Kill The Beast

Eclipsed Secrets

Aayaan's arrival in Paris marked a stark contrast from his previous visit, exuding an air of composure and purpose. Dressed impeccably in a black suit, his demeanor exuded confidence, a stark departure from the tumultuous man who had grappled with dark desires not long ago. By his side stood Minerva, a steadfast presence in his life, her enigmatic aura casting a subtle reassurance.

As he strode into the hotel's grand foyer, Aayaan's gaze scanned the familiar surroundings, searching for a face that held newfound significance. To his dismay, Katrina, the receptionist with whom he had shared an intense night, was conspicuously absent. Concern etched across his features, he made his way to the front desk, determination radiating from his every step.

Manager Sam, a figure of authority, met Aayaan's gaze, recognizing him from his previous visit. Aayaan's inquiry about Katrina prompted a somber expression from the manager, a harbinger of unsettling news. With measured words, Sam disclosed the unfortunate truth: Katrina had been dismissed from her position. Her actions, he explained, had brought disrepute upon the hotel and, by extension, his own name. The decision had been a painful but necessary one.

A surge of anger and frustration coursed through Aayaan, his concern for Katrina mingling with indignation at the perceived injustice. He demanded immediate action, instructing Sam to contact her without delay and arrange for her to be brought to him. The urgency in his voice left no room for negotiation; this was a matter of profound significance, one that held the potential to alter the course of Aayaan's journey in ways he could not yet fathom.

"Understood," Sam replied promptly. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "By the way, there's a gentleman who's been waiting for you in the bar for about an hour, sir. What would you like me to do with him?"

Aayaan inquired, "Where?"

Sam discreetly pointed to a well-dressed man in a tuxedo and hat, sipping on a pint of beer in the corner of the bar. As their eyes met, Mephistopheles acknowledged Aayaan with a subtle tip of his hat and a knowing smile. Aayaan considered the situation and then said, "Send him to my room."

As Aayaan entered the room, with Minerva by his side, his eyes were immediately drawn to the breathtaking sight of the Eiffel Tower, its graceful silhouette illuminated against the night sky. However, unlike the passionate night he had spent with Katrina, the iconic landmark now seemed to pale in comparison to the memories he carried. Aayaan swiftly removed his coat, loosened his tie, discarded his shoes, and retrieved a bottle of wine from the fridge. He uncorked it expertly and poured a glass, then settled onto the sofa. Minerva, too, decided to make herself comfortable, loosening her attire, and reclining on the bed, her presence a calming influence in the room.

A soft but unmistakable knock echoed through the room, signaling Mephistopheles' arrival. Aayaan gestured towards a nearby chair, inviting him to join him, an offer that Mephistopheles accepted with graceful ease. "I had a feeling you'd be here today, which is why I made haste to come," he remarked with a cheerful smile, his eyes reflecting a sense of anticipation.

Aayaan met Mephistopheles' stern eye contact with a determined gaze of his own. "I couldn't overlook my need here," he replied, his tone equally serious. While they engaged in their conversation, Minerva remained behind them, her eyes closed but her senses keenly attuned. She anticipated a potential threat from Mephistopheles, her instincts on high alert as she tried to discern if he was acting alone or if there were others involved.

Mephistopheles reassured him, saying, "You need not fret about the police case; I've handled it. I had, after all, arranged that woman as a gift from me. You won't face any trouble with the authorities, and I've made sure that all evidence linking you to her has vanished."