Victor and Isabelle felt the tension in the thick night air as they headed towards the Seraphina Island pier. The moonlight gleamed on the water, creating strange shadows that appeared to move with a sinister purpose. With each moment that passed, Victor's hold on the steering wheel grew stronger as his mind brewed with suspicion and lingering inquiries.
Isabelle sat next to him without saying a word, her face showing a mix of anxiety and determination. Victor was aware that she kept secrets related to his past that could potentially undo all his efforts. However, this evening, he will reveal the truth.
While getting closer to the pier, Victor saw Lucian Blackwell standing by the edge, his figure clearly outlined by the moonlit water. Victor stopped the car and faced Isabelle. "Remain near," he directed, his voice strong.
Isabelle nodded, her eyes showing both fear and defiance. "I comprehend."
They exited the vehicle and walked up to Lucian, who greeted them with a smile. "Victor, it's great that you could join me. And you brought guests with you. "What a delightful experience."
Victor narrowed his eyes. "What is it that you desire, Lucian? What is the reason for the secrecy?
Lucian's smile grew larger, yet it did not reflect in his eyes. "Oh, Victor, you have always been so impatient." I have a proposal that could be advantageous to both of us, shall we consider it?
Victor looked over at Isabelle, who was standing stiffly with her gaze locked on Lucian. "Cut to the chase," Victor insisted.
Lucian laughed, relishing the tension. "Absolutely. I am aware that you have been scheming against me, Victor. Your attempts to sabotage Blackwell Industries have been recognized. However, I suggest a ceasefire. Collaborate with me, and we can both emerge victorious.
Victor's anger reached a boiling point. "A ceasefire?" After all that you have accomplished? Lucian, you have destroyed my family. What reason do I have to trust you?"
Lucian's demeanor shifted to a serious tone. "Victor, there is a bigger danger approaching us." Someone who desires to witness our destruction. "And she is included in it." He indicated Isabelle, causing her already pale face to become even paler.
Victor gazed at Isabelle with inquisitive eyes. "What is his intention, Isabelle? What is your relationship to everything happening here?
Isabelle inhaled deeply, her voice shaking as she talked. "My actual name is Emily Lawson." Like your own family, Lucian betrayed my father, Henry Lawson. Before he vanished, he left me a message alerting me to Lucian's schemes and advising me to locate you.
Victor's thoughts spun out of control. Why did you wait to inform me?
Isabelle responded with pleading eyes, saying she didn't know whom to trust. "And I continue to not." However, I was aware that I needed to prevent Lucian, regardless of the circumstances.
Lucian chuckled, a sinister, scornful noise. "Wow, so emotional." The reality is, Victor, Emily has been playing both sides. She was assigned to penetrate your world, but she ended up getting too close, didn't she?
Victor felt a mix of emotions swirling in his head—betrayal, anger, and a glimmer of dangerous hope. He then looked at Lucian again. What reason do I have to trust what you're saying?
Lucian's eyes sparkled with wickedness. "Victor, if we do not collaborate, we will both face destruction." There is another participant in this situation, someone who has been secretly controlling us. And they will continue persisting until both of us are no longer present.
Victor experienced a shiver down his back. "Who is that?"
Lucian nodded in disagreement. I'm not sure. However, I am doubtful. "And I think Emily may have the answer to discovering the truth."
Victor gazed at Isabelle, or Emily, with a blend of suspicion and urgency. "Is it accurate?"
Emily agreed, with tears shimmering in her eyes. Agreed. My father's message indicated a secret adversary, a person even more threatening than Lucian. However, I do not possess all the components. "We must collaborate in order to solve this."
Victor's thoughts raced. Was it possible for him to have faith in her? Was it possible for him to rely on Lucian? All his natural urges told him to leave, but he understood that was not a choice. The risks were too great, and the threat too genuine.
"Okay," Victor eventually responded, his voice remaining calm. "We will collaborate." However, if either of you goes against me, I will ensure that you suffer the consequences.
Lucian's smile came back, but it lacked any feeling. "Accepted." Now, it's time to start working.
As they were about to depart, a unexpected blast shook the pier, causing a ripple in the atmosphere. Victor automatically protected Isabelle by pulling her down while debris fell around them. Lucian was pushed backward, hitting the pier's edge with force.
Victor glanced upwards, feeling his heart race. He noticed dark silhouettes approaching with weapons in hand from afar. The unseen adversary had taken action, causing the situation to become life-threatening.
"Sprint!" Victor yelled as he helped Isabelle stand up. "We have to leave this place!"
Running into the darkness, chased by unidentified attackers, Victor realized their struggle for life had just started. Discovering the mysteries concealed within the shadows of Luminaris would require using all of his intelligence and power. And the trust of a woman with as many secrets as he has.