Page 16 of Monsters we Crave

“Some might say you’re insane.”

“Insane? Or simply dedicated to protecting what’s mine?”

“I wasn’t yours then.”

His eyes seemed to darken. “You’ve always been mine, Korinna. You just didn’t know it yet.”

“But that was so long ago.”

“Absence only sharpens the desire,” he replied, his voice smooth and commanding. “Time hasn’t changed a thing. Just last night, we shared a coffee date.”

Listening to him, a creeping suspicion settled over me. It wasn’t just the content of his words, but the carefree manner in which he spoke. I couldn’t tell if Aidoneus was unhinged or simply reveled in the power of his own unpredictability. Either way, it was becoming clear that navigating this relationship, or whatever he wanted to call it, would require an abundance of mental fortitude.

As the vehicle transitioned from the main road into the meticulously planned streets of Sector 1, Elysium in all its opulence greeted me. Tree-lined boulevards spread out in every direction. The people, dressed in the latest high-end fashion, barely glanced at the stream of Enforcer vehicles or the luxury car I was in, indicating how common such sights must have been. The world inside these gates felt vastly different from my own. It was a bubble of privilege and prosperity.

Aidoneus made a turn down a particularly grand avenue that was a good distance away from the hustle and bustle of his sector’s heart. A mile or so in, Jae-Hee's vehicle turned off and passed through a pair of gates with the head of an Amarok centered between them, the emblem of his family. The private drive led to a house that was as much an art piece as it was a residence.

Aidoneus had driven past it without a glance. I reminded myself that he’d grown up with the other heirs and had probably been to their homes plenty of times. After another minute or two on the opposite side of the road, a different set of wrought iron gates was visible. There was an imposing gryphon in their center, the emblem of the Orpheus family. Another few minutes revealed the gates that led to the Vesper family estate, their emblem a raven.

I’d always been told that each of the Triad Four had a symbol that characterized the traits and lineage of their respective families. It wasn’t something I’d ever bothered looking into, because it didn’t have anything to do with me. I deeply regretted that now. Ignorance in this situation was not bliss. It was sheer stupidity. Soon, the unmistakable wrought iron gates of the Maelstrom estate appeared before us, bearing the emblematic crest of a dragon.

They silently swung open to grant us entry.

A cobblestone driveway stretched ahead, lined with intimidating statues of mythological creatures. On either side, manicured gardens flaunted exotic flowers in a myriad of colors. The mansion itself was an imposing sight. It looked more like a palace, perched on a cliff with the tumultuous sea below as its backdrop. Made of dark stone and a blend of modern architecture, it had a classy gothic design.

It was adorned with balconies, spires, and stained-glass windows that captured the light in an ethereal dance. An expansive courtyard that lay ahead boasted a fountain, but what caught my attention was the unusual dark crimson water it spewed, a macabre yet fascinating sight. As the estate's grandeur became increasingly apparent, a coldness spread through my body.

“What is it you want from me?” My voice wavered slightly, betraying the unease I felt.

“What any man would want from a beautiful and intelligent woman,” he replied smoothly.

Beautiful and intelligent? If I were truly smart, I wouldn't be in this mess. Before I could press him further, he brought the car to a smooth stop in the roundabout.

“You were searching for a new place to live,” Aidoneus said, tilting his head with an amused smile. “Welcome to your new home, Vasira.”

“Home?” I echoed. Then it dawned on me. “You’re the reason my rental application was denied.”

“Denied is a harsh word. I simply made sure you didn’t settle for something mediocre.”

I glanced out of the window to find an impeccable line of staff, their postures straight and faces neutral, awaiting our arrival. Their black uniforms lined with threads of silver were pristine, each garment echoing the dark elegance of the estate. It was as if they were lined up for the arrival of royalty. As Aidoneus's door opened and he stepped out, I remembered that's exactly what he was.

CHAPTER FIVE

A tall, distinguished-looking man opened my door. Stepping out, I was momentarily speechless, taking in the estate from outside the car. Aidoneus approached, extending a hand which I hesitantly took. With his grip both comforting and possessive, he led me up a set of wide stone stairs that culminated in grand wooden doors. They parted with the assistance of two men also wearing a staff uniform.

The opulence inside surpassed the exterior. Sparkling chandeliers dangled high above, their reflections playing on the polished marble floors below. Exquisite rugs with threads of gold and silver adorned the ground. The solemn faces of Triad deities gazed at me from their perches on the walls. Another lineup of staff members watched us with keen interest.

“Is everyone present, Cael?” he asked the tall man who had opened my car door.

“Yes, Kyrios.”

“Good.” Drawing a breath, Aidoneus surveyed the room.

“You all know what this day means, and the significance of the woman beside me. Now, you can put a face to the name you’ve heard so often. Korinna Hearst. My betrothed and your future Elysian.”

The weight of his words nearly bowled me over. Betrothed? Elysian? My mind raced with questions, but a stern look from him silenced me. With fluid grace, he switched to the lilting tones of the Vercretan language, leaving me lost amidst its unfamiliar sounds. He turned back to me and gestured for a few elegantly attired women to step forward, their heads slightly bowed as a sign of respect.

“These are your Lysari. Follow them, and they will assist you in getting ready.”

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