Chapter 1: Enigma in the Shadows (Part 1)

Episode 01

(Destined Partner)

! WARNING !

The Contents of this episode contain SUICIDE. Reader discretion is advised.

[ For a Better Experience, Listen to 'Gangsta(Flashback Version- slowed and reverb)' by Kehlani with headphones while reading. Enjoy~]

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It's a peaceful night… So peaceful that not even a whisper of wind stirs the air… So peaceful that not a single sound of traffic was heard. Although for some people, that peacefulness might also be considered unsettling… Even eerie. Indeed, it is a night that evokes a sense of weightiness… A sense of emptiness.

Despite the eerie atmosphere, the round, luminous moon that appears in the clear night sky looks almost otherworldly, like a bright but hollow entity.

And the silver light of that luminous entity seeps through the floor-to-ceiling glass window, casting an ethereal glow upon a particular room in a dark penthouse apartment. The moonlight illuminates the luxurious room, revealing every detail that exudes opulence. The plush carpet underfoot, the velvet drapes framing the windows, the gleaming chandelier overhead, and the huge black piano next to the floor-to-ceiling window all contribute to the lavish atmosphere.

But amidst the grandeur, there is a certain heaviness in the air. Then suddenly, a low, resonant hum breaks the serene atmosphere, emanating from a dark room. 

"Hmm~ Hmmhmm~ Mhmm~"

The low hum is that of a man with a deep voice, whose presence seems to creep out of the shadows. It is as if he was whispering a secret, a clandestine message meant only for the one who dares to listen.

Tap* Tap* Tap*

Gradually the rhythmic tapping of his footsteps grew louder and louder as he emerged from the shadows, his heavy but steady gait revealing a man with a commanding presence. 

As the man walks towards the piano, the moonlight that filters through the glass casts a soft glow on his face, finally making his face visible. A strong jawline, piercing black eyes, and an enigmatic smirk that will send shivers down anyone's spine. He was a man in his late 30s with a well-built body wearing a casual black shirt and jeans. 

Then suddenly the man paused in front of the piano and stopped humming. In an instant, his smirk disappeared from his face. Eternal silence fell all over the dark living room. It was as if even breathing would cause an uproar. In such stillness, the man's gaze started sweeping the room with a thoroughness that suggested he was searching for something - or perhaps someone. And then, suddenly, his eyes locked onto a spot and that eerie smirk returned.

"Hmm~ Hmm hmm~ Hmm Hmm~"

Again he continued his humming and strode purposefully in the direction he just glanced at a moment ago… The direction of a particular room…

"Agnes~"

With heavy footsteps, the man called out a name in a playful tone. It was as if he was having fun with his prey before finally devouring it. 

Suddenly, a shadowy figure of a young woman emerged from the space beneath the staircase of the duplex apartment and darted towards the next room.

The man's heart raced as he recognized the figure. He looked at her with bloodshot eyes and shouted sinisterly, "Agnes!" 

Immediately, he started chasing the silhouette of the young woman. However, before he could catch up to her, the woman had already entered the room and slammed the door shut with a resounding thud.

"Agnes! Open the door!"

He demanded, forcefully twisting the doorknob a couple of times. But it seemed like the girl had already locked the door from inside, leaving him unable to enter.

Bam* Bam* Bam*

"Agnes!"

With frustration mounting, he began to pound on the door with all his might, shouting her name repeatedly. Despite his efforts, not a single sound could be heard from within the room.

"D*mn it~!"

Cursing, the man pounded the door one last time before storming away. He quickly ascended the stairs and entered what appeared to be a master bedroom. Without hesitation, he made his way to a desk next to the bed and opened the drawer, retrieving a keychain. 

In a hurry, he rushed down to the room below and inserted the key into the lock. With a satisfying click, the door opened, and a creepy smile spread across the man's face.

"Agnes."

He hummed softly, finally entering the opulent room with its floor-to-ceiling windows. The centerpiece was a beautiful bed, and a plush carpet covered the floor. A stunning chandelier hung from the ceiling, and a large mirror adorned one corner. Additionally, there was a door leading to a luxurious bathroom with see-through glass and a balcony with a breathtaking view of the city ahead. The city lights and traffic below resembled a sparkling constellation in the dark night sky, a sight that would catch anyone's attention firsthand upon entering the room. 

However, for him, it was never the city lights that captivated his gaze. As his eyes were always fixed on her, and even now, as she stood on the balcony with her trembling, lifeless blue eyes staring at him, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

The moonlight illuminated her delicate features, from her porcelain skin to her sharp nose and mid-back-length black hair. Dark circles under her eyes revealed the struggles she had endured for a long time.

'Ah~ My Agnes…'

Just the sight of her looking at him with that expression sent adrenaline coursing through his veins. His face flushed, and his eyes filled with lust. To him, she looked like a goddess under the bright silver light, draped in a white peignoir.

However Agnes, as soon as she realized how the man was looking at her, felt shivers down her spine. Her face turned pale. Her eyes were filled with fear and terror. She felt suffocated.

She opened her mouth to say something but was unable to utter a word. A drop of tears fell from her eyes.

"..."

She closed her mouth just as she opened it before finally turning towards the railing of the balcony.

Realizing what was about to happen, the man's face turned pale. 

"No. No. No."

Chanting, he rushed towards the balcony. However, before he covered even half of the distance, Agnes had already jumped down from the balcony.

The man stood there, frozen in shock and disbelief, as he watched her fall. 

Tick* Tok* Tick* Tok*

The sound of the wall clock ticking away was the only noise in the room before the man's scream of agony filled the air.

"Agnes~!" 

He cried out in despair.

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"It's been quite some time since we last saw each other, hasn't it? I must admit, I'm feeling a bit hurt by our lack of communication, Julius."

Alex said softly with a regretful smile, his crystal goblet clinking loudly against the table. 

As he turned to face Julius, Alex's smile disappeared and his eyes became tearful much like a forlorn puppy. 

"I thought I was your one and only friend! How could you do this to me?" 

Alex grumbled like a child.

Unlike him, his friend Julius exuded an air of effortless calmness. The red wingback chair seemed to mold to his well-built body, accentuating his broad shoulders and chiseled physique. His pitch-black tunic and black coat only added to his allure, while his loose tie and drowsy grey eyes hinted at a seductive charm.

In contrast to Alex's mousy brown hair, Julius's locks were striking pitch black. The light of the enchanted lantern of the private lounge danced off his hair, making him even more irresistible.

"Haa~"

Seeing his friend's pathetic sight, Julius couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated. 

"Stop acting drunk."

Julius muttered in a nonchalant tone.

"Aghh~ This is so annoying! You are supposed to soothe my anger, you b*stard!"

Julius ignored his friend's irate outburst and continued to sip his red liquor, avoiding Alex's piercing glare. Alex was always like this - dramatic, expressive, and prone to outbursts, but only around those closest to him, like Julius and Raeliana.

Despite their differences, Julius and Alex had formed an unlikely friendship. They were both equally handsome and looked as if they were in their late 20s, but their personalities couldn't be more different. Julius was like the moon, hiding his emotions behind a calm facade, while Alex was like the sun, radiating warmth and charm but with a hidden darkness.

Truly, it's a miracle how they even ended up becoming friends. Oh well, as they say, opposites attract.

"Humph! I can't wait to see how you'll act after meeting your destined partner. I hope you have to beg and grovel at her feet for love. Hahaha~ How amusing it will be to witness such a sight!"

Alex muttered in a dreamy voice after doing a peal of evil laughter.

An almost invisible frown was visible on Julius's face as he heard Alex's words. 

"Shut up." 

He spoke in an irritated tone.

"Why~? Are you upset?"

Alex taunted.

"Hah! As if... Ah, I get it now. Raeliana is upset with you, isn't she?"

Julius muttered, sarcastically.

"Yes. I mean, No! We love each other very much. There's no way she would be upset with me."

Flustered, Alex started explaining himself.

"Is that so?"

Julius asked skeptically.

"Yes…"

After that, there was silence for a while. The two quietly drank their liquor. 

"You know… Before meeting Raeliana I didn't believe in a destined partner. Right. I clearly remember that day. The first time I laid my eyes on her… It was enchanting. And the first time we drank each other's blood… It was divine..."

Alex muttered in an eccentric tone with a flushed face. His usual dark brown eyes slowly started turning a bright shade of red with a hint of madness. It was as if his eyes were burning red with desire for Raeliana.