11
T he hotel was the first building that the Larsens had built after purchasing the island. It was ancient, Ray thought as she stepped out of the car and looked at the building, but its structure was immaculate . To this date, Alessandro has kept this hotel open to tourists who chose luxury over cost. According to Maya, her husband had chosen not to pick a more modern design. Instead, he’d found what he was looking for in a relatively old mansion such as this.
Nonetheless, it was a beautiful piece of art. Ray breathed out as she looked at the large structure, its walls colored a light brown and coated with fake green vines that seemingly climbed up the place.
Ray’s gaze turned to Kyle as he too stepped out of the car. She walked to the other end, her hands lacing behind her back as she stepped next to Kyle. She saw his blonde hair sway with the wind as he tilted his head in her direction,
“Are you alright?” she asked and was vaguely aware of Angel stepping out from behind her. Kyle’s eyes softened behind his glasses, but he didn’t smile.
“I’m not bothered by June’s death.” Was his cool response, “I’m just worried about how Ma’s taking it.”
Ray’s eyes averted in thought, “Maya’s a strong–” she started but Kyle interrupted her ,
“She might be too strong.” He said his tone hardening as Angel closed the door behind Ray. His voice quieted, “I’m afraid it won’t turn out well for us if she keeps provoking everyone.”
Ray knew a test when she saw one. Even if it were laced with emotional vulnerability. She crossed her arms, leaning back against the cool surface of the car, “She’s grieving. But that doesn’t mean she’s losing her goddamn mind.”
She saw Kyle look away, a tick in his jaw as she continued, “She and Alessandro are handling it perfectly.”
Kyle’s eyes snapped to hers and she was surprised to see the hint of annoyance and grief lurking in that gaze, “This isn’t a test, Raylene.” His voice was sharp, but she didn’t balk. Just blinked, not believing his words for a second. He exhaled and rushed his hand through his hair, “Sometimes I can’t tell if you’re on my side or theirs.”
No one’s, she wanted to scream but resorted to ending their conversation by turning on her heels, murmuring under her breath as she did so. What right did he have to question her? And what was it that was leading him astray from his parents?
If Angel had heard their conversation, he didn’t show it. Instead, those amber eyes were gazing up ahead in silence. Ray didn’t even notice Kyle mutter something beside her and walk into the hotel, her eyes were trained on Angel’s. She could see the black band of his necklace peeking through the collar of his shirt. Ever since he’d stepped on this island, Ray hadn’t had the chance to see him in anything but formal attire. She didn’t know why she was so bothered by it, but the way he showed his power in such a nuanced way seemed to unnerve her.
Made her think that deep down, maybe he was conspiring .
Those eyes turned, and Ray blinked to show her surprise. She saw the locks of his hair fall on his forehead, saw his black-tie sway gently with the wind as he leaned closer.
“Like what you see, Storm?”
Her gaze shuttered in annoyance, a cold, familiar sheet falling over her as she turned away from him as well. His laugh brought forth a dizzying sort of awareness rush down her neck. Ray shook her head and faced the tinted window of the Tesla instead. She knocked on the glass, her heart pounding with exhilaration as the window swept down and she found herself staring into a pair of black eyes.
It was like staring into an abyss, with only the brief silver shine of his earrings shining like the light in the darkness.
Sorin blinked back at her, the perfect picture of obedience as he bowed his head slightly.
“Park the car and come inside with us.” She said and saw his throat bob as he gulped, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel.
“Perché?” he asked in Italian, why?
Ray’s brow arched in interest at his smooth voice. At the perfect dialect he presented. Wondered how many more he was proficient in. If she played her cards right and chose to reveal him to the Lions as soon as possible, there was a chance she could gain full right over their loyalty. Her eyes strayed to Angel, who was leaning against the car with his arms crossed. But then, she’d be helping him by doing so.
She grit her teeth and leaned down to peer through the window, a small smile on her face, “Listen to me carefully, Sorin.”
She replied in Italian as well and saw his shoulders stiffen ,
“You’re going to park that car and then you’re going to come with us inside the hotel.” His head swivelled in her direction, his black eyes wide. But he was still listening.
“And then you’re going to make yourself invisible until I find you.” She continued in Italian and his eyes flickered, “Si?”
“Si.”
Ray nodded and rose back to her full height, tapping the car’s metal surface as a sign for him to go. Sorin took off immediately and Angel took a step closer to her, bending to whisper in her ears softly. Menacingly.
“You better not back out now, Storm.” He murmured and rose his chin as Ray’s cold eyes settled on him. A dangerous smile spread on his face and Ray breathed out.
“If you do, the Lions won’t be the only enemies you make.”
* *
Angel had always been a great judge of character. So, interacting with Raylene Walker wasn’t only annoying, but it was also a large hit to his ego. Because no matter how hard he tried, no matter what he did, it seemed as though she was hellbent on always going against him. At times when he assumed that they could be on the same side, she turned and he was left with questioning everything all over again.
It wasn’t a great thing to experience over and over again.
“You look like you’re going to break your brain,” her voice was subtle beside him, jarring him from his thoughts. He didn’t respond, just decided to scowl ahead at the walls of the old hotel. He felt her sidle closer, the soft thump of her shoes echoing around him as they walked together.
“Stop worrying.” She said softly and Angel scoffed, “All I told him was to head to the hotel after parking the car. ”
He blinked. Maybe he had been overreacting a bit. Angel’s eyes strayed to hers, but he didn’t have time to respond because her eyes were suddenly lighting up and she was walking away from him. Angel followed her line of vision, watching her rush ahead to greet the representatives from yesterday. His eyes fell on Akash Smith, the boy whose hands Ray had clasped in greeting. Angel’s eyes twitched in annoyance as Akash looked up at him from over Ray’s head and shot him a smirk.
The fucking nerve.
Angel strode forward, but Ray was already moving onto the next boy standing next to Akash. His eyes widened by a fraction when he saw the infamous member of their community.
Cameron and his vicious interpreter – Neera Griffin. He had apparently brought forth a large number of people from all around the world right into the open arms of a lot of groups. Being deaf, Cameron had managed to not only become a representative but also had gained quite a good reputation amongst a lot of groups. He’d helped bring in a rush of people and had opened the minds of people to accept people with disabilities. Today, being deaf, blind, or mute didn’t matter anymore. As long as you knew how to do your job. And he did his fucking well.
Cameron had lost his voice with his hearing, but whenever Angel had conversations with him it never seemed as though he wasn’t speaking. It was because of him Angel had picked up sign language and was glad he did so because now he could hear Ray and Cameron’s conversation as clear as day.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.” She was signing and Angel saw Cameron smile politely while signing back,
“Same goes for you. ”
Angel was about to catch Ray’s response when a girl his age stepped in his path. His eyes widened, surprised at her nimble movement. Dark blue eyes and pin-straight black hair, she must be Neera Griffin. Neera had been recruited recently, and her reputation had skyrocketed. There were rumors that she’d been an assassin when she was younger and was an especially good one. Until she’d left that part of herself and had become Cameron’s interpreter. Now as Angel peered down at her in amusement, he couldn’t help but believe those rumors.
Neera might be small, but she was vicious .
“It’s rude to eavesdrop on other’s conversations.” Her voice was cold, matching her icy glare. Angel dipped his head politely,
“I apologize.” He said and saw her rear back. Angel suppressed the roll of his eyes. It was always interesting to see how people responded when a major individual like him apologized when all people expected him to do was rage wars with mere words.
He was nineteen, not fucking foolish.
“I was just about to approach Mr. Cameron for a brief conversation.” He said, and sidestepped her, “I hope you wouldn’t mind that.”
Neera hummed under her breath but didn’t stop him from walking in Cameron’s and Ray’s direction. Ray had already moved on to the next person when Angel neared Cameron. The other boy looked at him with a knowing smile, making him grin as well.
“Cameron,” Angel signed with his hands and saw him shake his head, “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
He shrugged, still that golden smile on his face as he signed back, “I’ve been busy. ”
Angel thumped him on his back and they both grinned at each other boyishly. Out of all the people Angel had to interact with every day, Cameron was his absolute favorite. Not only had the boy inspired him to start learning a new language, but he’d also helped him out last year.
“Alright, ladies and gentlemen.” Kyle’s loud voice spoke over them, attracting their eyes. Angel saw Neera sign the words to Cameron as Kyle continued from where he was standing, “I’m sure you all know why you’re here today.”
Angel heard a scoff sound beside him, and he turned to face the tall and beautiful, Myra Jelani. The girl who’d been all smiles yesterday was glaring at Kyle, her arms crossed. Angel sidled closer to her with a knowing smile,
“Any issues?” he asked and saw Myra’s eyes roll in response.
“I woke up too early for this.” She muttered angrily, “I got here early and y’all had the nerve of arriving an hour late.”
Angel blinked, had they been late? Fucking Maya.
“I’m afraid we were asked to come at this time as well.” He responded, his voice playful. Myra hummed, a thoughtful look entering her eyes as Angel looked back ahead. What was the problem with him gaining a few more allies while he was here?
His eyes strayed to Ray, who was standing in front of Cameron, beside Akash. She looked over her shoulder as if noticing his stare and cocked a brow in his direction. Angel suppressed his smirk and turned ahead to face Kyle,
“Yesterday was quite a spectacle.” He continued and Angel shook his head, knowing exactly what he was getting at. Kyle wasn’t the type to jump into problems head-first. No, he was the type to dig through the ground and rip out the problem’s roots viciously .
“I don’t know how many of you were present at the scene yesterday,” he said, his voice cold as those green eyes looked at Cameron and Neera, “But I think those who weren’t there were saved a hell of a show.”
“I really hope you aren’t talking about me.”
A low voice slithered through the entrance of the empty hotel, attracting all their eyes. Angel scoffed out a laugh as Noah Hassan strode through the doors. His eyes black and almost dangerous as he tugged at his cuffs and looked up at Kyle with a careless smirk. He was wearing a dark blue blazer over a pitch black shirt on blue trousers. His silver rings glinted under the light as he raised his hand to rub his lower lip thoughtfully,
“I’d have pegged you as a smarter man, Kyle Larsen.” He said and ran an unrushed hand through his straight black hair.
“I don’t make accusations.” Kyle’s response was equally low, obviously not appreciating his humor in the entire situation. It was borderline rude, and so surprising for Kyle Larsen that it wiped the smile off Noah’s face,
“I didn’t kill your fucking aunt, Larsen.”
Noah’s candid response was only a reminder of who the Hassans were. A lethal business, hiding under the pretense of producing agricultural goods. It was a dangerous company, based all around the world with enough money to practically own a few gangs if they wanted to. They were different from groups like the Lions or the Ravens and didn’t represent any specific country like the others here did. The Hassans wielded their power through raw goods while secretly specializing in what the world relied most on today.
Technology. Data.
Kyle didn’t fall under the brimming rage in Noah’s eyes.
He just pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and turned to face the rest of them ,
“You’re all here today to discuss the events that will be happening in the coming days.”
Noah’s scoff was loud and mocking.
One that Kyle did not excuse.
Those green eyes cut to his dangerously, flashing behind his glasses, “Interrupt me again Hassan, and we’ll find out what I can really do to you.”
His smirk only widened, and he opened his mouth to say something obnoxious yet again when Angel heard a loud thump echo through the ground. They all paused and turned to the origin. A part of him wasn’t even surprised as Ray stepped forward with her arms crossed and her cold eyes staring right through Noah’s,
“Do not disrespect the people who own this island, Noah Hassan.” She said, her voice low and devoid of any emotion as she just stared at him, “You won’t find the consequences favorable.”
Noah scoffed out a laugh and took a step forward, “So we make introductions with threats nowadays?” he began, his steps unhurried as walked in her direction, “Isn’t that rude?”
He was too close to Ray now. He didn’t tower over her, but still made a show of leaning down as if she were a mere child,
“You must be the new recruit.” His tone was amused as he gazed at her with wide eyes. Angel watched them with acute amusement. Ray didn’t take a step back. Instead, they all saw her lean forward, her arms still crossed, her eyes dangerously wide,
“Maybe you shouldn’t provoke me on your first day here.” she said softly as if she were talking to a child. Angel knew that flash in Noah’s eyes. Because the way Raylene Walker spoke, the way her simple words wielded so much mirth and disrespect, anyone could lose their minds .
Now however, Noah scoffed loudly and took a step away from her, sweeping a hand through his hair as he grinned down at her and turned to look back at Kyle,
“I like her.” He said.
“I don’t give a shit,” Kyle snapped but Noah had already turned to the crowd of people, his eyes searching.
Angel couldn’t help the slight tilt of his lips when Noah’s black eyes found his and he grinned maniacally.
Suddenly, Angel was back to the week he’d left home and had stepped into Las Vegas. Noah Hassan had been there when Angel was cleaning up his father’s mess and had offered him a chance to be a part of a dangerous poker game.
One that Angel had won, and Noah had lost.
Now as the two men looked at each other, both knew the strength they both wielded and, in that hatred, they found some mutual understanding. For the time being.
“Santos!” Noah called out and wove through others to get to him. Angel winced with a smile at his attention span but still returned his handshake when he neared him.
“Hassan.” Angel said with a tip of his chin and saw Noah’s grin widen. Like this, he seemed almost harmless, but as Angel matched Ray’s surprised gaze over his shoulder, he knew exactly what he was capable of.
Was unable to decipher it completely though.
Because right then and there, out of nowhere, the hotel that was lit by the bulbs on the chandelier above their head flickered.
Angel froze as one light turned off. Another. One by one until sheer darkness enveloped them, almost choking in nature .
Nobody made a sound, nobody moved as the silence descended on them like a sheet.
Angel’s fingers inched back to the gun tucked in the waistband of his trousers, and in the pitch-black darkness, he heard the shuffling around him. People were grabbing their weapons, one by one, all ready for a situation like this but unnerved, nonetheless. Angel wasn’t breathing, the only sound he could hear was the thumping of his heart.
Thump. Thump. Thump, it went.
And the lights flashed once, making Angel startle in surprise before the darkness swallowed them again. He bent lower in a defensive position, a gun in his hand, a knife in the other.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
The lights flashed again, but no one made a sound.
It was in that flash that Angel saw someone or something shuffling far away. It shifted in the dark as well, but just as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, the lights flashed again.
Now Angel could hear it. The faint footsteps. The hiss of clothes as someone moved. Lights flashed again and he saw that figure shuffle closer. The dark body neared.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Lights flashed again. The body closer. The footsteps nearer.
Angel breathed out harshly as his eyes cut to Ray’s when the light flashed again. Those honey eyes were looking at him, her stance ready and her lips pursued. The lights blinked in and out of existence again and suddenly that hooded figure was closer to her. Ray had her back turned to the figure when the lights flashed again, making him blink .
Making him almost scream out loud as Ray mouthed only for him to see,
“Run.” She said and Angel’s brows furrowed, his heart beating faster as the light disappeared again.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
The lights came on.
And Angel saw the hooded figure right behind her. It was then he saw her eyes narrow, and those lips thin. That figure was close, so, so fucking closer as the lights blinked out again. Leaving them in darkness again.
Someone screamed then, and it was that darkness that started it.
That fucking darkness, where a massacre began.