Poison Rose of Avalon

Liora's heart sank with guilt. Yes, she was glad Caspian had called, but it felt like he had dropped everything just to speak with her. The enormity of that realisation made her feel small. She wanted to argue, to reassure him that it was fine and he didn't need to worry about calling her back, but all that escaped her lips was a soft, defeated "Alright."

The call ended, and Caspian exhaled deeply, slipping his phone into his pocket. He returned to the table where he had been enjoying coffee with a woman, who sat there patiently awaiting his return.

Her perfectly sculpted brow arched in silent inquiry, and her emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to know what had captivated his attention that he interrupted their perfect date for a call. 

She was everything anyone could want—a goddess of grace and style, from the perfect waves of long, golden hair to the lavish Chanel bag resting on the table beside her. Her emerald eyes sparkled with confidence and a hint of mischief, and her body was sculpted by luxury. Her black Prada mini dress clung to her curves while her Christian Louboutin stilettos added a few more inches to her statuesque height. Her Tiffany & Co. earrings caught the light as she tilted her head.

Caspian slid into the seat beside her, interlocking his fingers with hers before pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. "Babe, I need to head home. Something urgent came up."

"Was it a call from your family?" she asked, her finely shaped brow arched with curiosity and scepticism.

"Yes," he replied smoothly, leaning in to steal a quick kiss from her lips. "Tomorrow, you and I will go on a little adventure, Just the two of us, away from the crowd." He winked, his gaze lingering on her lips before delivering another teasing kiss.

A small smile curled her lips despite the disappointment in her eyes. "It's tempting. I will let it slide today."

Caspian stood, giving her hand one last squeeze before heading out. His mind was already elsewhere, with Liora.

He stepped into his sleek car, parked right outside the café. The city's lights danced across the windshield as he settled in. He immediately pulled out his phone. His fingers moved quickly as he redialed Liora's number.

"Back again, Ora."

"Caspian, thank you. I didn't mean to bother you. It's just... Paula hasn't come back yet, and... and..." Her voice faltered. She was bothered by taking Caspian's time, yet an unexpected thrill danced mischievously in a way she had not anticipated. It was a strange feeling, one which she could not pinpoint.

"You disappoint me, Ora." Caspian words landed on Liora like a winter chill.

"If I could, I would allocate my entire 24-hour cycle solely to you." Caspian's soothing, warm words enveloped Liora like a gentle breeze, flushing her cheeks in a way that surpassed ordinary reactions. It was as though the ice-cold water he had just splashed on her moments ago had vanished from her memory.

"I'm happy you called." He glanced out the window, his tone light and easy as he sought to ease her tension. The playful lilt in his voice invited her to relax in the sweet intimacy of the moment.

"Go to our room, Ora. Let it be your safe space for tonight. I'll be right here, on the phone with you."

"But what if Paula comes and does not find me here?" Liora asked.

He paused for a moment, his jaw tightening in annoyance. "I'm sure Paula won't come today." He finally said in a firm tone. It was apparent to Caspian that if Paula hadn't shown up or called, it had to do with his grandfather. 

"For once, that room will be used for its right purpose. And tonight, I will be on the phone all night until you fall asleep." 

Liora's heart raced wildly, and she couldn't quite understand why. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly with nerves.

What is it about him that's making her feel this way? And why his voice had an intriguing quality that left her flustered. Liora felt annoyed at her vulnerability—why was he getting under her skin like this?

"Ora...Now go."

There was a moment of silence between them, with unspoken emotions. Liora was far apart from him, yet it felt as if he was just one touch away from her. 

"Ora. I am waiting for our time together," he said softly. And why did those words bash Liora's heart? 

She ended the call to catch her breath. Caspian's words enveloped her like a heady perfume, so overwhelming that it threatened to steal the air from her lungs. She quickly grabbed her nightgown, phone, and silver card, locking her door behind her before making her way to the doll room. 

Her heart raced, half with unknown excitement and half with unknown fear. She moved swiftly, almost silently, through the mansion's quiet hallways as she entered the room.

She calmly locked the door behind her. Flipping open her flip phone, she quickly dialled his number, her hands trembling slightly as she set the phone down on the desk before she prepared to change into her white nightgown.

The phone rang just once before Caspian answered.

"Caspian, just one moment." Her voice rushed as she tugged off her white T-shirt.

She waited for Caspian's reply on the other end of the call, but there was only silence. After draping her T-shirt over the chair, she turned back to check her phone, only to discover that the call had dropped.

She quickly changed into her nightdress, grabbed her phone, and slid onto the bed. She settled under the cosy blanket, the soft glow of the fairy lights surrounding her. 

Her heart raced, a wild drumbeat in her chest, as she tried to steady her swirling thoughts in anticipation of another electrifying call. Just as she sought a moment of calm amid the chaos of her mind and heart, Liora's phone buzzed with a familiar excitement—Caspian was calling, and this time it was a video call.

Her heart raced like never before, fluttering wildly in her chest. A warm blush crept up her cheeks, painting them a soft shade of pink. This was uncharted territory for her. She had never video-called Caspian before. Sure, they had swapped pictures and shared snippets of their lives on Instagram, but this moment felt electrifyingly different.

A flutter of nervousness and excitement danced in her stomach as she answered.

Caspian's image flickered to life on the screen, and the instant his warm smile emerged, it hit her like a tide. Without even realising it, a bright smile spread across her own face, her cheeks turning tomato red as she caught her breath.

"Hey, are you okay?" His blue eyes were soft, filled with genuine concern.

"Yes," Liora replied, her voice light but her heart fluttering. "I'm fine now."

His gaze softened even further, his attention unwavering. "Good. I thought a video call might help you feel a little better."

"It does," she admitted boldly. "It really does." 

The moment froze, her breath still catching as she locked eyes with him, her pulse quickening. His gaze held her captive, and for a moment, everything else faded. 

"Thank you for calling," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Anything for you, Ora," he replied, his voice low, steady, like a promise. His eyes traced her features. "You've grown." 

The vibrant blush that spread across her cheeks didn't escape his notice; it ignited a longing to be by her side at that moment, to feel the warmth of their connection. 

Liora looked away from the screen, her eyes narrowing with the shy smile that reached her cheeks. "Of course, I've grown. I'm 15 now, and I'm 5'5."

Caspian chuckled, his lips curling in a rare, genuine smile. "Ora.... Keep the phone just a little further away. I'll watch over you until you fall asleep."

The way his voice wrapped around her felt almost intimate, sending a swarm of butterflies fluttering in her stomach and heart. It raced wildly, like a horse set free to gallop through open fields, wild and untamed. 

'Sleep? Will I even be able to sleep tonight?' she thought, watching Caspian's face, noticing how much more mature and handsome he seemed.

On the other side, Caspian felt a strange surge of emotion. Watching Liora settle into bed, holding onto his doll like she always had. He knew she felt nervous, and that thrilled him.

Time progressed, and the dialogues exchanged between them alleviated Liora's initial nerves to melt away, gradually replaced by the calm that came with his presence. Slowly, she drifted to sleep, her body curling into the covers, still clutching the doll.

Caspian stayed with her, eyes fixed on her screen for hours, watching as she slept peacefully. He noticed every little thing—her hair falling softly across her face, the way she moved slightly in her sleep, the gentle smile on her lips. It was a side of Liora he'd never seen before, and it captivated him entirely.

He longed to be by her side, to hold her close in his arms. He couldn't shake the frustration that his grandfather hadn't sent him away on that ridiculous mission. If only he could spend every moment, day and night, with her.

He traced his finger across the phone screen where Liora's lips were, he allowed himself to linger on the touch as though he could feel the warmth of her through the cold glass. His thoughts were racing—thoughts he had skillfully controlled for so long. 

"Sleep well, Ora," he whispered quietly, his voice filled with affection. "There's a surprise for you."

With a final, lingering look, he disconnected the call with a realisation that Liora's thoughts were going to occupy his mind for the rest of the day.

********

Paula rushed out of the Chairman's room early in the morning, heading toward the guesthouse. Her breaths came in ragged gasps, each inhale and exhale straining her. Despite the sharp pain in her leg, she forced herself to walk as quickly as she could. Her hands, marked with bruises, were hidden beneath the folds of her shawl.

Every step sent waves of pain rippling through her body, but she endured it, driven by a single thought: Amara had trusted her with Liora's care, and she had betrayed that trust—all because of the Chairman's demands.

As the guesthouse came into view, her heart raced with anxiety. The night had been a nightmare, and now, all she could think about was Liora.

Meanwhile, sunlight began filtering through the window where Liora slept. The soft vibration of her phone pulled her gradually from her dreams. With a sleepy hand, she reached for it, placing it to her ear as she nestled deeper into the warmth of her blanket.

"Hello?" she murmured, her voice thick with drowsiness.

"Good morning, Ora," came Caspian's familiar, gentle, and teasing voice.

"So soon? Is it already morning?" Liora mumbled, her eyes still closed.

"Ora," Caspian whispered this time, his voice soft and tender, like a secret shared in the quiet of dawn.

"Yes?" she replied, still half-asleep.

"Never, ever do a video call while changing clothes."

"What?" Liora's groggy mind struggled to grasp his words. "What are you talking about? When did I even…?"

Suddenly, realization struck her like a jolt of lightning. Her eyes flew open, and she sat up abruptly, the blanket tumbling from her shoulders.

Caspian bit back a laugh, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he imagined Liora's cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I think you're awake now. Have a good day!"

Liora sat there, stunned. Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted in disbelief as she stared at her phone. Slowly, she lowered it, still trying to process what had just happened.

Lost in her thoughts, she left the room without bothering to change her clothes, drifting toward her home in a daze. As she neared the house, she spotted a figure standing out front. It was Paula who broke into a worried run the moment she saw her.

Paula pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm so sorry, I couldn't let you know I wouldn't be able to come. Were you scared, Liora? Did you sleep in that secret room yesterday? I'm so sorry, my darling, so sorry!"

Her voice quivered with remorse, and her body trembled under the weight of the pain she had endured throughout the night.

Liora gently pulled back, her attention shifting to Paula. "I'm fine, Paula, really! I slept safely in that room last night, and…" She smiled shyly as Caspian's handsome face flashed in her mind.

"…and Caspian kept me company through the call. So don't worry—I'm alright."

Paula's expression darkened at the mention of his name. She couldn't process anything else Liora was saying about safety or being fine. Her thoughts fixated on one word: Caspian Glacier.

She let go of Liora, stepping back just enough to meet her gaze. "Liora," she said softly but firmly, "you're growing into a beautiful woman. Be careful who you trust, and don't walk around in such clothes."

Paula wasn't old-fashioned, but her concern ran deep. She wanted to shield Liora from the men of Glacier Mansion.

Liora's brows knitted together in confusion. She didn't understand Paula's concern, but seeing how worried she looked, she pinched Paula's cheeks playfully.

"I have only a few friends, and they're all very trustworthy. You worry too much, my dear Paula."

Paula couldn't bring herself to tell Liora the truth, so she forced a smile. As they walked inside the house, Liora noticed Paula limping.

"Did you hurt yourself?" Liora asked, concern written across her face.

"I fell down the stairs and got some bruises," Paula lied smoothly.

"Were you in the hospital? Is that why you couldn't call me?" Liora's worry deepened.

"Yes," Paula lied again, her voice steady despite the guilt gnawing at her.

"Paula, rest on the sofa. I'll prepare breakfast." Liora's tone left no room for argument. Once she set her mind to something, she wouldn't take no for an answer.

Knowing she had no chance of winning against Liora's determination, Paula nodded. She eased herself onto the sofa, her body aching with each movement. Still, the comfort of the cushions welcomed her, and she quickly relaxed, sighing softly.

Liora hurriedly got ready for school and then returned to the kitchen. She prepared a simple breakfast of milk and chocolate cereal for the two of them. After placing the bowls on the table, she called Paula, who had her eyes closed.

"Come on, Paula, join me."

Paula opened her eyes with effort. She managed a weak smile and forced herself to stand before joining Liora at the table. Sitting across from each other, they ate in comfortable silence.

After breakfast, Liora grabbed her school bag. "I'm off to school. You rest well, Paula," she said firmly. Before Paula could say more, Liora skipped out the door, hauling her school bag over her shoulder.

Paula watched as Liora left, the door closing softly behind her. Exhausted and in pain, she sank onto the sofa, finally allowing herself to rest. But even in the quiet, her thoughts of the Chairman lingered, refusing to fade.

At school, after saying goodbye to Officer Park, Liora heard Daran call her name through the crowd of students. Recognizing his voice, she turned and smiled at him. They stood near the gate, giggling and chatting, when suddenly, a thunderous roar of engines interrupted the peaceful moment on the clear, sunny day.

Three bikers dressed in black leather racing suits appeared on sleek, expensive motorcycles. The front rider accelerated slightly, their Ducati Panigale V4 R gleaming in the sunlight. The riders were outfitted in Dainese Misano leather gear, Arai Corsair-X helmets, and Alpinestars Tech-Air Race vests, looking every bit like professional racers in the middle of a high-speed chase.

As if the scene weren't dramatic enough, a black BMW X7 SUV followed closely behind them. The front biker revved his engine again, signalling for Liora and Daran to step aside.

Quickly, they moved to the side, allowing the bikers and the sleek BMW to pass. Those nearby watched in awe as though witnessing their favourite stars drive by. The roar of the engines and the sight of the luxurious bikes left the crowd spellbound.

As the bikers entered the school gate, the front rider momentarily turned his head. His eyes briefly lingered on Liora's legs. With a rev of the engine, he straightened up and sped off into the distance. Liora felt his gaze on her and reflexively checked her skirt.

A thought crossed her mind: Are they going to join the school? She glanced at Daran. If so, that meant three more bullies added to the current ones.

"Please be careful," she warned Daran.

"Yeah, I am."

Both of them put on their thick black glasses and walked into the school, drifting apart like strangers. Liora glanced down at her school uniform again and noticed, this time, that her skirt had become a little too short.

Did that biker notice? Liora wondered. Thankfully, she was wearing white knee-high socks as part of the uniform. She made a mental note to tell her mother she needed a new uniform in a larger size. Boy, she was growing fast!

The three bikes roared into the parking area, coming to a stop in perfect alignment. The black SUV followed closely, pulling up beside them in synchronized motion. The bikers removed their helmets and placed them on their bikes, each of them dismounting with practiced ease, shaking out their hair as if it were second nature.

The motorcycle registration plates indicated that these bikes had been driven in France.

The first biker, Kai Rothschild, embodied the pinnacle of financial power. With his long brunette hair and athletic physique, his hair, styled with a carefree yet deliberate flair, fell just above his eyes, giving him an air of effortless swagger. He carried the legacy of the Rothschild family, known for their unparalleled influence in the European stock market. The Rothschilds' company, 'EuroWall Securities,' dictated market trends with their every decision, earning them the moniker of the "Wall Street of Europe."

The second biker, Logan Wolfgang, was a tall figure with an athletic build that exuded discipline. Logan's blond hair, neatly combed back, hailed from the prestigious Wolfgang family, renowned for their political legacy and significant role in shaping national policies. The Wolfgangs were the hidden power behind the throne, with nothing in the political landscape moving without their approval. His stormy grey-blue eyes reflected the weight of a family that ruled from the shadows.

And then there was Donovan Magnum. Standing tall with a muscular build honed by rigorous training, his piercing dark grey eyes exuded both secrets and determination. Donovan's dark hair was short and meticulously styled. He wore a single earring, a sparkling diamond stud that caught the light with every movement.

The name "Magnum" was a brand in itself—known for its pioneering advancements in aerospace technology, cutting-edge weaponry production, and global military trade. Their company, TechRebel Innovation, was at the forefront of international influence, making them a dominant force in both the defence and technology sectors. The Magnums were not just leaders, but trailblazers in their field, continually pushing the boundaries of what was possible in aerospace and military technology.

These three young men, each hailing from an influential family, had come to Italy to complete their secondary education at the prestigious Elite School.

From the SUV emerged an elderly person in a hurry, holding documents, leading the way for the three bikers to the dean's office. Behind them, a pair of guards trailed closely. Their expressions were stern and alert.

Each step they took was steady and purposeful as if every movement had been meticulously planned. It was clear that these individuals were not just ordinary students.

The elegantly attired female students, radiating wealth, cast longing glances at the newcomers. With every confident step the trio took, it seemed as though they stole the breath of onlookers.

Meanwhile, other students, wearing thick glasses, walked past them with their heads down.