For three hours, Rin was the only customer at the Golden Beans Café.
Three empty cups and several pieces of crumpled tissues sat on the table in front of her. The fourth was three-quarters empty. There was nothing golden about the coffee. The more she drank, the more difficult it was to stomach. She blamed her poor appetite on the heavy Seed miasma that spread outwards from the opposite bistro like a contagious disease.
The Island Club Bistro was built on privately owned land. It had a eye-catching, angular design that looked out of place in the orderly streets of Pallin. The glass windows were tinted, obscuring the interior. The outdoors had ample parking and a neatly manicured lawn decorated with fairy lights.
The cafe owner sat behind the counter, looking as colorless and bland as the coffee he made, paying no attention to his only customer of the day. On the next table, a newspaper spread draped over the edge. The small article squeezed in the corner of the page was titled “Pallin’s Osmanthus St. - The Latest Hit in Town.”
Osmanthus St. in Pallin has been a hit with tourists in the last few months. Sellers have reported triple the number of visitors compared to the same quarter in the last year. Famed for its vibrance and night lights, the Eastern Times asked the public what exactly made Osmanthus St. a tourist favorite –
There was an event of sorts going on at the bistro. At four, the staff bustled in and out, putting up flowers, tying ribbons, and rolling out the red carpet. At half past six, the sun began to set, and the fairy lights came on. At seven, a luxurious black motorcade rolled into the driveway.
She was flipping through the menu for dinner when the owner, Henry Ross, stepped out of the vehicle in a shiny purple crocodile suit that glittered in the lights, his hair carefully slicked back with just the right amount of gel. His employees in uniform scrambled out to greet him. A quick background check told Rin that he was a rising entrepreneur with multiple successful projects and investments under his belt. Numerous articles praised him for being a rare talent. His interviews pictured him as a witty, inspiring young man with an excellent temperament.
The media sure loved superfluous personalities.
Rin heard him telling off one of his staff for messy hair and berated another for an abominable stain on their vest. Then, he strode over the red carpet, leaving behind a sickening stench of Seed that spread across the street.
That man was also harboring a well-fed one.
Irritated, she slammed the menu shut and asked for another cup of coffee.
The bistro staff remained lined up at the entrance as car after car arrived, each bringing an important guest who was welcomed by an usher. Rin had minimal knowledge of luxurious car brands; all she knew was they were individually more expensive than Cnaris’ renovated warehouse.
At eight, the most luxurious car – she figured, because it was the biggest so far – rolled up. The chauffeur leaped down and jogged to the other side to open the back passenger door. A man in a gray suit stepped out, surveying the vicinity. Ross came hurrying out of the bistro with a wide smile. They exchanged greetings in boisterous voices and shook hands like old friends before Ross ushered him in.
“That’s the VVIP,” a voice said beside her. “I heard he owns a conglomerate. You know, the luxury lagoon and casino complex in the West Coast. Mr. Ross is trying to get him to invest in his new resort project. Think he minds three people gatecrashing his party for some fine dining experience?”
Rin’s eyes narrowed. She glanced to her right. Standing under the streetlamp close to where she was sitting was a pair of identical twins.
Tanned olive skin, caramel brown hair tied into a low ponytail, and yellow eyes that seemingly gleamed in the dark. The Signon twins, rival Hunters and mischief-makers. The people she least wanted to see at the moment. They were a year her junior and worked under a mentor Cnaris despised. The last time the three of them happened to work together, they wrecked the entire street, and Rin ended up with no pocket money for the rest of the month.
“What do you mean three people?” Rin hissed as the waiter brought her fifth cup of coffee and wordlessly left. “Why are you even here?”
Rayve, the older twin, scowled. “That’s supposed to be our question. Why are you here? We accepted the assignment before anyone else did.”
Cnaris, she growled silently in her heart. That two-faced schemer. He must be eating Mirelle’s freshly made dinner without a shred of remorse.
Seeing Rin’s expression, the younger, diplomatic twin tugged at his brother’s sleeve. “Rayve, maybe the Council made a mistake and released the assignment on the board after we took it. It’s not the first time they’ve done that.”
Rayve rolled his eyes. “Yeah, what a coincidence. Each time it’s happened, we meet her.”
Whatever, Rin thought. She just wanted to get it over with and go home.
“We saw you this afternoon – when you went after the Master,” Hayle chipped in brightly. “You could’ve destroyed the Seed. Why didn’t you?”
“Do you think destroying the Seed will solve everything?”
Hayle cocked his head. He reminded Rin of a cockatiel. “Isn’t that what the orders are?”
He was partly right. That was what the orders were – to destroy the Seeds. Rin could have wrenched the Sygn from the girl and destroyed it there and then. Or she could have evoked enough fury from the Master within the Territory and forced the Seed to appear.
But the Council’s orders left out an important factor: the human heart. The two years away from Creave with Cnaris, she had seen plenty, enough to know human hearts were not something as superficial as orders could suppress.
Desires. Regrets. Sorrow. Emotions ran deep and rampant, weaving themselves within the deepest crevices of the heart and obscuring any form of logic and rationale.
Hayle was expecting an answer from her, his eyes bright and earnest.
She heaved a sigh and forced herself to elaborate. “Destroying the Seed would not uproot the source that led to its manifestation in the first place. For as long as they carry the grudge, they will fall into the same pothole again and again. Figure it out yourselves.”
Comprehension dawned on Hayle’s face as he digested her words and he opened his mouth to answer.
Rayve cut in. “Enough with the talking. Fine, we’ll split this. You’ll go after the girl; we’ll go after that man.” He jerked his head towards the bistro.
Impatient as always, she thought. Out loud, she said, “Just so you know, I’m not up for any of your trickery tonight.”
“Aw, don’t be like that. We’re going to work together this time. Can we set our grudges – if there are any – aside?” Hayle said, pulling up a chair and sitting down next to her.
Both Rin and Rayve stared at him.
He beamed at them both. “So, what’s the plan?”
*
The aromas of a feast wafted out through the open kitchen windows and teased her nostrils. Her empty stomach rumbled in protest.
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Her brother taught her that instincts were the most trustworthy ally in the most unexpected times. Right then, Rin had serious doubts about her instincts. The last-minute plan involved her standing alone in the back alley, next to bags of leftovers, trying not to think about food. The drain belched out dishwater now and then. Loud music blasted from speakers, the beats changing according to the whims of the DJ. Occasional bursts of raucous laughter and chinks of glassware came through the windows.
Just when she thought her patience was reaching its limit, she saw a figure approaching the back door.
It turned out Rei was right – instincts were trustworthy.
Under the cap that hid half her face, Lyndia’s eyes held a murderous glint. She pushed the back door open, and golden light poured out. Before she could enter, Rin emerged from the shadows, grabbed her by the coat, and dragged her into the alley.
“You!” Lyndia accused.
Rin gestured at her to be quiet. The door swung wide, and a bag of kitchen waste flew out, landing next to the pile that was already there, before slamming shut.
Lyndia shook herself free from Rin and snarled, “I’m warning you, do not try to interfere.”
“You’re really stubborn, aren’t you? Doing harm to another person is not as easy as you think.”
Lyndia’s lips curved into a sneer. “I’ve been waiting for this day.”
She turned and headed for the door.
Trust your instincts.
“How about a gamble?” Rin offered. “If you manage to commit the crime without hesitation, I will not interfere. When you become part of the Seed, I’ll destroy you just like how I would the other Seeds.”
Lyndia stopped and turned around, her expression unfathomable.
“But if you show a single moment of hesitation, I will destroy that thing in front of your eyes.”
“Why do I need to listen to what you say?”
“Because if you don’t” – a knife appeared in Rin’s hand – “I’ll destroy it right here and now. You know you’re no match for me. I’m giving you a chance.”
Trust your instincts.
The other girl’s expression hardened. A moment later, she squared her shoulders and set her jaw. “Just don’t get in my way.”
She did not look back.
Rin gave her a five-second head start before following.
The bistro was larger than it looked from the outside. The corridor connecting the kitchen and the guest area was a narrow one. The floor trembled with the booming bass, accentuated by techno beats.
Lyndia strode through the corridor as though she owned the place. Waiters squeezed past, refilling trays and shouting hurried orders at each other, not sparing the two of them a glance.
She pushed past a set of heavy black curtains, emerging in a whole new world. The cramped corridor opened into a lounge. Scantily clad performers spun around with elaborate moves, egging the crowd to join. Colorful lights spun over the dance floor at a dizzying pace. The rest of the lighting was dramatically dimmed so that the people looked like silhouettes, dark enough to hide faces, but not enough to bump into each other. Bartenders stood behind the counter, shaking up cocktails and pouring shots, impressing ladies with their skills. The sweet scent of alcohol went well with the mouth-watering smell of newly smoked turkey. Waiters walked around serving champagne, unlike their frantic compatriots behind the scenes. The tables were occupied with talks of potential investments, casual pleasantries, and gossip over huddled heads.
At the center of the lounge, in a black leather sofa with ladies hanging onto each arm, was Henry Ross. He was engaged in deep conversation with his very important guest, who dabbed his mouth with a napkin and nodded approvingly.
Lyndia took a cocktail from the counter and made her way up the stairway opposite the lounge. At the landing hung another curtain presumably concealing Ross’ gift to his honored guest, which he would reveal at the climax of the event.
Henry Ross and his guest stood up, shaking hands – a gesture of triumph. Whatever it was, it was clear that the deal had gone through.
Lyndia’s eyes fixed on Ross the entire time, burning with hatred. Rin stopped halfway up the stairs, watching as Lyndia’s hand drifted almost casually into her coat while sipping her cocktail.
The two men lifted their glasses to make a toast. The music changed to a grand tune, heralding an important announcement. The lighting shifted into indigo hues, spinning and reflecting off the walls.
Ross’s voice rang out, speaking through a microphone. “Attention, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to share great news with all who have come to grace my humble establishment.”
Lyndia held her Sygn in front of her. There was a flash of light as the Seed materialized, perfectly mingling with Ross’s choice of lighting.
It was the biggest bee and the smallest Seed Rin had ever seen – the size of a mere three wine bottles. Two pairs of beady black eyes rimmed with gold, glossed over the surroundings and identifying its target. Its glossy, translucent wings with brown outlines vibrated on its back. It looked unassuming apart from the deadly stinger that dripped black ichor.
“The Henry Cooperation has reached an agreement with the Golden West Cooperation on the Vacation Project –”
No one below realized what was going on.
“The project is expected to be launched next month over the beaches of the Southern Coast and consists of a luxurious resort, family-oriented theme park, restaurant chains, and spas –”
Rin felt like she was watching a stage play, one she was standing by to interrupt.
Trust your instincts.
The bee’s uncanny buzzing sounded like a distant metal fan, drowning the sound of the music.
Distracted, the people below began to look for the source of the sound. Henry Ross was unaware, still keenly announcing the details of his project.
“The Vacation Project is foreseen to bring great change to the landscape of Southern Ilias, and you, dear investors, stand to reap the most from this. Let’s raise our glasses to –”
One of the paid performers was the first to notice the enormous bee. With a small cry, she stumbled and fell backward.
Henry Ross’ initial frown was replaced with wide-eyed shock when he saw the Seed with its stinger pointed right at him. It morphed into anger when he saw Lyndia on the landing.
“Hello, Mr. Ross. Do you remember me?” Her voice brimmed with contempt.
“Who let you in? Guards, get her!”
Bodyguards stationed at the sides of the lounge hurried towards the stairs.
Unperturbed, Lyndia raised her glass. “A toast to you, Mr. Ross.”
The bee’s eyes glinted with a hint of murder. The guest placed a hand on Ross’ arm as the latter faltered.
“A farewell toast.” Lyndia raised the glass to her lips.
The bee lunged forward.
Down below, people screamed. A few ducked beneath tables. Everyone waited with bated breath.
Except that the expected did not happen.
The bee froze mid-air.
So was Lyndia, wearing a shell-shocked expression, looking straight ahead.
“Granddad,” she said in a hushed voice. The glass slipped from her fingers and crashed onto the floor. Tears started to roll down her face. “No.”
The figure of her grandfather – a mirage – stood in front of her. “Don’t do it, Lyndy. Don’t sacrifice your life for him.”
Affected by her shaken resolve, the space rippled. Rin found herself drawn into a Pulse.
*
She ran as fast as she could, dread filling her heart with every beat.
The door was open, but there were no lights. The moment she stepped into the bistro, time seemed to stop.
Her mind was unable to register the sight as a whole. Reality was a broken lie, a fragmented nightmare. Terrifying to look at, but unable to look away.
Her grandfather crumpled in a pool of his blood.
Henry Ross stood over him with a cold look on his face. Looming behind him was a fiendish creature that she could not find the words to describe. Its ragged breaths fogged the air in front of it, and blood dripped from its claws.
Granddad’s blood.
She remembered screaming Granddad’s name and dropping to her knees next to him. She barely remembered the flashing red lights and wailing sirens that tore the night apart.
All she remembered was holding his hand, praying that she could feel a flicker of movement.
She never did.
Lyndia shook her head, clamping her hands over her ears. “No, don’t stop me. He’s the one who killed you.”
“Please, Lyndy, don’t do it. It pains me to see you like this-”
Sorrow wracked her body as she sobbed onto Granddad’s cold, motionless body. The wounds she saw earlier were gone.
No one believed her.
“The old man had a heart attack, poor thing. I called the ambulance as fast as I could, but he couldn’t make it.”
Lies.
“You killed him.”
He gazed at her, emotionless. Then, he broke into a smile.
“Do you have evidence? Who do you think they’ll believe? You or me? It takes little effort to have the police agree that it was cardiac arrest and close the case.” He leaned in closer to her and said softly, “And even if they have suspicions, they can’t do anything. Do you want to know why?”
Behind him, a large shadow loomed. His eyes were full of cold humor. This was child’s play for him.
“Because they have no proof.”
*
“He is the one who took you away from me!” Lyndia screamed. “How could I live and do nothing?”
The bee drew back, ready to plunge.
Ross scrambled back, nearly tripping over his expensive leather sofa. “Guards!”
Two of his bodyguards positioned themselves in front of him while the rest began running up the stairs.
A knife cut through the air, piercing the Seed’s hard armor and impaling it onto the wall where it thrashed.
The rod suspending the curtains overhead snapped in two, and the heavy fabric fell with a whoosh, revealing a congratulatory message Ross had prepared in advance for the collaboration against the background of his ideal resort.
In a flash, Rin leaped over the balustrade, a slender sword appearing in her hand. She drove the blade into the Seed’s body. With a shrill cry, it shattered into debris that vanished into thin air, leaving behind her throwing knife.
“No!” Lyndia cried in despair, falling to her knees.
Rin picked the knife up from the ground and turned. “You hesitated. You lost.”