ALL - Book 1

𝟐𝟓 - Hidden Motives

♌︎ Leonidas ♌︎
Resting my tired feet upon the coffee table positioned in front of the crackling fireplace, sinking into the plush embrace of the ebony leather couch. A glass of amber whiskey delicately cradled in my hands, I patiently awaited the arrival of my dear sister. Casting my gaze around the room, couldn't help but admire her fondness for the somber and mysterious ambiance created by the choice of shadowy decor. "Naturally, this place must reflect her individuality." With a gentle smile gracing my lips, I indulged in a sip of the rich liquid, relishing its warmth as it cascaded down my throat. However, The sudden creak of the door drew my attention to the right, where I was met with the sight of my sister, Corvina, her countenance a mix of agitation and frustration upon her face and body language.

"Get your damn filthy shoes off my coffee table." Her sharply demand reaches my ears, couldn't help but chuckle softly, a mischievous glint in my eyes. But before I could even respond, she threatens to come closer, her eyes narrowing with determination. In one swift motion, I leaped off the sofa, the whiskey glass still in my hand, ready for whatever playful mischief she had in store. Playfully, retorting. "Alright, alright, no need to get your fangs in a twist." Continuing to laugh, but my laughter is short-lived as she snatches my whiskey and eagerly gulps it down. "Hey, that was mine!" Exclaiming annoyingly, taking in offense as Corvina eagerly grabs my whiskey and downing it in one gulp.

"And I don't care." She abruptly interjects with impolite disregard to my feelings. "Now explain your reasoning on why you dare show your face in this city again, and came to me, for that matter. And make it quick. I don't have all night or day to hear you complain if that's the reason for you being here right now." With a grumble escaping my lips, pouring myself another glass of whatever is within reach. "Oh, come on now. You still can't be bitter about that situation. That happened more than half a century ago."

With gritted teeth, she motioned for me to proceed without delay. Redirecting my gaze towards the sprawling cityscape beyond the window, releasing a heavy sigh of frustration. Resigned to the task at hand, leaning against the cold wall and raised my glass, delicately swirling the golden-brown liquid, causing gentle undulations to form. "I got info on two people you might be interested in." Murmuring, my lips curling into a barely contained smirk. "Shivani and Greyson. Does that ring any bells?" Smirking all smug-like, reveling in the knowledge that my words would surely get under her skin. "I'm guessing that it does because of that obvious scowl on your face." Gulping the whiskey down, giving it a few seconds to build up that frustration inside her. The anticipation of her reaction only adds to my satisfaction.

"Leo!" She exclaims abruptly, the grip on the glass from earlier shattering from the immense pressure she put on it. The shards scatter across the floor, a physical representation of her anger and frustration. A mixture of shock and satisfaction crossing my face, witnessing the release of emotions I have provoked from her.

Raising an eyebrow in response, maintaining a curious expression. "Yes, dear sister of mine?"

"What. About. Them?" My eyes following her every movement, intrigued by the deliberate steps she took with each word she spoke. With each step, the intensity in her eyes grew, matching the tension in the air. Couldn't help but wonder what would happen next as she continues to navigate the space around her, her body language speaking volumes.

With a nonchalant shrug of my shoulders, setting my glass down on the windowsill. The cool surface against my fingertips offered a brief moment of grounding amidst the uncertainty in the room. "Oh, not much really. Just that Shivani has decided to go on her own to hunt down Teva." Explaining nonchalantly, my words flowing effortlessly from my lips. There was a casualness in my tone, a lack of urgency or concern. Sharing the information, while maintaining a relaxed demeanor. "And that she also teamed up with Orenda's pet to go search for her." Glancing past my eyebrows, stealing a quick glimpse at my perfectly manicured nails. Suddenly, Corvina pounces on me without warning, her grasp tightening around my throat as she effortlessly hoists me off the ground and presses me against the wall. Despite the breathlessness, still manages to contain a defiant smile, desperately clutching onto her arm, anticipation building as I await her next move.