Third Person
The sleek Maserati glided effortlessly along the winding roads, its powerful engine humming through the crisp air. Laroi, focused and determined, gripped the wheel with a purpose, while Lee, his usual stoic self, observed the passing scenery with detached interest. The sidewalks covered in snow.
Their destination loomed ahead—an ancient temple, secluded in a serene landscape that seemed to hold secrets untold. As the car approached, the figure of an old man, adorned in simple robes, became visible. Seated in contemplative stillness, he exuded a wisdom that spoke of ages past. Even in the white snow, he stood majestically.
The Bahati brothers, no strangers to the nature of their lives, exchanged a glance laden with unspoken understanding. Parking the Maserati, they approached the old monk with a blend of respect and curiosity.
The temple grounds resonated with a sacred energy, and as they stood before the old man, he acknowledged them with a subtle nod. His eyes, etched with the marks of time, hinted at a profound awareness of the intricate dance of destiny. The large temple was covered with snow as the breeze became cooler.
The trio entered a sacred chamber in the temple, as they sat in complete silence, ancient decorations and antiques were carefully placed in the monks chamber, dim golden light from the candles illuminated the whole room.
Laroi, unable to contain his curiosity, ventured to break the silence that hung in the sacred chamber. "Why did you give us these gems, and why do they glow now?"
The old monk met Laroi's gaze, his eyes holding the weight of centuries. "The gems you possess are remnants of an ancient war between darkness and light. They were bestowed upon your ancestors, and now, they have chosen you."
Laroi furrowed his brow, grappling with the gravity of the revelation. "But why are they glowing now? What does it mean? That wasn't happening before. Why is it there now?"
The monk, his presence unwavering, began to unveil the layers of mystery. "The balance between darkness and light is delicate. When that equilibrium is disrupted, the gems illuminate. It happened centuries ago during the ancient war."
As Laroi absorbed the information, Lee's contemplative gaze never left the old monk. The questions that lingered in his mind sought answers of their own. Laroi continued, "Is there a threat? Are our enemies resurfacing?"
The monk nodded solemnly. "The balance may be threatened again. The gems serve as beacons, warning of impending darkness. Your role, as chosen warriors, is to maintain that balance. You were chosen among the protectors of the light."
Lee, his usually stoic demeanor showing traces of concern, interjected, "What happens if a villain from the dark side comes into contact with the gems?"
The monk's response carried a gravity that echoed through the chamber. "If a dark force were to touch the gems, it could unleash a malevolent power that threatens the very fabric of existence."
"Even one gem?", Lee inquired as he gained a memory of a maid that he found in his study, weeks back.
The monk, his gaze piercing through the veil of time, responded with a contemplative solemnity. "The gems, though distinct, are intricately connected. Touching even one has the potential to disturb the cosmic balance, for their power is derived from the unity they represent. The threads of fate and destiny that bind them are intertwined."
"It can't be.", he thought to himself. A chill coursed through Lee as the weight of realization settled upon him like an unyielding shroud. His face turned pale, a stark contrast to the ethereal glow of the gems that now seemed to cast an ominous light on the revelation.
" I'm sorry Bhante Arkar, but we have to get going. Thank you for your time.", Lee remarked as he bowed his head and headed for the door. Laroi followed his brother.
As they emerged from the temple's profound stillness into the crisp air outside, Lee's steps quickened towards the waiting Maserati, a sleek manifestation of modernity against the ancient backdrop. Laroi, catching up, witnessed the turmoil etched upon his brother's pale face.
"Start the car," Lee commanded, his voice edged with a sense of urgency that brooked no delay. Laroi, recognizing the gravity of the moment, swiftly complied, the powerful engine of the Maserati roaring to life as they prepared to embark on a journey fraught with uncertainty.
As the sleek Maserati glided to a halt in the Bahati mansion's driveway, the tension between the brothers lingered in the air. Lee, contemplating the inevitable decision he had to make, had the notion to fire the maid who had touched his pendant.
Before Lee could even step out of the car, Laroi, with an air of bewilderment, exclaimed, "What the heck was that vibe about?"
"I want to fire one of the maids," Lee stated flatly.
Laroi's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why?" he inquired.
Lee hesitated for a moment, then confessed, "She touched my pendant. It was her. Maybe she's the evil one."
Laroi, recognizing the gravity of the situation, urged caution. "If you fire her, Miss Louise will question it. We need an unquestionable reason. How about we say it's about her qualifications? Lowering the standards a bit, but not enough to raise suspicion. Miss Louise shouldn't know about what happened at the temple."
Lee considered Laroi's suggestion, realizing the necessity of concealing the truth from Miss Louise. "Alright, qualifications it is," he agreed, acknowledging the need for a careful approach to navigate the delicate web of secrets that now surrounded them.
In the spacious confines of Miss Louise's elegant study, Lee stood with an air of formality, waiting to address the matter at hand. Miss Louise, seated behind her antique mahogany desk, looked up from her paperwork with a warm smile.
"Lee, what brings you here?" she inquired, her eyes filled with the genuine concern she held for her staff.
Clearing his throat, Lee began, "Miss Louise, I've been reviewing the qualifications of our staff, and unfortunately, I've observed a certain lack of expertise in one of our younger maids."
Miss Louise raised an eyebrow, curious. "Which maid are you referring to, Lee?"
Lee hesitated for a moment, realizing he didn't quite know the young maid's name. "The one who tends to the flower garden, Miss Louise. I regret to inform you that her qualifications fall below our usual standards."
Miss Louise, though slightly surprised, maintained her composed demeanor. "I see. It's important to maintain the quality of our staff. What is her name, by the way?"
Lee, still not certain of the maid's name, responded, "I believe it's... Nana. Nana Peyton."
Miss Louise nodded understandingly. "Very well, Lee. If it's in the best interest of the mansion, then we must make the necessary adjustments. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.", she lied though it ached her heart that Nana was to be fired. She didn't try to defend her because arguing with Lee was the last thing she wanted to do.
"Get a replacement by tomorrow morning.", Lee firmly remarked as Miss Louise gave an approving nod.
As Lee exited Miss Louise's study, a sense of unease lingered. The name "Nana" felt significant, but the complexities of the situation required discretion, leaving Lee in a precarious position between duty and the secrets that veiled the mansion. He shook it off his mind immediately.
Lee entered his private study, a space where the ambient glow of dim lamps created an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. To his surprise, Laroi was already seated at the desk, scrolling through his phone with a casual demeanor. The air seemed to tense as Lee approached.
Laroi glanced up, curiosity etched on his features. "So, spill it, big brother. What's the name of the maid you want to kick out?"
Lee sighed, leaning against the edge of his desk. "Her name is Nana."
Laroi's reaction was unexpected—his eyes widened, and he seemed momentarily stunned. "Nana? Are you sure?"
Lee nodded, a hint of confusion clouding his expression. "Yes, why? Do you know her?"
Laroi, still processing the revelation, responded, "No I don't.", he lied. "But why fire her?"
Lee hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "It's not just about her qualifications remember. She's a threat."
Laroi's eyes narrowed, sensing that there was more to the story than Lee was letting on. "Lee, you're not telling me everything. What's going on?"
Lee, torn between the truth and the burden of secrecy, looked at Laroi with a conflicted gaze. " What are you talking about?", Lee snapped as he hit the window with the back of his hand. "The monks said only if one of the gems was touched by an evil force then the balance would be disrupted. There are things you don't know, Laroi. Things that involve her and the mysterious events that have been unfolding."
Miss Louise's office, adorned with elegant furnishings, unexpectedly transformed into a space of heartache for Nana. Standing before the formidable woman, Nana listened as Miss Louise delicately delivered the somber news of her dismissal. The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of an unforeseen fate.
"Dear, I'm sorry," Miss Louise began, her voice carrying a tone of genuine regret, "but I couldn't argue with him."
Processing the news, Nana felt her world crumble gently. Miss Louise's voice, filled with sorrow, seemed to echo from a distance. Tears welled up in Nana's eyes as the realization sank in – she was being let go from her position as a maid, her sanctuary within the Bahati mansion slipping away.
Leaving Miss Louise's office with a heavy heart, each step was a painful reminder of the life she had come to know. The path to the servants' quarters, usually a journey of belonging, now felt like a solitary walk into the unknown.
Entering the humble room she shared with Leticia, the atmosphere held a poignant stillness. Leticia, sensing the weight of the moment, embraced Nana in a tight hug – a silent farewell between friends. Nana, desperate to stifle her sobs, let the tears stream down her cheeks.
Amidst the somber act of packing, folding her belongings into a suitcase, the room – once alive with shared laughter and camaraderie – now held the bittersweet residue of memories.
Leticia, standing by with empathy and helplessness, tried to offer comfort through the warmth of her embrace. Yet, the unspoken understanding lingered – Nana was embarking on a journey into an uncertain future, leaving behind the walls that had cradled her dreams.