Chapter Two-hundred Fourteen: Eye of the Devil

Chapter 214

Eye of the Devil

That afternoon, Deimos was driving a “Haul-in-One” van with Celeste on the passenger’s side. Deimos wore a Pantera tank top, torn jeans, and cowboy boots. Celeste wore a Warlock tank top, leather jacket, Daisy Dukes, and thigh-high boots.

They pulled up in front of Jordi’s place and parked the van. Jordi stepped out of his house. He wore a dark purple button-down shirt with brush stroke patterns, jeans, and black sheer socks.

Jordi: “Hey, guys, what’s with the Haul-in-One?”

He laughed. Deimos stepped out.

Deimos: “Bringing Ashley’s stuff here.”

He replied. Celeste jumped out of the window and went to the back of the van to unlock the door and slide it up. Jordi went in, grabbed his zip-up boots, and slid them on. He knelt to zip them up. Ashley emerged from the house and greeted them with a smile.

Ashley: “Hey, guys! What’s that you got there?”

They swung their gaze to the haul.

Deimos: “Your stuff.”

He said flatly.

Celeste: “Yeah, your stuff from Lazaros’ place!”

She repeated.

Ashley tilted their head.

Ashley: “Oh? Where's the rest of it?”

They knit their eyebrows and had a sinking feeling.

Deimos: “He decided to host a ‘yard sale’ where he gave your shit away to whoever wanted it, and Blair got some of it, so I am taking the rest back to you after Tristan said I should.”

He drawled. Ashley recoiled with hurt and betrayal as their hands trembled.

Ashley: “...H-He what?!”

They cried.

Jordi furrowed his eyebrows.

Jordi: “He was giving their stuff away?!”

He asked sharply.

Deimos: “Yes, he was giving their stuff away, and Blair got some of it.”

He repeated slowly. Ashley trembled and embraced themself.

Ashley: “THEY’RE BOTH BLUE JERKS!”

The sobbed. Jordi rushed to Ashley’s aid and put his hands on their shoulders.

Jordi: “We’re going to get it back.”

He reassured them gently. Ashley wiped their eyes.

Ashley: “Thank you, Jordi… It’s not just about the stuff.”

They sighed, feeling betrayed.

Deimos: “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Since you’re not on Fabien’s server, you don’t get the ‘privilege’ to see Blair huffing your clothes, underwear, or the other sick crap he does.”

He said flatly. Ashley’s heart sank, and they felt mortified.

Ashley: “H-He what?!”

They groused. Jordi clenched his fists into tight balls. Deimos nodded soberly.

Celeste: “Yeah, but he can’t give this away!”

She held the large terracotta outdoor fireplace over her head. Ashley's eyes widened at her strength. Jordi drew a long breath.

Jordi: “Put that on the patio, Celeste.”

He nodded. Deimos went into the van, carrying an orange armoire with sunflowers painted on it. Jordi entered the van and saw a large hope chest inside. He entered, picked it up by its latches, and hoisted it over his back. Ashley swung their gaze to him as they watched him pick up their chest, thinking of how Lazaros would always hire someone to do that and always had others do everything for him.

Ashley: “Thank you, Jordi.”

They said softly, with a smile.

Jordi: “It’s my pleasure.”

He smiled as he carried their hope chest inside.

Ashley: “And thank you, guys, for salvaging this stuff for me.”

They nodded to Celeste and Deimos.

Deimos: “I’m driving the van, and she and I hoisted the stuff for you. Tristan said we should do this.”

He nodded.

Ashley: “Oh, well, I shall thank him, too! What can I get you? Did anyone want some muffins and tea?”

They offered them all, clasping their hands.

Deimos: “I don’t like tea.”

He groused.

Celeste: “Muffins sound good!”

Her eyes lit up.

Jordi came out of the house.

Ashley: “What would you like, Jordi?”

They smiled up at him, placing their hand on his shoulder.

Jordi: “Whatever you want to get me. It’s hot here.”

He groused and unbuttoned his shirt all the way, exposing his bare chest. Ashley's eyes grew large, and they reddened.

Ashley: “...It sure is…”

They chuckled softly.

Celeste carried a dresser over her head and walked into the house. Jordi and Deimos both lifted an outdoor loveseat with a paisley pattern out to the backyard.

~

When they finished, Celeste jumped up to pull the door down for the van. Deimos dusted his hands off.

Jordi: “Thank you both, and I will extend my gratitude to Tristan when I see him.”

He nodded.

Ashley: “Thank you, so, so much!”

They beamed, presenting them with freshly baked banana muffins and chocolate chip muffins with cat faces. Celeste’s eyes lit up.

Celeste: “OOOOOH! Thanks!”

She took them and ate a chocolate chip muffin. Deimos nodded.

Deimos: “Thanks, appreciate it.”

He said flatly.

Celeste took the batch and jumped into the passenger’s side of the van. Deimos sauntered over and got into the driver’s side. He started the engine and drove away. Jordi waved to them. Ashley waved them goodbye.

Jordi then stretched.

Jordi: “I’m going to relax in the backyard now.”

He went inside to take off his boots and slipped off his socks. He strolled out to the patio, put his feet up on the railing, put his glasses on, and began reading. Ashley followed him to the backyard and peeked their head out from between the back door.

Ashley: “Thank you for all your help, Jordi! Is there anything I can get for you?”

They smiled at him and noted the sweet aromas in the air and how his feet didn't stink like Lazaros’, but smelled pleasant.

Jordi had his shirt open, and his Cuban link chain necklace sparkled against his olive skin. Ashley blushed and tucked their hair behind their ear.

Jordi: “It’s my pleasure. Hmmm, some lemonade?”

He smiled at them. Ashley smiled and nodded.

Ashley: “Okey dokey!”

They smiled back at him and sauntered back inside to the kitchen.

Jordi turned his head to his book and resumed reading. Ashley came back out again with a glass of lemonade for him with a slice of lemon and ice.

Ashley: “Here you go!”

They presented him with it. Jordi smiled and took it.

Jordi: “Thank you!”

He held the glass to his neck and took a sip, feeling refreshed. Ashley smiled at him.

Ashley: “Ooh, your feet smell nice!”

They blurted and froze when they realized what they had just said out loud. Jordi gaped at them for a moment, and a laugh escaped their mouth.

Jordi: “Oh, thank you! Hahahahaha, I take excellent care of them.”

He fanned his toes. Ashley swung their gaze down at them.

Ashley: “I can tell, hahaha!”

They ran their fingers through their hair.

Jordi: “What brought that up?”

He smiled.

Ashley: “...I-I just noticed it because taking care of your feet is super important to me, but Lazaros never did, haha… He thought it was stupid that I cared to take care of my feet.”

They rested their feet up and wiggled their toes, showing their golden toe ring. Jordi leaned his foot against theirs. Ashley jolted and reddened as if they felt a gentle electric spark.

Jordi: “Yeah, so, Tristan told me about Lazaros’ foot stink and said it was worse than Deimos’.”

He laughed a bit and groaned. Ashley laughed and twisted their mouth.

Ashley: “Yeah… His feet didn’t smell nice… like yours.”

They stated, looking down at his foot against theirs.

Jordi: “Thank you, Ashley.”

He smiled at them and nodded.

Jordi: “I’m sorry about Lazaros.”

He said, followed by a sigh. Ashley sighed and bowed their head, embracing themself.

Ashley: “Thanks… I feel so stupid.”

They sighed. Jordi turned them and held them close. Ashley felt warm in his embrace and held him back.

Jordi: “Why do you?”

He knit his eyebrows.

Ashley: “I thought he loved me… But he turned out to be just like Blair… Tristan and Deimos were right about him all along… I should have listened… I thought I loved him, but I don’t know why I ever did now.”

They sobbed. Jordi held them close to his chest. He removed his glasses.

Jordi: “This is the life of someone who wears their heart on their sleeve and has so much love to give. You’re not stupid, Ashley. You were in love, and he’s the stupid one for casting you aside when you showed that you’re a human, not a pet.”

He said tenderly. Ashley was pleasantly surprised by his kind words, rather than being berated for being stupid for falling for an asshole, as they were used to.

Ashley: “R-Really? You don’t think I’m stupid?”

Jordi shook his head.

Jordi: “No, I do not. Yes, Tristan and Deimos know Lazaros more and knew this was a mistake, but your judgment is clouded when you see someone through rose-colored glasses.”

He continued as he gazed at the clear sky. Ashley smiled a bit as he reassured them.

Jordi: “So you overlook the red flags and think you’re going to be the one to fix him, but you can’t fix someone who doesn’t think they are the problem.”

He sighed. Ashley bowed their head and resonated with his words.

Ashley: “Wow… you’re so wise! That makes a lot of sense! I just… wanted him to love me, the way I loved him, but now I don’t even know why I did… I felt bad for him and wanted to help him so badly. Everyone else gave up on him, and even his own brother hated him, and now I see why…”

They sighed and shook their head. Jordi smiled.

Jordi: “Thanks, Ashley.”

He inhaled sharply.

Jordi: “Well, do you know who people have also given up on, and now he’s a joke to people like Fabien? Blair. If Lazaros’ own brother turned on him and Tristan and Celeste tolerate him, maybe it’s a sign he’s not a good person. I mean, does Lazaros have any friends?”

He asked them. Ashley frowned as soon as he mentioned Blair’s name.

Ashley: “Lazaros is just like Blair, and he betrayed me, knowing how badly he hurt me! It’s not about the stuff, it’s… the way he threw me aside and threw my stuff to the person who hurt me most, but he hurt me as much as he did now. I know now he’s not a good person… and now I know why he doesn’t have friends, like he thought Tristan and Celeste were his friends, but I could tell they didn’t like him much, haha…”

They sighed. Jordi held them close.

Jordi: “I’m so sorry, Ashley.”

He said tenderly. Ashley held him back and cried softly. Jordi stroked their back.

Jordi: “Sometimes I wonder if he was pushing you to break things off because he couldn’t do it himself, and Tristan and Deimos wouldn’t do it for him.”

He twisted his mouth. Ashley paused.

Ashley: “Oh… I see… he’s a crybaby coward just like Blair!”

They cried. Jordi held them close to his chest.

Jordi: “I’m sorry, Ashley… I’m so sorry…”

He whispered.

Ashley sighed, feeling safe and secure in his warm embrace, lying on his chest as they sobbed. Jordi held them close to his chest, caressing their hair and singing softly to them. Ashley shivered and smiled as they felt his gentle touch through their hair.

Jordi: “Ruiseñor que en la selva cantando lloras.”

He sang softly. Ashley smiled a bit.

Ashley: “Aww, you have such a beautiful voice! What are you singing?”

They beamed.

Jordi: “It’s a song my mom sang to me when I was a baby.”

He replied. Ashley smiled at him.

Ashley: “Aww, that’s sweet! My mom sang to me, too!”

They sighed.

Jordi: “I hope it helped.”

He smiled a bit.

Ashley: “Yeah, it helped me sleep!”

They smiled a bit and nodded.

Jordi: “Do you want to go downstairs to your bed?”

He offered. Ashley tilted their head.

Ashley: “Oh? Sure, Stella will be there, and it’s nice and comfy! Do you wanna come?”

They beamed. Jordi nodded and closed his book.

Jordi: “Of course.”

He rose and opened the door to let them in. Ashley smiled up at him and thanked him, feeling special.

Ashley: “Thank you!”

They smiled and headed for their basement room with him.

Jordi strolled to their bed and got on it, lying down. Ashley smiled at him and joined him on the bed.

Ashley: “You really like my bed, don’t you, haha?”

They smiled, lying down beside him. Jordi nodded and smiled, lying face-to-face with them. Ashley’s heart pounded in their chest when they felt his gaze on them. Jordi smiled tightly.

Jordi: “What is on your mind?”

He asked softly. Ashley redenned.

Ashley: “...A lot.”

They laughed softly.

Ashley: “What about you?”

They asked. Jordi bowed his head.

Jordi: “Right now, I’m drinking in this relaxing environment before I have to go to work tomorrow.”

He laughed bitterly.

Ashley: “I’m glad you’re relaxed! Is there anything I can do to help you relax before work tomorrow?”

They chirped. Jordi gazed around.

Jordi: “I don’t believe so. This is fine.”

He nodded. Ashley smiled and nodded.

Ashley: “That’s good!”

They sighed, feeling at peace here and in his presence.

~

Ichiro sat in his study smoking a cigarillo. He wore a dark red pressed with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, a black tie, suspenders, black pants, and black socks. He was on Fabien’s bungle server and saw Blair had uploaded a video.

Blair had brown pantyhose with a reinforced hip section and dangling foot sections on his head.

Blair: “These are Ashley’s pantyhose Lazaros gave me. We’re now good friends because Ashley screwed them over for Jordi the way they screwed me over for Lazaros.”

He sobbed.

Ichiro gaped at the video.

Ichiro: “This is what Fabien finds amusement in?! A nepo baby crying about an overweight gender-confused woman who changes her men like she changes her gender?!”

He asked in a high-pitched squawk.

Ichiro tapped on his notepad.

Ichiro: “Never fear, Mr. Troll. I am working a special dosage of ‘Richioprox Erokine’ just for your nepo baby, and when he’s turned into a super richonoid, you will know exactly how I feel when you took my Green Queen from me!”

He crushed a sheet of paper in his fist.

~

Jaxon sat at Percy’s bar. He wore a black button-down shirt with red mist patterns, black leather pants, and black Chelsea boots. He flipped the lid on his Zippo over and over as he rested his hand on his head, smoking. Percy leaned over and tickled his neck. Jaxon drew back laughing.

Jaxon: “DOHOHOHOHON’T!”

He whined. Percy had a silk robe draped over himself and left it open, exposing his naked body.

He filled a cocktail shaker with ice, then poured in two ounces of vodka, one ounce of blood orange juice, and half an ounce each of triple sec and cranberry juice. He shook it all in the cocktail shaker and poured through a strainer into a martini glass with black sugar on the rim. He garnished it with an orange.

Percy: “I dub this ‘eye of the devil’!”

He chuckled. Jaxon drew a breath and inhaled a drag. He took a sip and raised his eyebrows. Percy gazed intently at him.

Percy: “What’s troubling you, my pepper prince?”

He crooned.

Jaxon: “I dunno, Lazaros and his girlfriend broke up.”

Percy raised his eyebrows.

Percy: “Miss Piggy and Kermit broke up, huh?”

Jaxon nodded and took another sip. Percy grimaced and folded his arms.

Percy: “After all the work I did to get those two together and to get Kermit to open up to his fetishes. My work went in vain. Ho-hum!”

He blew air through his parted lips. Jaxon rolled his eyes.

Percy: “I don’t think that’s why you’re upset anyway. You wouldn’t care if my hard work went down the drain.”

He leaned over, resting his head on his palms, and grinned. Jaxon heaved a deep sigh.

Jaxon: “It’s Fabien. He’s all over this breakup because Lazaros’ ex-girlfriend is living with Jordi.”

Percy gaped at him.

Percy: “Why would that enthrall Fabien?”

Jaxon: “Because Blair has a thing for her, and he hates Jordi for apparently stealing his food when he was a kid.”

He rolled his eyes.

Percy snorted.

Percy: “The Donatis aren’t short on food or much of anything, except the gene pool as far as their nepo baby is concerned.”

He said wryly.

Jaxon: “Well, Blair is angry with Jordi for this, and now Lazaros’ ex-girlfriend is living with him.”

Percy snorted.

Percy: “I have to hand it to Mr. Lightning… Like the speed of lightning, he wastes no time.”

He chuckled. Jaxon glared at him.

Jaxon: “It’s just that Fabien is obsessed with trolling Blair. One night, he came over to sleep with Celeste and me because his housemate was smoking Jaclyn’s foot shavings, and after he trolled Blair, he ignored his whining to kiss me.”

He explained, running his finger over the rim of the glass. He had some black sugar on his finger and licked it off.

Percy: “Are you upset Fabien is choosing Blair over you?”

Jaxon shook his head.

Jaxon: “That’s just it: the other night he chose me over Blair’s bullshit, and I’m conflicted.”

Percy: “Catching feelings for Fabien?”

He snickered. Jaxon twisted his mouth.

Jaxon: “Doubt it. Just confused he chose me over Blair is all.”

Percy raised his eyebrows.

Percy: “Fabien is not a man who pours his heart out…”

He leaned over, caressing Jaxon’s hair.

Percy: “Rather, he shows it through actions.”

Jaxon gazed intently at him and drew a long breath.

Jaxon: “Yeah…”

~

Lena was outside examining the garden. She wore a midi-length dress with a sweetheart neckline and ruched, cinched bodice, and long, sheer lantern sleeves with ruffled elastic cuffs. It was a delicate dusty rose with a subtle, faded floral print in shades of pink and muted green. On her feet, she wore strappy heels with a white butterfly on the front strap.

Tristan’s MR2 Toyota convertible pulled up. Lena gasped when she noticed he was driving with the top down. He parked his car and stepped out. He wore a gray sweater with geometric triangles over a white pressed shirt and a black tie, beige chinos, and black wingtip Oxfords. Lena reddened when he approached her.

Tristan: “Hello, Lena.”

He said to her with a wave.

Lena: “Hi, Tristan.”

She said softly, brushing her hair back behind her ear. Tristan bent over to examine the garden with her, noticing the fairies.

Lena: “I didn’t think fairies were real.”

Tristan: “They’re not native to this planet.”

He cupped his chin.

Lena gazed up at Tristan.

Lena: “So, uh, did Ashley speak with their former boyfriend?”

She asked as she fiddled with her locket. Tristan raised an eyebrow.

Tristan: “I’m not certain. Lazaros has been everything but contrite.”

He said with a twinge of aggravation.

Tristan: “Why do you ask? Do you not like Ashley?”

He asked her.

Lena: “It’s not that at all.”

She waved her hand.

Lena: “I just worry Jordi might move on quickly from someone who’s not really over their ex, and they might hurt him.”

She knit her eyebrows. Tristan smiled a bit.

Tristan: “I understand your concern completely.”

Tristan folded his arms over.

Tristan: “I believe both Lazaros and Ashley are not over their feelings for each other, but both of their emotions are running high. Ashley has this tendency to move on to wherever the grass seems greener, only to find it’s greener because the grass is fake or fertilized with manure. They were on board with Lazaros until he objected to them working at an ice cream parlor. Suddenly, the things that drew Lazaros to Ashley, he now has an issue with.”

He explained and drew a breath.

Tristan: “The feelings linger, but I believe both parties need space to sort things out and reflect.”

He nodded.

Tristan: “All Jordi is doing is offering a comfortable space until they figure out what they want. Jordi will not be hurt; you have my word.”

He reassured her. Lena smiled a bit.

Tristan stood erect.

Tristan: “Would you like me to take you to the Pink Flamingo Mall?”

Lena’s byzantine eyes lit up.

Lena: “Yes!”

She rushed to the chair to get her purse. Tristan smiled and led her to his car. He opened the passenger’s door for her. She blushed and got inside. He closed the door and went over to the driver’s seat. He got inside, shut the door, and slid his key into the ignition. Lena felt butterflies in her stomach in his proximity again. She got a waft of his cologne and felt a jolt in her most feminine parts. She pursed his lips as she placed her purse on her lap.

Tristan put his clip-on shades over his glasses, shifted into first gear, and drove down the road.

~

They arrived at the Pink Flamingo Mall. Lena gazed up at him as she fiddled with her locket.

Tristan: “Would you like to meet up in thirty minutes?”

He asked as he took out his pocket watch. Lena pouted. I thought he wanted to take me shopping, she thought.

Lena: “S-Sure, Tristan.”

She fiddled with her locket. He smiled at her.

Tristan: “Excellent, meet me at the fountain in half an hour.”

He said genially and waved as he went away. Lena folded her arms and tapped her foot. Why did he ask me to come if he was going to leave me? She pouted.

She looked over to Cathy’s Closet. Maybe I could get some new bras and panties, she mused. She went inside and looked over the pink bras and panties. She picked up a pink lace bra and panty set with a pink bow on the band between the cups and a bow on the front of the panties. She took it to the cashier to purchase and looked over her shoulder. Where is Tristan? She wondered.

The cashier placed them in a box, fastened it with a ribbon, and put it in a bag for her.

Cashier: “Have a nice day now, Miss.”

Lena: “You, too!”

Lena stepped out and looked around. She walked around the mall to look for Tristan. She went up the escalator and looked around on the second floor. This is such a huge mall, she thought.

She spotted him in Lyra, which was a jewelry store, and hid herself behind a potted palm tree so he wouldn’t see her. She peered from behind the tree to see him pointing to something in the glass case. What is she doing? She pondered. She cupped her mouth. Does he have a girlfriend? She wondered as her heart thundered in her chest. She turned away with her back against the tree trunk. Why did he bring me here then? She wondered and grimaced.

She heard the cashier tell Tristan that the item he purchased would be “two hundred dollars,” followed by “I’m sure she will love it.” Lena’s heart sank.

She went back down to the fountain to wait for him. She wouldn’t wait to get home now. When she arrived at the fountain, she sat down to wait. She saw him approaching and forced a smile.

Lena: “Hey.”

Tristan knit his eyebrows.

Tristan: “Everything okay?”

Lena nodded and rose.

Tristan: “Would you like to get something to eat?”

Lena’s eyelashes dipped, and she nodded.

Lena: “Okay.”

Tristan led her to one of the restaurants in the mall called “Nightshade Garden.”

They entered a stunningly moody and sophisticated biophilic bistro, blending classic architectural elements with a lush, "urban jungle" aesthetic—the atmosphere was intimate, defined by deep tones and warm, amber lighting.

Round, black-and-white-veined marble tables were paired with plush, emerald-green velvet chairs and stools. A dark wood herringbone parquet added a sense of timeless craftsmanship to the establishment.

A long bar with a marble-topped counter ran along the right side, backed by shelves of spirits and an espresso machine.

A sweeping, curved staircase with a black wrought-iron railing led to a mezzanine level. An upper balcony overlooked the main floor, lined with matching iron railings and overflowing with trailing greenery.

Large, glowing glass globes hung at varying heights, complemented by flickering tea lights on every table and recessed spotlights in the ceiling.

Large potted palms and ferns were tucked into corners, while ivy and other trailing vines draped from the mezzanine and windowsills.

Tristan led her upstairs to the balcony. He pulled out a chair for her. She smiled a bit and sat down. He sat across from her. The waitress approached them wearing a French maid uniform.

Woman: “Here are your menus. What can I get you two started to drink?”

Tristan: “A glass of chardonnay.”

Lena: “A unicorn float!”

She chirped. Tristan smiled at her.

Woman: “Is this on one bill?”

Tristan: “Yes, I’m paying.”

He nodded. Lena smiled, feeling the butterflies in her stomach return.

Tristan reached into his sweater, withdrew his gold case, took a cigarette out, and lit it up using his lighter. He inhaled a long drag as he examined the menu. Lena flicked her gaze to the bag from Lyra on the floor and pursed her lips. What do I order so he won’t think I’m a pig? She wondered and tucked her hair behind her ear.

Tristan: “Something on your mind?”

He smiled. Lena blushed.

Lena: “N-No! I don’t know what to get…”

She muttered.

Tristan: “Get whatever you like.”

Lena gazed through the menu.

Lena: “Maybe a roasted duck with broccolini.”

Tristan: “Sounds good!”

The waitress arrived with a glass of wine for Tristan and a rainbow float with a pink cone and sprinkles for Lena.

Tristan: “Wow, that’s pretty.”

He pointed to the float. Lena blushed.

Waitress: “What can I get for you two?”

Tristan: “French onion soup to start and chicken fettuccine alfredo.”

He nodded.

Lena: “A salad and a roasted duck with broccolini.”

She said shyly. The waitress took down their order and left.

Tristan inhaled a drag.

Tristan: “So, do you want to tell me what’s bothering you?”

He asked gently.

Lena: “Nothing is.”

She smiled. He nodded.

Tristan: “All right…”

He crushed his cigarette in the ashtray and reached down into the Lyra bag. He took out a dark blue box that fit in two hands. Lena’s heart hammered.

Lena: “Th-This is for me?”

Tristan smiled and nodded. Lena’s heart thundered in her chest.

She bit her bottom lip and lifted the lid. Her eyes sparkled, and she clasped her hand over her mouth. Inside was a gold monarch butterfly hairclip with rainbow, glittering wings.

Lena: “Tristan…”

She said softly as she shed tears.

Lena: “This is so beautiful! I love this! Thank you so much!”

She wrapped her arms around him. Tristan smiled and hugged her back.

Tristan: “It’s my pleasure…”

He nodded. She broke the hug and sat down, marveling at it. I feel so stupid for being upset about this, she thought. She gazed back at him and smiled. He was buying it for me, she thought happily.

~

After they ate and the bill came, Tristan handed the waitress his credit card. When she returned, he calculated a tip and signed the receipt. He and Lena rose to leave. Seated nearby was Narcisse, having a cup of tea. He smirked and raised his cup.

Narcisse: “Like father, like son.”

He chuckled.

Narcisse: “All the more fun I will have with you, my dear boy.”

~

Narcisse and Amanda met with Theodore Wetherbee. Narcisse wore a dark purple peacoat, purple pants, white loafers, and a lavender scarf. Theodore was an elderly man with short, spiked white hair and a well-groomed white goatee and mustache. His eyes were amber, framed by thick-rimmed black glasses that hung over his large nose. He wore a gray, wide-brimmed fedora, a light blue button-down shirt, brown pants, and brown loafers.

They were in an abandoned amusement park at twilight. The atmosphere was heavy with “liminal space” energy—a place designed for crowds and laughter, now silent and decaying.

A Ferris wheel stood skeletal against the clouds. There were the twisting tracks of a roller coaster and a tall drop tower rising like rusted monuments.

There were several dilapidated concession stands and game booths, their shutters closed and paint peeling.

The pathway was littered with debris—scattered papers, trash, and broken fragments—showing its years of neglect.

Narcisse spun around and marveled at the sight. Theodore chuckled.

Theodore: “This was quite the bustling place, sonny! The Grand Pavilion of Wonders was my baby! I didn’t have the heart to tear it down, and none of my kids or grandkids wanted to take it over, so it went to rust and wear and tear.”

He let out a wistful sigh. The old man’s rheumy eyes met with Narcisse.

Theodore: “Hopefully, you can restore it to its former glory. You seem like a fun-loving chap.”

He beamed.

Narcisse: “I’m sold! I won’t be doing a thing to this! It’s perfect as it is!”

He exclaimed as he spread his arms. Theodore let out a nervous laugh and pursed his lips.

Theodore: “Listen, Mr. Beaumont, if you leave this as it is, it won’t be safe for patrons.”

He warned him. Narcisse smiled tightly.

Narcisse: “Do you think I want that? I want it to be as unsafe as I possibly can for my guests.”

Theodore swallowed hard. He was about to open his mouth. Narcisse turned to Amanda.

Narcisse: “Amanda, seal the deal.”

He commanded.

Theodore: “Wh-What?”

Amanda’s eyes lit up, and she shot red lasers out of them, slicing Theodore’s neck. He blinked, and his head fell to the ground, rolling over to Narcisse’s feet, and his body was sliced in half, falling to the ground.

Narcisse: “An absolute pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Wetherbee.”

He smirked and cleaned the blood off his jacket with a handkerchief.