The night was heavy with silence, the world around Aria draped in shadows as she approached Damien Woods' mansion. The estate loomed ahead, imposing and magnificent, its walls standing like sentinels in the dark. Aria's heart beat with purpose as she slipped past the outer gates, unnoticed by the guards on their patrol. This mansion was said to be impenetrable, but for Aria, who had learned every inch of it through careful observation, it was just another obstacle to be overcome.
Her mind was laser-focused—she needed answers. The death of her mother had always haunted her, and now, the truth was just out of reach. Damien Woods was a man who had a history with Marcus Sterling, and Aria knew that he held pieces of the puzzle she needed.
Aria didn't waste any time. Moving quickly through the halls, she avoided the guards and security cameras, a mere shadow herself. She wasn't here to steal or cause a scene—she was here for information, for a deal.
Her steps were quiet as she approached the library, a room she knew well from her research. The door was slightly ajar, and from within, she could hear the faint sound of papers being shuffled.
Damien was inside.
She took a deep breath, preparing herself, and pushed the door open.
The dim light of a desk lamp cast long shadows across the room, and Aria could barely make out the silhouette of a man sitting at a large desk. She couldn't see his features clearly in the soft, amber glow, but the presence in the room was undeniable. He was an imposing figure.
Before she could make another move, he stood from his chair, the rustle of the papers ceasing as his gaze turned toward her. His eyes, dark and sharp, locked onto hers. The moment stretched for a second longer than it should have, and Aria felt a flicker of unease. But she quickly steadied herself, reminding herself why she was here.
"Who are you?" The voice was deep, smooth, and full of authority, cutting through the silence like a blade.
"I'm here for a reason," Aria replied, keeping her tone firm but composed. She wouldn't let herself falter now. "I need your help."
Damien took a step closer, though Aria could only make out the outline of his figure in the dim light. The flickering lamp cast a shadow on his face, making it difficult for her to discern his exact expression, but the tension in the air was palpable.
"You need my help?" His voice held a trace of skepticism. "What makes you think I'm the kind of man who helps strangers? And why should I trust you?"
Aria stood tall, her gaze unwavering. "I know you have a feud with Marcus Sterling. And I know that there are things he's hiding. Things that I need to know."
There was a pause as Damien studied her, his steps slow and measured as he closed the distance between them. Despite the lack of clear light, Aria could feel the intensity of his presence—it was like being watched by a predator. But she didn't flinch. She had come this far.
"You're looking for something, aren't you?" Damien asked, his voice a low murmur. "What exactly are you hoping to find in my house?"
Aria swallowed, keeping her composure. "I'm here for answers about my mother's death. Marcus was involved. I know he was."
Damien's stance shifted, though Aria couldn't make out the full expression on his face. He leaned against the desk, his posture one of controlled curiosity. "Marcus Sterling," he repeated, his tone growing colder at the mention of the name. "What makes you think I can help you with this? You've snuck into my home, uninvited, and now you want me to trust you?"
"I don't expect your trust," Aria responded. "But I know you have a reason to go after Marcus. You want him to pay for what he's done. I want the same thing."
The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension. Damien took another step forward, his gaze never leaving hers. His eyes were sharp, though Aria could still only make out his features in vague silhouettes. The dim lighting didn't allow her to see the full effect her presence was having on him—how his curiosity about her was deepening.
But she was focused on her own mission. "I have information," she said, her voice steady but urgent. "I can help you, but I need you to help me in return. I want to find the truth about my mother's death. And I want Marcus to pay."
Damien remained silent, staring at her for what seemed like an eternity. His mind seemed to be working through her words, weighing the situation. Finally, he spoke.
"You're asking for a lot," he said, his voice calm but laced with warning. "But I've learned to never turn away from an opportunity. So, let's see how far you're willing to go, Aria."
Aria didn't hesitate. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
Damien's eyes narrowed slightly, as though calculating her next move. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Alright, I'll help you. But be careful, Aria. Once you're involved in this, there's no going back."
Aria didn't flinch. "I've already lost everything once. I'm not afraid anymore."
Damien paused for a long moment, his gaze steady. He then extended his hand. "Then, it's settled. Let's make this work."
Aria shook his hand, sealing the agreement between them. As their hands touched, she could feel the weight of the moment settle in. This was the beginning of something much bigger—something dangerous. But Aria was ready.