Livia
Livia furrowed her brows. "Okay, and what's the big deal about that?"
"What's the big deal!" Luca yelled, making Heath flinch from the sudden outburst.
"L-Luca, pl-please d-don't y-yell." Hearing Heath's shaky voice, Luca quickly walked over to him. He had his head down with his hands over his ears, hyperventilating.
Luca quickly embraced him. "Clam down, kiddo. Deep breaths. Your airhead is so sorry."
"Take him to get some fresh air. Then, we will meet you guys in the garage." Asa told them.
As the both of them slowly made their way to the elevators. "Is he okay?" Livia asked.
Asa held his lips in a tight line. "The sentiment of someone being okay is subjective. Everyone has faced something that has impacted their lives, some for good, others for the worst. Do you know that 46% of children under seventeen are exposed to trauma? In addition, 16% of those children develop PTSD, and 4%-7% go underdiagnosed."
"No, I didn't know that, but what does that have to do with Heath?"
"All of us in this room are a part of the 46%, but Heath is part of the 16%. PTSD in children is heavily overlooked. Adults say they are just kids and will get over it someday, but they fail to comprehend the ignorance behind that thought. They were once children who faced trauma never resolved. All the more reasons they should know children notice and remember more than they are given credit for, especially someone like Heath. Hyperthymesia, or highly superior autobiographical memory, has to be the worst best thing someone with a past like Heath's could have. Vividly remembering something you wish to forget has to be torture for him."
Livia was concerned. "How bad could his past be?"
Asa shrugged his shoulders. "That's something only Luca knows in full detail. Heath is Luca's adopted little brother, after all." Asa's phone rang. "Hello," he answered.
"Why aren't you moving?"
Asa chuckled, looking up at a camera. "You are being such a creep, J."
"Shut it and move it."
"Aye, aye, captain." Asa saluted the camera.
"Brat," he mumbled before hanging up the phone.
"We better go. J has his panties in a knot." Asa said, smirking at the camera.
Percy shook his head. "You love playing on the line of life and death."
The Capital is far more advanced than I expected. But I was far more amazed by the genuine happiness on the Citizen's faces. People were getting off work others were heading to their jobs. Families were spending quality time with each other, and teens strolled the town without a care. Unity in peace was new to me.
"This is amazing," I whispered to myself.
The car suddenly came to a halt. Looking out the window, I saw a guard walking up to the driver's side window. "Good evening, young boss." He greeted, "May I know your business here on this fine night?"
"Request from the Originals," Malakai responded. "We have a plus one on board summoned by Master J himself."
The guards' eyes briefly widen. "Master J, you say?" Malakai nodded his head. "I understand, but we must complete protocol."
Malakai sighed. "Very well. An open door says, Come in."
"A shut door says, who are you?" the guard replied.
"Shadows and ghosts go through shut doors,"
"If a door is shut and you want it shut, why open it?"
"Doors forget, but only doors know what it is. Doors forget." Malakai completed.
The guard signaled with his hand, "They're clear." He announced and then looked back at me, "Good luck up ahead, and welcome to a new world."
The white and gold marble gate glided open, revealing the Sky Tower 100 feet out. The estate was massive. The glass and white metal arrowhead building looked unreal, and gold dripped from the skyscraper's tip like blood.
"Wow, this is massive."
Malakai chuckled, watching me from the rearview mirror. "What did you expect? It is home to the founders and hundreds of guards."
"Makes sense."
"The arrowhead is the staple of our strength. It symbolizes our vow to protect the Hidden City and the people that reside in it."
"Welcome, sirs and guest. Shall I lead you to the masters?" The head butler greeted them as soon as they entered the building.
"No, we can manage. Where are they?" Luca asked.
"They are on the rooftop, Sir Luca."
"Thank you, Gustoff. We will be on our way if there isn't anything else."
Gustoff gave them a small smile. "That is all, sir. Have a happy stay."
"Hope so."
The elevator doors opened to a perfect king's panorama of the Capital. I was in awe. "Wow, this is a breathtaking view. I could stare at this for the rest of my life."
"This view is the motivation I need to continue to save those who can't save themselves." I jumped as a sudden deep voice spoke behind me. "I apologize. I didn't mean to scare you, Livia Moon. However, it's good to see you in person finally."
I tilted my head. "Have we met before, Master J?"
He chuckled. "I'm not Master J my name is Rowan August. I am one of the six founders of Hidden City. That guy is Master J." he pointed to a man about six feet, buzz cut, covered in tattoos, and a scar across his face that nearly missed his eye.
"Scary." I unconsciously said out loud.
Master J chuckled. "You lack a filter, just like her."
Rowan also chuckled. "Yeah, she does. You see, Livia, although we have never met, we have a mutual acquaintance. So I know more about you than you remember about yourself."
Remember about myself? "What does that mean?"
"I'm afraid I said too much already."
Alaric sat back, watching Livia's, Master J, and Rowan's interaction skeptically. Then, finally, he leaned over to Jonah. "Is it just me, or does it seem like Rowan knows more than what he's spilling? And I've never seen Master J warm up to someone so quickly."
"I thought so too, but you know Rowan always has a reason for everything."
"Hmm, if you say so."
That night was life-changing for me. Strangers came into my life and gave me a purpose to live. They guided me on a path of integrity, strength, and happiness. Sometimes you need to walk on fiery coal to realize that wherever you place your feet is your path. During the day, I was a modest student but a ruthless gang leader by night.
Livia
Livia
LIVIA!
"Huh?"
"I have been calling you for the past ten minutes. What are you thinking about?"
"A path worth crossing," she mumbled.
Malakai squinted his eyes slightly, tilting his head. "I don't want to go down this rabbit hole, so can you please join the rest of us? We are about to start the party officially."
She nodded her head. "Yeah, yeah, let's go."
Livia Walking into the place I have only dreamed about felt surreal. "Good morning, ma'am." the receptionist welcomed with a smile. She had to be at least in her late 50s. She dressed elegantly and had years of experience finding what worked for her body. Her grey hair was pulled into a clean low bun, and side bangs made her off-white pearl earrings. The matching single pearl necklace added sophistication as the Apricot Ruthe Round-Neck Peplum top elongated her neckline. It makes one wonder what kind of shoes she's wearing. Black leather pumps? Ankle boots? Or lambskin flats? Livia, you're mind is a daydream. Stay focused. Glancing at her nametag, "Good morning, Sarah. I am Livia Moon, here for the 8:30 interview." She briefly looked at her watch and then back at me, surprised. "Mr. River told me to send you to his office as soon as you arrived, but I wasn't expecting you to be 30 minutes early." "Well, I have some very strict mentors that wouldn't tolerate me being on time. Acc
Livia I am going into my third week at Apollo Enterprise. It was a lot to take in at first. Still, thanks to Secretary Sarah Campbell catching me on all the latest hot gossip, I could grasp the company's culture. Let me tell it's some shady business relations going on. Apparently, Jake from sales is having an affair with some fresh hotty in data, and what's more vexing, the new hotty is his wife's cousin. Yeah, like I said, some very shady business relations! However, during my first week, there was an incident with one of the older male managers. On more than one occasion, that mannerless jerk groped and made less-than-appropriate remarks regarding things he wanted to do to my body. To his luck, Parker caught that old jerk in the act and intervened. He was fired and blacklisted due to the company's strict policies against sexual harassment, but that wasn't satisfying enough for me. I wanted to give him endless pain before putting a bullet through his head, but that would be too muc
Livia I scrunched my nose in disgust, watching the disheveled man stumbling over his feet. I could smell the alcohol emitting from him. Another victim turns to alcohol to solve their problems. Something I knew all too well. I sigh, looking up at the sky. "You are drunk. Please leave my way before I make you regret laying your bloodshot eyes on me." A shabby-looking guy circled me. "Ooh, this one has a smart mouth. I think we will have fun taming her," he smirked. I really don't want to resort to violence tonight. "Didn't anyone ever tell you to mind what doesn't concern you?" "You should watch your mouth, girly. Girls with attitude are the ones I have the most fun putting in their place." This guy was above average height, with piercings and tattoos, tossed his cigarette out of his mouth, and stood toe to toe with me. Unlike the other two, he didn't seem as drunk. Besides the cigarette between his lips and the two lightweights next to him, he would be my type. Something about a
Livia Gunshots rang in the air. Dead bodies and blood were everywhere. A little girl sat in a corner, rocking back and forth with hands over her ears. The people with no faces are there again, protecting her. "Run" was the last thing she heard before everything went black. I awoke from my dreamland panting and soaked in sweat. "What is that dream? Is it a nightmare? Is it a memory? Who is that girl?" questions I have been asking myself for years but never seem to find the answers to. My phone started ringing. "What?!" I yelled in an annoyed tone. "Woah bitch, what's with the attitude?" I sighed. "What do you want, Alicia?" She let out a nervous giggle. "I am here with Zoe, Nina, and Sandra." "Good morning, Liv." I heard them yell in the background. A smile tiptoed on my face, but I knew something was up. "Morning, ladies. Alicia, answer my question." "Which one?" she asked cheekily. "The only question I have asked so far. Obviously, you want something otherwise; why bother rin
Mafia King Nightlife has taken over our side of the world. I could be at home in the comfort of my study, enjoying a neat glass of whiskey while casually scanning over paperwork or allowing my mind to wander about a special someone. But instead, the seven of us stood across the street contemplating paying a conjugal visit to a man stealing from me. He made the worst mistake by betraying me. Now it's time for him to pay up or lose his life, whichever comes first. "What's the status?" I asked Ace, my underboss. "According to Al, our traitor has left his house all day." "Are you sure?" "Yes, Boss, the house has been under surveillance since last night." "Okay, let's make this quick." I typically wouldn't visit personally, but disloyalty pisses me off. "I want Blade and Tech to be on the lookout. Tech, block the power lines. I don't want any phone calls getting in or out. Chess and Casper scan the house from top to bottom, ensure no one else is present. Reaper and Ace will stay by my
Livia Words left me. My brain stuttered, and every part of me paused while my thoughts caught up to reality. "What business does my father have with the Crimson Clan?" Cassian removed his mask, running up to me. "Which of you idiots shot my- shot her?" he asked furiously. Parker followed behind him, ripping a piece of his shirt and wrapping it around my wound. I winced as he tied his blazer across my good shoulder and back, creating a cast to keep my arm alleviated. "It's okay, little one. You will survive, the bullet isn't that deep, but it could get infected if not treated soon." He looked at me with sorrowful eyes, like the pain I felt was killing him. I jumped onto the counter. "I've been in worst situations," Aside from the occasional skirmish with my father, the Originals ensured I was prepared for anything. Cassian looked at me, concerned. "What do you mean you've been in worse situations? That doesn't denote the fact that you're hurt now." He said a bit angrily. Why is
Apollo Adrian and Livia becoming lovers? I don't know why but the mere thought really pissed me off. "Shut up and go to the living room. NOW!" everyone went silently perplexed by my sudden outburst. "I don't appreciate the tone of your voice Mr. River," Livia expressed daringly. Usually, I would dote over her carefree nature, but I was still on edge after Poet's little joke. So I walked towards her sandwiching her between me and the counter. She has a scar. How did that happen? Stay focused. "Kitten," "Kitten? Here I thought you were a stickler for formalities, King." King sounds so sexy as it rolls off her tongue. "Kitten, my patience is running thin, so be a good girl and get that pretty little ass in the living room or else," She pressed herself closer to me. "This position seems familiar. Doesn't it, King?" "Careful, kitten. I am still your boss." She has no idea how much I love when she calls me King and how much I want to taint your honey-like skin. And the tent forming in
Livia "You wipe your hands clean of me? Who do you think you are?" I laughed. "Who am I? Who am I? Good question. Maybe you know more than you let me believe. Huh, Ray?" I would have been strangled, chopped into pieces, and thrown into the ocean to become fish food if looks could kill. "The ground suits you well, you old fuck." I said as I sat in the armchair across from him. He smirked. "Laugh while you can. Pretty soon, you won't be." "Mmm, I really hope you die soon, then there would be one less deadbeat asshole polluting the world." his smirk was replaced with a frown. How satisfying. Apollo grabbed my attention again. "Kitten, you must be wondering what business I have with this traitor." "One of his few attributes." "To put it shortly, he stole from me and is now indebted to me. "Our original plan was to torture and then kill him because we knew there was no way he would be able to pay us back." I crossed my legs. "Which you should have. It would have been a blessing to t