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Chapter 2 - Prologue

Galatians 6:7

[7]Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

....

In the lavish presidential suite of a luxurious hotel, Asher ensconced himself, getting cozy. The previous week had been exceedingly chaotic, even for a formidable mafia organization such as his own. As a relatively young crime boss, a considerable amount of families were prone to contest his authority, thus necessitating a continual battle to maintain his position. Asher had engaged in numerous strategic maneuvers to dismantle and subdue rival factions. Since the evening was still unfolding, he opted to alleviate his stress with a libation.

The hotel room was filled with silence, enveloping Asher in tranquility as he luxuriated in the finest amenities money could afford. However, this peace was abruptly shattered by a firm knock at the door.

"Mr. Lloyd," a flustered high pitched voice announced, "a Miss Diana is here to meet with you. She insists on seeing you."

Asher's brow furrowed in contemplation of the unexpected visit from Diana. "Diana? For what reason would she pay me a visit?" Instantly, a sense of suspicion started to infiltrate his mind. Diana was widely recognized as a top operative within the factions, showcasing extraordinary expertise and earning extensive admiration. With a blend of deadly intuition and magnetic charm, she presented a significant challenge. Indeed, few individuals could match Diana's extensive and brutal record of eliminations, or the esteemed reputation she held among all the prominent families.

"Let her in," Asher replied after some consideration.

Subsequently, the door softly opened, revealing a stunning woman adorned in elegant black garments that hugged her generous curves. Her lustrous black hair framed her radiant, cocoa-colored complexion, flowing down to the base of her spine, highlighting her mesmerizing jade green eyes. With a warm smile, Diana welcomed Asher. "Asher Lloyd, it has been quite some time."

Asher's response was a dismissive snort, his tone conveying his disinterest for small talk. "Not long enough. What do you want?" he questioned, his tone laced with skepticism.

Ignoring Asher's inquiry, Diana exuded confidence as she nonchalantly strolled over to the sofa and gracefully poured herself a glass of wine. A spicy aroma permeated the air with each movement she made, further irritating Asher. "I am here on official business. It is of utmost urgency," she declared, her voice resonating with significance.

Asher settled into a chair across from Diana, studying her intently, his awareness sharpened despite feeling slightly inebriated. Diana asked about the project Asher had just finished, and he gave a concise summary, occasionally stumbling over his words. Yet, a persistent intuition alerted Asher to a potential issue. Resolved to uncover the truth, he kept a stoic expression and chose to engage in the conversation further.

Diana, appearing nonchalant, rose gracefully and poured herself another glass of wine. She elegantly glided closer to Asher, her fingertips delicately caressing the furniture. "I bear a message from the highest echelon," she disclosed, her emerald gaze piercing into Asher's. He rose to his feet, slightly unsteady in his stance.

"Well, then, proceed," Asher retorted with a smirk and a lazy gaze.

Upon receiving Asher's reply, Diana's countenance exuded tranquility and her eyes sparkled with anticipation. A smile graced her lips before she swiftly sprang into action. A shimmering silver light emanated from behind her as a dagger pierced through Asher's side with a moist, rustling noise. The blade penetrated deeply, reaching up to the hilt, causing blood to trickle down and splatter onto the luxurious, velvety carpet beneath. The metalic scent of blood sipped into the air.

Asher's face contorted with intense pain. He swung a heavy fist at Diana, the momentum causing her to fall backwards. 'God damn it!' Asher thought while bolting for the door, realizing how he had played right into a trap. There was no time for a fight. He was drunk and exhausted, he would never win.

Asher ran out of the building with Diana in hot pursuit. She was fast, but no match for Asher. In a fair fight she had no prayer, she knew that, that's why she had stabbed him with a poisoned dagger. It would not be long until the poison took its toll on Asher.

Scolding himself for being stupid and letting his guard down, Asher stumbled to his car, a sleek black speed demon. He noticed that he had forgotten the keys in his haste. He broke the window and opened the door from the inside. Diana had just rounded the corner when Asher finally managed to hot-wire the car.

The engine snarled to life. Asher revved it and skidded out of the parking lot. He slammed his foot on the gas and blurred into motion, nearly running Diana over in the process. He drove with no destination in mind. He just wanted to put a safe distance between him and Diana.

With a quivering hand Asher took his phone out of his pocket and dialed a number, it rang for a while, but no response. He tried a few more numbers to no avail.

It was now dark outside and Asher's vision became dim and blurry due to the effects of the poisoned dagger still lodged in his side. As more time elapsed Asher's eyes grew heavy and he could no longer drive. He ditched the car by the roadside and continued on foot. Up ahead, through the thicket by the road, was a lone abandoned house. Heaving ragged breaths, Asher stagger into the house and sat on the floor. He bit down and muffled a cry of agony as he pulled out the dagger lodged in his side.

Diana was still hot on Asher's trail. Several hours prior she had received orders for the total annihilation of Asher's faction from her superiors. They did not provide her with a reason why, and she dared not ask for one. It was a large-scale operation demanding extensive resources and personnel. The massacre was to be carried out simultaneously throughout every one of Asher's territories to bar the members of the faction from warning each other.

Diana felt it was an extreme move and a waste, considering the potential Asher had shown in this business, however, she didn't dare question her superiors' judgement. She then found Asher's car dumped at the roadside and followed the bloody trail Asher had left to the abandoned house.