The feeling of waking up after a binge was never pleasant for anyone, especially when you remember the horrible decisions you made. Von remembered very well what he had done. He had tried to kill Sophie Chasseur.
Despite being tired, he could not go back to sleep. His eyelids hurt, it was still night and nothing could make him forget what he felt when he looked into the green orbs of the general's daughter. Some spell or simply the effect of the alcohol, he couldn't define, but that young redhead intrigued him more and more.
Realizing that his thoughts were leading him down a dangerous path, he decided to get up. He decided to go back to his old house to get some clothes, the stored liquor, and some cigarettes. He had just woken up from a binge and was already thinking about drinking again. Alcohol and cigarette smoke were his refuge, even more so now that his freedom had been taken away from him. His body hurt all over, he realized this as soon as he got out of bed. He walked to his shirt, which was lying on the sofa in the room, put it back on with difficulty, and left the room. He walked down a corridor full of white doors, his head was still shaking a little, his mouth was thirsty for water, but he only knew where the exit to the mansion was.
As he walked down the wooden stairs, he heard a melancholic melody, but also calm and serene.
Arriving at the main hall, Von was surprised by the sight he saw. The black piano was illuminated by moonlight, which entered through a gigantic window that filled the entire wall of the room. What surprised him the most, however, was who was playing the piano. The red of her hair stood out in that environment.Dressed in a long white sleeveless dress, Sophie looked like an angel. The wind that came in through the window swayed the cloth of her dress and the strands of her hair, following in perfect synchrony each note the young woman played. Her closed eyes denounced her feelings for the music.
Von approached the piano, leaning over it and watching her play. Sophie Chasseur was truly beautiful. How could a demon like him be blessed with an angel? But this angel, was a catching angel. If he was not careful, he would be taken by storm to a paradise with closed doors.
He had no control over his eyes, he couldn't stop looking at her. He was hypnotized. How could she leave him like that? Paralyzed just by being in her presence. Sophie Chasseur looked pure, like a porcelain doll ready to be broken. But the assassin was not fooled, this woman was corrupted just like him. However, Von didn't care, he just wanted to understand that strange connection he felt he had with her, a mutual identification.
The melody came to an end, and the green eyes opened, looking at the assassin in response. She didn't look like the daughter of a ruthless general, much less a sadistic killer. She didn't look like herself.
-Where are you going? -She looked down at the piano keys. Von leaned away from the piano and stood beside her, watching her sit down. He looked down at her cleavage and turned his gaze to the window.
- I'm going home to get some clothes.- the assassin put his hands in his pockets and turned to the window. The moon was beautiful that night.
- I'll go with you.- she stood up calmly, like a feather blown by an autumn wind. - I'll go change. You didn't eat dinner yesterday, I don't want a weak subordinate.- She walked barefoot to the first step of the stairs, and turned to the assassin. - The kitchen is that way.- She pointed with her finger and went back up the stairs.
Von walked to the mansion's kitchen. He looked around for something to eat, and sat down at the marble table in the center of the room. The man was enjoying the apple he had picked for food, he really was hungry, and fresh fruit was not something he ate very often. Less than five minutes passed and Sophie was already in the kitchen ready to go. The redhead was wearing a black cropped top that left her stomach exposed, a jacket of the same color, and a pair of black dress pants. She looked at him sitting on the table, but chose to ignore him. In steady steps, with impeccable posture, Sophie walked to the exit door. Realizing that she was leaving without him, he ran after her, throwing the rest of the apple into a nearby trash can. He followed her out through the gates, but from then on, he would guide her.
- I threatened you, why didn't you kill me?
- And give you exactly what you were looking for? - He put his hands in his pockets and kept looking at her. - Don't try to fool me, I know all about you.
- You probably make judgments based on my arrogance," he replied with an ironic smile on his face.
- You talk as if you were the most unpredictable person in the world. - She looked at him with a look of debauchery. - You have a 3-inch blade hidden in your right boot, in the back of your pants you hide a 6-slot chrome revolver, your jacket has hidden pockets on the inside, each one with small knives. And on the front of your waist...- She lifted his blouse. - ...A dagger...by the way, you keep your customized glove only for special occasions.
- Do you know my blood type too?
- O+, Assassin No. 36,568 B wanted by High Command.
- Why do you investigate me so much?
- Because I want to, and because I can. You're wrong if you think I'm going to stop. - Sophie said, walking in front of the assassin. He continued walking towards his house.
A smile came to his face as he saw his old house falling to pieces. Because the day had not yet dawned, the scene took on a macabre semblance. He walked to the entrance, sitting down on a chair next to the door. He took a pack of cigarettes that he had left on the window pane, next to a lighter that was there. He lit it, swallowed some of the smoke, and let it out. Watching the moon, he thought about being just a BloodHound, a lone BloodHound. Just a trusted tool in the hands of the man who defeated him, General Norgard. A deputy head of state who had mastered the power of a poor assassin for his selfish plans. His master had it for himself, and would share it with no one. Like an expensive toy or even a prize to show off.A pair of green eyes traveled over him constantly, always with contempt. He never felt so inferior as he did at this moment, he was not used for anything, he had no duties to perform. How long had it been since he had killed someone, 3 days? Why be captured if you're not going to be used?
He was taken out of his thoughts when he felt his cigarette being ripped from his mouth. Sophie held the cigarette in both hands, swallowing it.
- This is how it's done.- Von took the cigarette from the redhead's fleshy mouth, placed it between his two fingers, swallowed some smoke and threw it in her face. She felt her face burn with rage, and took the cigarette from Von, swallowing it again impetuously. She was sitting on a small wall next to the chair the assassin was sitting on. Von took the cigarette from Sophie's lips and threw it on the ground. - Children shouldn't smoke.- he knew that calling her a child bothered her. There was little age difference between the two, about four years apart. Sophie, even at the age of eighteen, had experienced many things, which explained her anger at being called a child. How could she be a child if she never had a childhood? The two of them got up and went into the house.
The nostalgic feeling that the house provoked in Von made him smile. He knew he wouldn't have that anymore, and he didn't know if that was a blessing or a curse. He walked over to the bed and threw himself onto it, closing his eyes. That bed never looked so comfortable. Just then he felt a weight on the bed. He imagined that Sophie Chasseur was looking at him with contempt, but he didn't care.
The lack of light in the room made him want to sleep. There were two people and only one bed. Von sat up, took Sophie's hands in his and pulled her onto the bed, pressing her against the pillow.
- Sleep.- Von whispered and saw her green eyes widen.
- I'll never sleep in the same bed as you.-" Sophie felt her heart flutter and tried to get out of bed, but felt a cold hand on her wrist, making her remain seated. She struggled in an attempt to free herself from the hands of her father's subordinate. For a second her green eyes met his brown ones. The redhead stopped herself at the same moment, just watching the darkness in Von's eyes. At the same moment he let go, he didn't want to look at her so closely. Von got up, pulled out a pillow, and lay down on the rug beside the bed. She shook her head in confusion as she saw him turn his back to her, decided to do the same as he did, and they both fell asleep.
Sophie awoke to the sound of pebbles being thrown at the window next to the bed. It was a low window, so even lying down she could see the view. She sat up, rubbing her hands over her eyes because of the brightness. It was dawn. She assumed it was seven o'clock in the morning. She looked out the window and saw an ordinary woman. Her breasts looked as if they would pop out of her dress, her hair was brown and wavy, and her eyes the same color. The woman's face looked surprised when she saw Sophie at the window. The redhead smiled and immediately pushed her hair to the left side, making facial expressions as if she were receiving some sort of affection. Sophie wanted to tease her, and she succeeded.
After some time, she noticed that the woman was no longer there, lay down again and fell asleep. She woke up when she heard the shower turn on, her laziness prevented her from getting up. She wondered if there was food in that house. She looked up at the ceiling and noticed the darkness of the place, it was dawn and the atmosphere of the house was still the same as the night before. She tried to sleep again but could not. He couldn't stop thinking about the woman from earlier. He looked down at his own body and bit his own lips. The redhead was better than the woman, rubbing her white feet against each other, and snuggled into the spring bed. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, his bed was comfortable.
-Did you like the bed? -Von came out of the bathroom already dressed, wearing a black jacket. His wet brown hair fell across his face. -It smells like me, and other women too.
-Like that slut from earlier? - The assassin looked down at Sophie's cleavage, the straps of her cropped top lowered, almost revealing her breasts. Von smiled as he desired the woman who was escorting him.
-She showed up? How clever you are, Miss Chasseur.- he called her in that way, trying to provoke her.
- You... Dog... Have you forgotten who I am?- Sophie looked deep into Von's eyes as she tidied the strap of her clothes. The assassin walked to the kitchen where bread and milk were on the table.
- I wanted to forget, but you won't let me.- Von answered after a few seconds as he picked up his backpack from the kitchen table. They both went towards the door and left in the direction of the mansion.
The way was silent, and despite the grumbles Sophie made, Von ignored them, trying to avoid the mental war the redhead was trying to wage. When they arrived at the mansion, Sophie immediately climbed the stairs and headed for her room. Von knew that when he arrived, he should go to Norgard Chasseur's office. Von's relationship with the general had become more friendly after they returned from their meeting with Krauser. He didn't feel as grounded as before, just stifled by Nor's presence, but the assassin understood that this was the general's way of being.
Time had passed quickly in Nor's office, between drinks and trivial conversations. Leaving the office and walking to the kitchen, Von was confronted by the presence of Sophie. The redhead's face was irritated. The assassin tried to ignore her, passing in front of her in silence. Von could smell the sweet perfume that wafted from the girl's neck, her red hair tied up in a high ponytail. Her crossed arms emphasized her cleavage, which was why the assassin refused to look at her.
-Aren't you forgetting something, dog? - Von heard the redhead's voice and stopped walking, but did not turn around. He heard small steps behind him and gave in to look at her.
- I should remember.- Her voice came out thicker than usual. His brown eyes stared into Sophie's green ones, the temptation to look down was great, but the immensity of her green eyes drew his attention. There was much more than contempt in that look, it was much more complex.
- I'll go with you.- she pulled him by the arm and left the mansion.
They walked through the streets of Cermina side by side, the cold wind denouncing the coming of winter gave Sophie's skin goose bumps, her crossed arms denounced it. Always quiet, there was a deadly silence between the two of them, they passed by markets where everything was sold, from weapons to people. Sophie just followed him, watched him discreetly, proving to her father her value as an assassin.
-Von! - Sophie heard an irritating voice, and saw the same woman as earlier. She hung onto the assassin's neck, and stole a kiss. Sophie closed her eyes, irritated. - Who is she?
- I'll ask. Who are you? - The redhead pulled the dagger from Von's pants and placed it at the woman's throat, making her lean against the killer. Von could only admire Sophie's quick movement, she was not shaking and her handling of the dagger was absurdly fast. He smiled internally, she knew what she was doing.
- The little girl knows how to play with knives.
-Repeat!- Sophie stabbed the dagger into the woman's skin, she felt the blood run down the blade. - Come again, bitch. Say it again, bitch. - Von saw reflected there not only the contempt from before, but the passion Sophie had when she saw the blood flowing. He took her icy hand, making her release the woman's throat.
-This is Sophie Chasseur, Monick.- The woman felt a shiver run from the back of her neck to her bare thighs as she heard the name, the Chasseur family was dangerous to those who lived in the underworld. Von walked over to the redhead's side and laid a hand on her bare shoulder. Sophie was wearing a black tank top with black pants, her hair pulled up high, making her neck look so... sensual. She was cold, no wonder her arms were tucked up. -You didn't have to be so strict, Miss Chasseur.- He spoke softly, close to her ear.
- Don't call me that, damn you!
She felt her face turn red with anger, and Von chuckled; she was too temperamental for an eighteen-year-old girl. Arrogant and domineering, Sophie Chasseur was supposed to be a key piece on the Norgard board.
-Well, Von. - The woman closed her face. - See you tonight, if you still want to.- Having said this, Monick walked towards a store, making Sophie furious.
- What's on tonight, dog? - She stood in his way, blocking his passage.
-Adult business. - Sophie ran the dagger from under Von's left eye, forming a line that oozed little blood. - You should treat me more politely, Miss Chasseur. You could start by calling me "darling".- She widened her eyes and kicked him in the shin.
- Tell me now!
- I'm one of her clients.
- What?! - Sophie frowned. With so much technology, were women still prostituting themselves? She kicked him harder.
- Don't get me wrong, she's expensive.
- Idiot! - The redhead pushed him away, and snorted in a direction he wasn't going. Laughing, Von lit a cigarette and turned around and headed for the mansion.
It was dark and Sophie was sharpening her daggers in a bar she had found. Following Monick wherever she went, she stopped at a hovel that could be called a hotel. Silently he infiltrated it and chased her into a room. She wouldn't have minded if Von had already been there, it would have been even more pleasant. The door was open, so she quickly walked through it. She saw Monick lying on the bed. The woman opened the desk drawer and took out a machete. Sophie laughed, it wasn't even sharp. Bitch and dolt, thought the redhead.
-Don't come any closer!- Monick stood up, holding the machete with both hands, pointing at Sophie. -Let's talk first.
-Words are words, and I've never heard of a wounded heart being penetrated by the ear...- The redhead smiled, approaching with her hands behind her back, holding her new daggers.
Monick could clearly see the glow reflected in the green orbs, seeing the pleasure of an assassin in front of her prey. Without thinking, Sophie struck her in the face, making a small scratch under her left eye just as she had earlier on Von. Sophie caught her by the hilt holding the machete, and quickly kneed Monick in the stomach, causing her to fall. She lifted her up by the roots of her hair and her smile widened.
-I thought this would be fun, what a disappointment.- She said, cutting the woman throat, and then licking his daggers clean of blood. She wanted her head, and when she finished cutting it completely off, she saw Von watching her leaning against the door. He had never seen that smile on her lips.A sadistic smile.
-You've ruined all my fun.- As he said this, he walked over to her, grabbing her hands and pulling the two daggers out of her, like someone taking candy from a child. Taking the daggers, he removed her from the room, leaving the mutilated body there. Sophie was cold, her lips were purple, he took off his jacket and put it on her back.
-Thank you, Von. - And that was the first time she had called him by his name, and in a reverie, he swore he saw a smile that wasn't sinister on her purple lips. So they went back to the mansion, talking this time.