Poison Rose of Avalon

Once she had managed to involve Daran in her schemes, she departed.

With her Bluetooth connected to the car, she nervously called Robert, hoping to secure approval for a meeting with the Chairman.

Surprisingly, Robert quickly granted her request, but there was a catch—instead of meeting at home, she was scheduled to meet him at his business empire, the Synergy Enterprise. She had never set foot there, and the uncertainty made her palms sweat. Yet, despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach, she drove to her next calling.

Stepping into the scene, Liora was surrounded by skyscrapers for the first time. The Synergy Enterprise is the tallest building, its glass walls reflecting sunlight like shards of broken mirrors.

She stepped inside, and the cold air wrapped around her like a warning. The lobby was a cavernous expanse of marble and light, the polished floors gleaming under the harsh glow of overhead chandeliers. The scent of freshly waxed wood mingled with something sterile, something sharp.

Robert stood by the elevators, his stance as stiff as the glass sculpture next to him. His gaze shifted to his watch, then back to the entrance. As soon as Liroa came into sight, "This way," he barked, his voice slicing through the hum of distant conversations.

The elevator was a steel box of silence, its mirrored walls forcing Liora to confront her own reflection. She stared at the girl in the glass—calm on the surface, but her clenched fists and rapid breaths revealed her anxiety.

She was on the verge of discussing matters with the Chairman, not in a laid-back way, but to convey her lack of interest in the college, he suggested her wish to attend school in California, and her request for his help. The elevator doors opened with a 'ping,' and they exited.

Roberts knocked at the door before entering the Chairman's office. Liora was astonished by the Chairman's office, a replica of his home office. The space seemed infinite, with lofty ceilings and expansive windows providing a divine perspective of the city beneath. Every aspect radiated authority, from the sturdy mahogany desk to the luxurious armchairs that appeared almost too immaculate to sit on.

Liora stepped forward, almost hypnotized by the view and wandered over to the windows. Robert tried to stop her, but the Chairman signalled to let Liora explore. Liora stood by the window, feeling like she was on top of the world. 

Leaning forward, the Chairman placed both elbows on the table, interlaced his fingers, and rested his chin on them, intently observing Liora's reaction.

"Your grandmother had the same reaction." Said the Chairman, breaking Liora's tranquillity. 

The words hit her like a jolt. "You knew her?"

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "She stood where you are now. Started out of that same window many years ago."

"What was she like?" Liora asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She stepped closer, her curiosity burning through her unease.

The Chairman leaned back, folding his hands together. "She was… much like you."

Her chest tightened. Her grandmother had been a ghost for years, a name spoken only in fragments. Amara hardly spoke about Suzi with Liora.

"I have never seen her. We don't have any photographs at home." Liora came closer; her thirst for knowing about her grandmother was clear.

"If your mother hasn't shared much with you, there must be a reason, " the Chairman observed gently.

Liora's excitement deflated noticeably, like a flickering flame dimming in intensity, and her face visibly clouded with disappointment. She had always been curious about her grandmother, and despite asking her mother about her countless times, Liora knew not much. When the Chairman brought up her topic, Liora saw a sliver of hope, but it, too, had to be useless.

"What I can tell you," The Chairman continued, pausing for a moment to ensure he had her full attention, "is that if you wish to see what your grandmother looked like, looking in the mirror would be a good start."

Liora was amazed. She instantly turned to look at her reflection in the glass window. She felt happy; at least now she knew what her grandmother looked like.

Chairman's following words caught her attention. "Sit down, Liora, and tell me your purpose for this sudden visit."

Liora sat down, shifted her gaze downward, and struggled to broach the subject. Sensing her hesitation, the Chairman interjected, "Speak your mind."

Looking at the Chairman's stern expression, Liora hesitated before stating, "I..I wish to study in California."

The Chairman remained silent in his response. For a while, he watched Liora, trying to understand her situation regarding the California story. He had never heard from Amara that Liora wished to leave the country for her further studies; in fact, Amara had followed the Chairman's advice to have her enrol in Regalian College.

"What makes you want to leave your mother and study so far away?" he asked, his initially shocked expression now calmed.

After a moment's pause, Liora stated, "I have personal reasons." 

Taking a long moment to observe her, he narrowed his eyes. "Is this about Caspian?" The Chairman speculated. "He will come back this year, and I will make sure of that, " he quickly added.

Without biting around the bush, her reply came faster than she realized: "Regardless of whether Caspian comes back, my choice to study in the USA remains unchanged."

She was determined to seek revenge for her father's murder and apprehend Sven, the killer. "This is what I meant to share with you," Liora stated firmly as she rose, ready to depart. She couldn't bring herself to ask for his assistance.

The manner in which she addressed him made her entire body turn to jelly. She needed to leave that place as quickly as possible. She found it challenging to meet Chaurman's gaze as he stared at her in disbelief.

"Which college do you plan to attend?" The Chairman's question caused Liora to pause her movement. She instantly looked into his gaze.

"Quantum Future." With that said, Liora left before she could sound more rude and before he tried to talk her out of it.

The cabin door shut firmly, and the Chairman immediately turned his intense gaze towards his assistant. "Robert, were you able to reach Caspian?" The Chairman asked, his tone laced with irritation.

"Master Caspian is still not reachable."

"What is he up to?" The Chairman muttered in frustration, pacing the room.

The Chairman walked back and forth, his hands clasped behind his back, in deep thought, like walking on the edge of the sword. The look on his face said that everything would fall if he did not make any choice now.

After a brief interval, a measured and calculating smile forms at the corner of his mouth.

"Robert, dial the number of the President of Quatam Square University. "

What schemes was the Chairman devising? Did he intend to orchestrate something significant or prepare someone for another pivotal trial?

*****

The atmosphere in Dane's living resembled the oppressive heat of a sauna.

Daran and Liora sat stiffly on one couch, an intentional chasm of space between them, while Amara and Dane occupied the other. A coffee table stood in the middle, with four steaming cups of coffee positioned on it, though none had taken a sip.

Amara's soft, maternal gaze darted toward Daran now and then, but it couldn't neutralize the icy scrutiny of Dane's unblinking stare.

"So, what's this about?" Dane's voice penetrated the silence. His gaze locked onto Daran's, examining each of his moments of hesitation carefully and cautioning him silently to be mindful of what they were about to speak.

Daran swallowed hard, feeling the sweat creep along the back of his neck. His eyes slid sideways toward Liora, silently accusing her of dragging him into this mess.

Liora fidgeted with her fingers. Occasionally, she let out a nervous chuckle while glancing at Daran, wishing he would say something. Daran did not cast a single glance, not in the presence of Captain Dane.

After gathering her composure, Liora addressed the group, "We… uh, we have an announcement....," she began, her voice trembling.

Dane's stare remained steady. If anything, his examination deepened, compelling Daran to speak. Daran couldn't bear Liora's sluggish transformation; he longed to escape from this location.

"We're planning to go to California. For further studies," he blurted, the words spilling out too fast.

The atmosphere in the room turned to one of disbelief. Amara stared, her mouth slightly opening as if she intended to speak, while Dane's demeanour grew more severe. His eyes shot from Daran to Liora in shock.

Liora, desperate to fill the void. "Mama, Uncle Dane, it's a great opportunity for both of us. Daran's even got a scholarship," she said, her voice teetering between earnestness and desperation. "And..and.."

"Absolutely not!" Amara snapped, her voice cracking like a whip. Her face paled, her wide eyes searching Liora's for some semblance of reason. "California? Do you know how far that is?"

"Hear us out, Mama."

"You are not going anywhere, Liora. It's the end of the discussion." Amara gave her final verdict.

Amara never had a moment when she thought that Liora would talk about leaving her mother to go to another country for further studies. This was a nightmare for her, what Liora had said. Even if Liora had ever mentioned moving in with Daran, she would have ensured Daran lived with them in their cottage.

However, she would never allow Liora to go far away from her, causing her to worry about her safety and health. Liora had become the spitting image of her mother, Suzi, and Amara understood what her mother had endured because of her natural beauty. She does not want Liora to go through a similar misery.

However, Liora's intentions differed from her mother's. She was determined to track down Sven and the others. Now that she is aware of Sven's location, she will haunt him.

Liora stood her ground, even as guilt coiled tighter around her chest. "Mama, it's not just for studies," she said, her voice trembling. "Daran and I… we plan to get married after graduation, but before, we would like to explore our....life." Liora's voice trailed off.

Daran's head whipped toward her, his jaw tightening as her words landed. The silence that followed was suffocating, broken only by Amara's sharp inhale.

"You both are only 18," Amara snapped again, her voice laced with disbelief.

Dane, however, remained unnervingly quiet. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes burned with an intensity that made Daran's skin prickle.

"Uncle Dane, please, I—" Liora faltered, her voice cracking under his cold gaze.

Then, as if the dam finally broke, Dane leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Do you even understand what you're saying? First, leaving the pace and talking about the wedding?

Liora couldn't devise a better solution. As long as her mom saw Daran as family and someone who would keep her safe, Amara would never consider sending Liora away.

Daran had made a positive impression on Amara, and thus, Liora used that to her advantage.

Had she acquired insight from her experience with Caspian?

Dane, in a grave tone, asked Daran, "Are you capable of taking responsibility?"

"Uncle Dane, I made this decision. When Daran informed me of his move to California, I expressed my desire to accompany him."

Liora clenched her fist and lowered her gaze, stating, "I wish to be where Daran is."

Liora recognized that her words would punch a hole in her mother's heart. However, her decision to reach California was unwavering. "I humbly request your blessing..." Liora urged.

Dane did not say a word, and he definitely did not look happy, either. Amara stood up, her arms opening wide as she gazed at Daran. Moved by emotion, Daran also rose and embraced Amara.

"Welcome to the family, Daran!" 

To Daran's surprise, Dane gave a genuine hug and his heartfelt approval. "You'd better be worth it," he said, there was warning in his tone.

Witnessing this scene, Liora finally understood the extent of her lies. "Holy crap!" she breathed softly.

She started to question her decisions, but it was too late. The arrow had been released from the bow, and now Liora could only wish it wouldn't harm her family when the reality was revealed.

As they rode back to Daran's home, the vehicle glided smoothly along the well-known path. The soft sounds of traffic enveloped them, interrupted now and then by a horn and the sound of far-off sirens.

 The mood within the vehicle was notably strained. Daran remained quiet, his gaze locked on the landscape outside the window. Liora concentrated on the path in front of her, occasionally sneaking a look at Daran to see if he was okay.

When she pulled into the driveway, Daran unbuckled his seatbelt but didn't move to get out. Instead, he turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Liora," he said, his voice low, almost a whisper. "Do you even realize what you've done?"

Her hands trembled as she turned off the ignition. "I know," she murmured. "But I had to—"

"No," he interrupted, his voice firm. "Your family trusts me. They think I will protect you, but how am I supposed to protect you from this lie?"

She stared at him, guilt clawing at her chest. "We'll make it true, Daran," she said suddenly, her voice laced with false cheer. "We'll make it happen."

He tilted his head, his expression a mixture of disbelief and exhaustion. "Liora," he said, his tone edged with frustration. "I'm not signing up for a celibate marriage."