Reborn Heart of Steel

As I stood there, wrapped in Chase’s arms, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease. “What was going on? And what did Chase know that I didn’t?”

Just as I was about to ask him, his eyes flickered to something behind me. I turned to see what it was, and that’s when I saw it. A note, scribbled on a piece of paper, lying on the kitchen counter.

Chase’s eyes narrowed as he read the note, his expression growing darker by the second. I felt a surge of fear, wondering what it said.

But before I could ask, Alessandro walked into the room, his eyes scanning the space as if searching for something.

“Ah, Chase, Lucy,” he said, his voice smooth as silk. “I see you’re getting cozy.”

Chase’s arms tightened around me, his grip possessive. “Alessandro, anything you want?” He asked obviously not happy Sandro interrupted our moment.

Alessandro smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, I just wanted to check in on you two. See how the investigation is going.”

I felt a surge of annoyance at his tone, but before I could say anything, Chase spoke up.

“We’re making progress,” he said, his voice tight. “But we could use some help.”

Alessandro raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What kind of help?”

Chase hesitated, his eyes flicking to the note on the counter. “We need to know more about Brianne’s past,” he said. “See if we can uncover any secrets she might have been hiding.”

Alessandro nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I can help with that,” he said. “But first, let me ask you something.”

“What is it?” Chase growled, his patience wearing thin.

Alessandro’s smile grew wider. “What do you know about the Phoenix Club?”

I felt a surge of fear at the mention of the name. What did Alessandro know? And what did it have to do with Brianne’s death?

But before I could ask any questions, Chase’s phone rang, shrill in the silence.

He hesitated, his eyes flicking to the note on the counter before answering.

________________

I was still attempting to understand what had recently occurred when Chase’s gaze quickly shifted to an object on the table behind me. He went from being worried to becoming startled, and promptly released me.

“What is that?” I inquired, looking to see what had grabbed his focus.

Before he could respond, Alessandro entered the room with a resolute expression.

“Chase, we have to have a conversation,” he stated firmly.

Chase paused, keeping his gaze fixated on the object on the table. Reluctantly, he nodded and followed Alessandro out of the room.

I found myself standing by myself, confused about the situation. However, when I was about to go, I noticed a sheet of paper on the table with my eyes. It was a hastily written note, scribbled in a hurry.

“Let’s meet in the garden at midnight,” the message said. “Come by yourself.”

I felt my heart race as I acknowledged that this was likely what Chase had witnessed. Who authored the text, and what was their intention?

A chill ran down my back as I contemplated whether or not to go. However, there was something about the note that caught my attention. Perhaps it was the excitement of the unfamiliar, or perhaps it was the prospect of solutions.

No matter what it was, I was aware I needed to leave.

I folded up the note and placed it in my pocket, my thoughts filled with various scenarios.

As I walked out of the room, I couldn’t ignore the sense that someone was watching me. I pondered if I was heading towards a hazardous situation.

Chase spoke in a hushed and pressing manner when he picked up the call. “Right?”

I was unable to hear the response from the other person, however, Chase’s expression became more gloomy as time went on.

“What are you trying to say?” he snarled. “At what time did this occur?”

Alessandro’s eyes narrowed, intrigued. He silently asked me, “What is happening?”

I shook my head, not knowing what to answer.

Chase glanced at the note on the counter before looking back at Alessandro. “I have to leave,” he said suddenly. “Now.”

Alessandro gave a nod, his face showing deep in thought. “I’ll go with you.”

Chase paused, showing doubt about whether he wanted Alessandro’s assistance. However, he then gave a nod, his jaw tight with resolve.

Leaving the kitchen, a wave of fear surged through me. What was happening? What was the connection to the Phoenix Club?

My heart raced as I glanced at the note lying on the counter. In red ink, there was only one sentence scribbled.

I grabbed it, my heart pounding. It was a different message, this time directed towards me.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Do not rely on Chase. He isn’t as he appears.”

A wave of fear washed over me, mingling with bewilderment. What did this signify? Who was responsible for these messages?

While I was standing there, attempting to understand everything, I heard a sound coming from behind me.

I looked over and saw Alessandro in the doorway, his eyes shining with amusement.

“You appear as though you have seen a ghost,” he commented, in a quiet and velvety tone.

I attempted to grin, yet my heart was beating fast. “I’m just a little scared,” I stated.

Alessandro nodded thoughtfully, his expression deep in contemplation. “You ought to be. Lucy, you’re in a situation that is beyond your abilities.”

And then he turned around and vanished into the darkness, leaving me with a multitude of questions and very few answers.

I remained in place, attempting to comprehend Alessandro’s words. What was his implication that I was out of my depth? What information did he have about Chase?

I nodded my head, attempting to regain clarity of mind. I had to concentrate on uncovering the Phoenix Club’s link to Brianne’s death.

I chose to conduct my own investigation, beginning with the note left on the counter. I entered “Phoenix Club” into my laptop and a bunch of results appeared.

While browsing the pages, I discovered that the Phoenix Club was a confidential group renowned for its select members and enigmatic ceremonies.

As I continued reading, a chill went down my back. This was becoming stranger with each passing minute.

Right as I was going to click on a different link, I heard a sound coming from behind me. I looked and saw Chase standing in the doorway, with his eyes narrowed.

He inquired, with a low and urgent tone, “What are you up to?”

I paused, not certain about how much information to disclose. “Simply conducting some research,” I finally stated.

Chase glanced at the laptop screen, causing his face to become somber. “You should not do that.”

I was overcome with fear. What was Chase keeping secret?

All of a sudden, the room lights started flickering, and a weird humming sound caught my attention.

“What is happening?” I inquired in a barely audible voice.

Chase’s intense gaze met my eyes and held them. He stated that he was unsure. I believe we are at risk.

With that, the lights turned off, casting us into darkness.

I listened as footsteps, weighty and purposeful, approached from the hall.

Chase enveloped me in his arms, drawing me near. “Don’t move.”

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.

And then, everything went black.