CHAPTER 5

My eyes fluttered open when I heard muffled noises. I ignored it and tried sleeping. I was thinking that I was just hearing things, but it became a bit louder.

I sat up on my bed while rubbing my eyes. What is happening? Is it morning already? My eyes drifted to the clock on the wall, and it read 2:12am.

It's 2 in the morning. Who could it be? Growing up, I became very active when sleeping. The littlest sounds would wake me up.

After my mum disappeared, I convinced myself that she would return, but probably when I was sleeping, because on the night she disappeared, I heard her speak to me.

She kissed me on the forehead, and that was it, I never saw her again.

So, I trained myself to always be attentive while sleeping in case she returned. I walked closer to my door. What am I doing? Ric specifically warned me not to wander around.

I might get in trouble, no. I walked back to my bed. The sounds became more and more loud. What if one of the maids is in trouble? What if they're burglars?

I opened my door slowly and peeked through it. When I didn't see anyone, I left my room and started tiptoeing.

The voice was getting closer. That is when I realised that the person was actually screaming for help. Someone is in trouble.

My chest suddenly became tight as I got closer to the voice. I came to a halt at the top of the staircase and lightly gripped the railings as I looked down.

The sight of what I saw shattered me into a million pieces, I was not ready for that. My eyes widened at the horror in front of me. Archer was sitting on a chair in front of a kneeling woman. There was blood on the floor.

His top was stained with blood as he looked down at her with no empathy. How can he be so wicked? Are women animals to them now?

How can they be so heartless? Ric was standing by him, that is when i realised that there were some bodies lying beside him.

A shriek wanted to leave my mouth, but I just covered my mouth with my hand. Who are these people? What kind of fucked up place is this?

“Now, are you going to talk?” Archer asked while crossing his leg on the other. Blood was pooling beside them but they seemed unfazed.

“I—I am sorry sir.” The girl begged, she looked like one of the maids.

He hissed as he lowered his head. “You know I don't value apologies right?”

What a sick bastard. He looks like he's been doing this his whole life with how composed he looks right now.

What could that poor girl have done to deserve this? She seems very scared.

“Pius.” She suddenly blurted out. Archer chuckled lightly. “What was your mission?”

“He–wanted information about your movements.” She said in a shaky tone.

Is she a spy? Why would she want to spy on him? He's a criminal, who is he?

“You did a good job, judging by the way I didn't suspect you at all.”

“I–I'm sorry, please, I'll do anything.”

“You were even able to give them information about when I'm home, you're good at your job.” I don't know but his sarcasm sounded scary.

“I didn't want to do this, I was forced. He threatened to hurt my family if I didn't, I had no choice. Please sir, I beg you.”

“Should I forgive you?”

She nodded her head vigorously. He hummed as he ran his hand through his head.

“You know my rules right?” “Please–”

“You know them right?” He cut her off. She nodded slowly. “What do I do to people who betray me?”

“You–you kill them.”

“Good. You should've let Pius killed you and your entire fucking fucking instead crossing paths with me. Your silly story does not move me woman.”

He stretched his hand towards Ric and he handed him a gun. “Please sir, have mercy on me.”

“You should be happy, you'll unite with your family.” And just then, Archer shot her in the chest and she fell down with a thud.

A loud gasp left my mouth as I staggered backwards and bumped into something. Someone suddenly grabbed me and pinned me to the wall and pressed a metal to my face.

“Who the fuck are you? Speak before I blow your fucking brains out.”