Unknown Location

“I can’t just stand here pacing, Master. I need to move before it’s too late. If it weren’t for this relic you gave me, I wouldn’t even be able to speak right now.”

“I know Fate,” said the hooded man in a deep, calm voice.

“I won’t let that half-breed succeed.”

Another voice, smooth and quiet, chimed in. “No. We can’t.”

“But what can I do? The Elder has me monitored. This relic is the only thing shielding our talk from his ears.”

“We can still act, even if you’re trapped physically,” the hooded man replied.

“How, Master?”

“Leave that to me. I’ll contact your followers and have them move immediately. When the time comes, you’ll already have an army. And when they’re in position—kill them all. No hesitation.”

“I’m ready, Master.”

“Good. Now, did your people guard the scrolls I entrusted to them?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Then you’ll be just fine.”

Taso Family Temple

“I’ve received a prophecy from the goddess Fate.”

The priest’s voice silenced the room as the faithful gathered around, their gazes reverent. Generations of loyalty had earned them divine favor, and her word was law.

“What did she say, O High One?” someone whispered in the crowd.

“We are at war with evil. Those who oppose our goddess’s will must be annihilated. She commands us to use the blessed instrument and carry out her judgment without delay. Her will is set. There will be no mercy.”

“As she wills, we shall fulfill,” the group chanted in unison.

The priest turned to a young man standing tall among the crowd. “Darian, you are now called to shine. Do not disappoint our goddess.”

“I won’t fail her, High One.”

Remote Site Outside the City

“So explain again why your mom buried a hundred journals and ancient god texts underground?”

“Because she didn’t trust the house was safe. My ‘mom’—the one I grew up with—was actually the daughter of her friend. When her friend died, my real mom took her in. But she never trusted her. Thought she’d sell the books or worse.”

“You never told me your mom’s name.”

“Lucia Moore. Luci.”

“Beautiful name.”

Why does he care. She's been gone for a long time. I don't want to make it hard to keep whatever trust I gained so it's good to just go with the flow.“Yeah... it was. Anyway, Mom always said Fate would find us.”

“She talked about Fate like... a person?”

“She said people who oppose her end up feeding her madness.”

“So what—you believe Fate’s real?” Why is he making that face like he's looking for me to say something?

“I believe my mother didn’t lie. And this medallion proves someone out there worships Fate. Whether she’s real or not doesn’t matter. Her followers are real. Their goals are real.”

Thunk. Eureka

“We hit something.”

“It’s her chest. Let’s pull it up. Hand me the bolt cutters.”

It's been so long since I've seen these beauties. Mom use to read them all day and sometimes even into the night. Writing new notes everytime

“Yeah, this is it. Let’s get it to the estate. I’ll need a room—totally silent—with a servant who can’t speak, hear, or write. But they need to be able to read and sign Russian and look Japanese.”

“Damn. That’s... specific.”

“Because only dead men keep secrets.”

Where does she learn stuff like this? “Right. Marco’s waiting in the car. Let’s move.”

Library – Salvatore Family Estate

“Spreading the books out on the floor helps?” I know it's his place but couldn't he knock before entering. This bastard never really had manners anyway. Another reason to kill him once I can.

“Yeah, way easier to read. Laptop close by too—cozy workspace.”

“I’ve always liked a sharp-tongued woman. How’s the new servant?”

“She’s perfect. Haven’t heard a single word.”

“So what have you learned?”

“A lot. Here look at this note book.”

“What language is this?”

“Russian.”

“I don't know Russian.”

“I'll explain it then. Fate’s followers trace back to an ancient bloodline. In the old texts, the name translates to Those Whose Fate Lies with Me. The shortened word is Tasolos. Modern-day? Taso. Literally... ‘fate’.”

“ Taso family? They are related? They have a long history in the city but I never thought they are related to something like this.”

“There’s also a diagram—it looks like a family tree. One name is circled. It translates as God Is My Oath. But the pronunciation reads Elizabeth. There’s a whole section about her.”

“Elizabeth, whos that Angie?”

“My name is Angela and she vanished the night of a rebellion happend. They say she and a servant of the king killed a warrior from the :Velmora clan using an ancient relic of some sort. The text says one thing, but Mom added side notes—written in the ancient language.”

“Can you read them?”

“Not yet. I’m rusty. Haven’t touched this stuff in years. Hey whats the date and time?”

“Tuesday March 5th 11:40am.”

“Seriously? A whole week has passed already?”

“Yep.”

“Ugh, I’ve got a meeting. I’m late.”

“Who are you meeting?” This basterd thinks he can ask me where I'm going like I belong to him.

“None of your business.”

“You are my business.”

Oh I sure am. I'm going to be the one to take your last breath so it would be best for you to always know where I am. “Well, your business has a meeting.”

“Then take Tyler with you.”

“I’ll take the bus.”

“Buses take too long.”

“Fine.” This basterd

Later

“Thanks for your time. Hope to work together again.”

“Likewise, young lady.”

Oh, the car is already great here. Let's head back and close this.

“Take me back to the estate.”

“Will do.”

“That voice... you new?”

“Nah. Tyler had an emergency, so I’m filling in. Sorry we didn’t notify you.”

“No problem.”

“There’s a wreck up ahead—we’ll need to detour.”

“That’s fine. But can we stop at that restaurant? I forgot to use the bathroom.”

“We really should get back—”

“I really can’t hold it.”

“Alright. Make it quick.”

“It will be.”

Click.
She presses the barrel to his temple.
Bang.

“Glad he liked tinted windows,” she mutters, while wiping off the blood. “Better avoid using phones. Might trigger a bomb. I’ll call it in through the restaurant.” I hope they are still serving breakfast.

Back at the Estate

“Where’d you get the gun?”

“What gun?”

“Angela.”

“If I said I had one, I’d be lying. It’s illegal. So... what gun?”

“Okay, Okay then How’d you know he was a traitor?”

“I recognized his voice.” He’s the one who tried to kill me before back then.

“I can’t tell if this is good or bad.”

“Well, while you figure that out... did you strip the body?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“Same symbol. Upper thigh.”

“Then it’s real. We’ve got a problem.”

“How big?”

“Big enough. I know who at least one of your rats is.”

“What?!”

“I’ll explain later. For now—sweep the room for bugs. And did you find Tyler’s body?”

“It was in the truck.”

He didn't deserve that. “His family?”

“They’ve been informed.”

“Send my condolences and this.”

“What's this?”

“Money for the funeral and for the widow to start over somewhere else”

“I’ll take care of them so keep your money but I will send your condolences” That's one of the reasons I fell for him back then. He always took care of the ones that stayed loyal to him. I still can't accept how he ended me without making sure I was the one who betrayed him..

“Of course.”

“Now let’s go see Volere. I think he and my maid are having a grand time dancing.”

“Dancing?”