The next evening of the night about thirty men busied themselves in an isolated warehouse on the outskirts of the capital. Under the orders of their leader Diarfor they unloaded crates filled with stolen artworks.
In the main room Diarfor, a massive and intimidating man with a commanding presence sipped a glass of red wine.
Behind him piles of ill-gotten cash stacked on his desk bore witness to the colossal profits generated by his illicit activities.
As the men worked efficiently and with discipline. Ethan another key member of the organization, broke the silence from where he sat quietly in a corner. His voice was rough.
— "The profits have allowed us to expand Seylis production. With the latest batches we've made a fortune."
Ethan's diabolical smile reflected a twisted satisfaction as his icy gaze scanned the smoky atmosphere of the warehouse. Diarfor placed a banknote on the wooden table in front of him his tone calm but authoritative as it echoed through the room.
— "Did Joseph approve?"
Ethan nodded, his smile widening.
— "Of course. It's not like anyone's going to challenge his ideas."
But their conversation was interrupted by a high-pitched scream that rang out from the upper floor. Diarfor's eyes narrowed with suspicion while Ethan turned his gaze toward the staircase. Moments later the sound of hurried ,footsteps echoed as Diarfor and Ethan descended together to investigate the commotion.
In a dimly lit room, two men sat tied to wooden chairs, their faces swollen and drenched in sweat. A subordinate trembling but obedient, explained to Diarfor:
— "These two refused to pay for protection. We caught them. What should we do with them?"
Diarfor raised an eyebrow his expression calm but commanding. Suddenly a dark figure slowly emerged from the main doorway, gliding silently in the shadows.
— "And you, what do you think?" Diarfor asked, his gaze shifting to Ethan.
Ethan his lips curling into a cold smile, regarded the two trembling men with a frosty expression. In a chilling voice, he replied:
— "Kill them."
The subordinate drew a knife from his belt and executed the two men without hesitation. But just as the order was carried out, a reddish light flooded the warehouse through the dusty windows reflecting the flames crackling outside.
The roar of the fire grew louder.
The men panicked, scrambling to control the flames that consumed the walls and precious goods.
Some succumbed to fear fleeing the scene, while others stayed behind to save the merchandise. Diarfor enraged, grabbed a nearby soldier by the collar.
— "Who did this?! Where are the guards?!" he bellowed, his voice trembling with fury and frustration.
The soldier terrified stammered:
— "I… I don't know, boss! There was no one outside before we realized what was happening!"
Suddenly, another dark figure appeared in the distance cutting through the smoke and ashes. Diarfor and Ethan exchanged a glance, their faces now filled with surprise and suspicion.
Something far more sinister, beyond even their dark dealings.