Uproarium's Brightest

Chapter Seven: Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Author's Note: *Breathes* 600 reads and 200 votes? Goal reached in ONE week after the last one? Thank you all so much, from the bottom of my heart-

I never that this would go that far when writing the first drafts!

Thank you for the support on My Art Book as well! I'm doing fan art there- so if you can provide me with how your character looks, I might draw them!

Now onto the chapter:

The chauffeur hit the brakes, jolting me upright. I turned my head, wanting to truly savour the moment of seeing The Silverguard Manor for the first time.

I had known the house was old- a testament to Uproarium's history. It had been passed down from generation to generation and the tradition run within the family.

I didn't know for how much longer, however. The Viscount seemed completely done with his parents when I had last seen him.

The building blended harmoniously with the lush greenery surrounding it. The tall bushes leading to its entrance resembled a labyrinth, with all the different paths leading to exclusive compartments of the mansion.

The exterior was painted in pristine ivory and its golden porches glowed under the clear blue sky. It was simply a masterpiece of Uproarium's architecture. And I didn't need to be an expert to know that.

I rushed outside the car, taking in a breath of fresh air. Cynthia's eyes glowed as a wave of nostalgia settled in the atmosphere around her. She probably hadn't seen the place in ages.

I glanced at Jonathan, nudging him. He seemed more awestruck than all five of us, but we had to meet with the hosts by the Manor's entrance.

The path we walked on was made of manicured pebble and stone. I was amazed, keeping my gaze fixated on the wonder before my eyes. My sole caught on a rogue tree root, making my heartbeat jump. I gasped in surprise, falling on someone, which slowed me down but made them trip as well.

"I am so sorry." I looked up from where I was laying on the pavement, only to be met with a very annoyed Vincent Thorne. His brows were furrowed, disgust evident in his eyes, which resembled dark holes.

"Watch it, Mallory." he grumbled, baring his teeth.

It dawned on me. I knew who he reminded me of- and it wasn't pleasant. He looked like him. The man that had put his faith in me since the start; the man that now haunted me in my worst of nightmares, my sleep paralysis demon.

So worried had I been to ever see him again, that my brain had refused to make the connection between them. But Vincent Thorne wasn't the general. He couldn't be.

I had to investigate him more.

I put my hands on the ground, pushing myself upwards. The anxious hand tremors from all those days ago had returned now and I loathed that. I should have reacted, but I stood frozen, unable to speak. I could feel my pupils widen as I parted my lips in a shocked fumble for words.

He had always made me feel stunted, like I had been repeatedly struck with a tazer.

Vincent Thorne's gaze lingered on me for a while longer; cold and calculating. The politician, Cedric Hart, approached Thorne and leaned on his shoulder in a friendly manner. I got on ny knees, slowly pushing myself up with my shaky palms.

"Vince, you're scaring the poor guy! We believe in helping people" he elbowed 'Vince' playfully. Vincent de Thorne just stared, his glare threatening.

Cedric Hart clicked his tongue, annoyed at his companion, as he extended his arm. I took it, picking myself up from where I was on the ground.

"I'm Cedric Hart!" his infamous 'politician smile' was plastered on his face; revealing teeth that seemed more like props than genuine features, a pitiable attempt at acting, if I must say.