2025-02-11 22:54:58
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An unexpected visitor
Sebastian led Barry to the tallest building on the island.As they approached, Barry noticed the guards. There were over a dozens of them patrolling the area. They flanked the steps in dark uniforms, some carrying rifles slung across their chests.Two guards broke formation and stepped forward, blocking the way. One raised a hand, his stance firm.“Halt. State your business.”Barry stopped at the bottom of the steps, his posture steady, his eyes locked on the guard’s. “Tell your boss,” Barry said evenly, “that the man who destroyed his life years ago in North Hills is here to see him.”For a long moment, silence hung between them. The guards exchanged sharp glances. One of them, the taller of the two, blinked, his composure cracking with surprise.“North Hills…?” he muttered under his breath. His partner stiffened, clearly unsettled.The taller guard turned sharply and barked an order to one of the men near the door. The subordinate jogged off at once, vanishing into the towering bu
A washed mind
Barry returned to the same cafe where Laura worked. He found a vacant booth and sat down, his eyes fixed on the kitchen door. When Laura emerged, he raised a hand.“Laura,” he said, his voice calm. “A moment, please.”She approached, her smile never fading. “Of course, sir. What can I get for you today? More baklava?”“Nothing,” Barry said, his gaze intense. He gestured to the empty chair opposite him. “I was hoping you would sit and talk with me for a moment.”Her smile became politely puzzled. “Oh, I’m sorry, sir. I’m on duty. There are other guests I need to attend to.”Without a word, Barry reached into his pocket and slid a thick fold of large bills onto the table. It was more money than a waitress would make in a month. “This should cover your time,” he said evenly. “And compensate the café for any inconvenience.”Laura’s eyes flickered to the money, then back to his face. The cheerful mask didn’t break, but it did soften with a hint of bemused curiosity. She pulled out the c
An unexpected twist
The morning sun streamed into the villa’s lavish living area, painting warm stripes across the floor. Barry sat in a plush armchair, scrolling through his phone with one hand and sipped a cup of steaming tea with the other. His brow furrowed in concentration as he inspected each number on his screen.The sliding door to the balcony opened and Adam stepped inside, stretching his arms high above his head with a yawn. “Morning, Dad,” he mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “You’re up early. What are you doing?”Barry didn’t look up from his screen. “Trying to reach someone,” he said, his voice focused. “I still have a few contacts from my time with the Ravens.”Adam blinked, pouring himself a glass of water from a crystal carafe. “I thought you severed all ties with them. You always said you never wanted to have anything to do with them again.”“I did,” Barry acknowledged, finally setting his phone down. “But I kept one line open. Francis Raven. Laura’s uncle, my ex-father-in-law
A Demon's domain
Sebastian and Barry took a long stroll around the beach. It was still nightfall and only a handful of people were seen hanging around the beach. Barry had noted about four different people bearing the same serpent tattoo on the back of their hand. The doorman at the hotel, a cop, a truck driver and a florist lady. "What's happening on this island," Barry muttered as they passed a fisherman mending his net. "Almost every occupation on this island bears the mark. It's like the labour force is under one secert cult."“That is a question I have no answer to yet, Master,” Sebastian replied. “But I suspect that this island is a demon's domain. I felt its presence the moment I arrived.”Barry frowned, turning to face him. "What does a demon wants with an island's labour force?"Sebastian answered by gesturing with a white-gloved hand at the sea's horizon. “In this world, every demon has a role. Some of us, like myself, find purpose in service to a worthy mortal will. Others roam the earth
The mark
The night was a velvet drape over the island, pierced only by the cold, sharp diamonds of the stars. Inside a private villa, Adam slept the deep, but Barry stood on the balcony, a silhouette against the moonlit sea. He gripped the cool stone railing, the events of the afternoon playing like a relentless loop in his mind. He couldn't get the thought of Laura out of his mind. Just then, Sebastian emerged out of the shadows.He bowed, slightly. “Master, you summoned me. Is there something wrong?”Barry didn’t turn. His gaze remained fixed on the dark, whispering sea. “I am not at peace, Sebastian.” He drew a slow breath. “Do you remember my ex-wife? Laura Raven? The woman whose family I destroyed decades ago, before I met Veronica?”From behind him, there was no shift in posture, no intake of breath. “Of course, Master. I remember her quite well.”“I saw her today,” Barry said, the words tight. “In a café. She was our waitress.”Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “An unexpected developme
Laura Raven
Laura blinked, her eyes flickered down to the small, pinned nametag on her apron, as if to confirm the source of his strange familiarity.“Yes, that’s right,” she said, her voice still friendly, She gestured lightly to the tag. “Are you a regular here? I’m afraid I’m just filling in for the afternoon.”Barry stared, his mind reeling. She didn’t recognize him. Not a flicker of awareness in her warm, sun-crinkled eyes. It's been decades had since last he saw her. Still he never forgot her face. But to Laura, he was just another tourist in a linen shirt, sitting in the shade. Barry forced his voice to work. “No,” he cleared his throat. “No, we’re not regulars. It’s just… you remind me of someone I knew a long time ago. That’s all.”Laura’s smile returned, easier now. “Well, that’s nice to hear. I hope they were a good someone. So, what can I get for you gentlemen? The baklava is truly wonderful.”Barry’s mind raced. Was this an act? Was she pretending not to recognized him? Or could
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