for first time in a long while. He liked it, he was smiling as he fought. Though it has been a long while he fought like this, he still had his skills. When was the last time he did something fun? They just made his day.
*...*.. ..*
Meanwhile, Arianna's eyes flung open and she gasped heavily. Fear gripped her whole body and she shuddered to the core. Her chest rose and fell, and tears streamed down her face. Her neck and chest were covered in blood, and her lips trembled. She was feeling pain, in her neck and her heart. She cried, knowing she would have died today. Knowing he almost killed her. Was that how she would have died by the hands of someone who loves her? Was she meant to die by his hands?
Ah... It hurts. She's scared. Being alone now scares her. What if he would come back? He would kill her. No, she can't die now. She picked her phone and made a call, crying and hiccuping as she did so.
*...*...*
Ryan appeared back in the gallery, lying on the floor. He opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling, groaning. His head ached a little and he rose up. He took a step to leave the room, but his eyes fell on droplets of blood that led outside. His brows creased, and then memories flashed his eyes.
As if bathe with ice cold water, Ryan turned pale like white sheet of paper. What has he done? What has he done?! How...how couldn't he control himself? How did he come out and took control? What should he do? How should he start explaining? What would she think of him? She would leave him now. She wouldn't want to be with him. No, he won't let it. He would compel her to forget. No! You already hurt her. Explain yourself! Argh!! She won't listen. She would only be scared. She would be scared of him.
His chest rose and fell, fear gripped him. His eyes turned red and they sting, misted with tears. Is...she even okay? At that thought, he rushed out of the room to look for her, following the trail of blood and it led him to her room.
Ryan stopped. He couldn't bring himself to go in. What should he say? He tugged his hair hard and took in deep breaths. His hand went to the knob, but he discovered the door was locked. Of course, it would be. He thought of leaving and come back when she was calm, but remembering the blood, he went to bring a spare key.
Arianna was hugging her legs burying her face in it when she heard the door unlocking. She lifted her head in horror. He's here. He has come for her. Run! Run away! You can't die! But instead of moving she remained rooted to her spot. The door opened and he walked in. Her stomach churned at the sight of him, her gripped her body making her unable to breathe.
Stay back. Don't come close to me. She wanted to yell. But surprisingly, emotions disappeared as he took a step closer. She didn't know what to feel. Anger? Sadness? Or pity? What should she feel?
Ryan's heart tore into pieces in the state he found her. Covered in blood, her face dried with tears. And fear in her eyes. But the next moment he can't see anything in those eyes that stared at him, watching him come closer. He walked until he was standing by the bed, and he sat. Her eyes followed his movements. Where should he start? He gulped hardly, processing the words in his mouth.
"Aria..." he began, his head low. His lips trembled, the words were afraid. "Aria..." he didn't know what to say, his heart was racing wildly.
"I.. I'm sorry. W-what happened....what you saw..."
"I know"