Helios looked around his laboratory, which he had hardly seen in the past two weeks. Everything was neatly tidied; he had handed the finished tasks over to Thomas and tackled the mountain of paperwork as best he could.
At least his father had kept his promise to take some of the workload off him.
It annoyed him that he lost himself too quickly in a task that posed a challenge. The new facility — or should he rather call it Soley 2.0? — was at least cleaner, a little more organized, and far more bearable than what he had seen in Soley.
While Soley had resembled an unhygienic slaughterhouse, this facility was more like a properly tiled butcher's shop. Although the subjects had only been treated marginally better before his arrival.
So in the past two weeks he had performed a kind of New Year's cleaning. The experiments became more humane, he reviewed and revised all the documents, adjusted the medications and added new ones that at least spared the subjects the fear, the pain and the panic of having to experience everything up close.
He couldn't do any more; his hands were tied for anything further.
He had no interest in letting innocent people suffer. If they were using criminals, it would be a different matter. Probably.
However, he would need more time to let the project fail quietly. But his movements were being monitored, every word, every gesture checked. Even the researcher who was supposed to assist him acted as if he would do anything just to be allowed to kiss his ass. Helios knew that this man fed every bit of information back to his father, so he had to be careful.
It was the first time he had done everything to avoid developing a substance and that was probably the greatest difficulty of the whole matter. Because deep down he wanted to develop that substance; he wanted to understand it and break it down into its smallest components. He wanted to develop an antidote, destroy it, and store the formula deep in his memory until he and Dante had had enough of life.
A glance at the clock snapped him out of his thoughts. The evening gathering was about to begin. If he didn't want Thomas to have a heart attack from nerves, he had to hurry now. With a soft sigh he slipped into his coat, grabbed his briefcase and let his gaze sweep over the lab one more time. Melancholy washed over him. This room was more than just a workplace — it was a retreat, a refuge. It hurt to be able to spend so little time here when so many projects were still waiting for him to tackle them.
But, when he thought about it, he still had enough time to achieve everything he could even imagine. He had time, money and opportunities.
Two strong arms wrapped around his torso. Dante was standing right behind him.
"Ready for the most fun evening in ages?" he asked, kissing Helios's neck.
Helios rolled his eyes. "I'd almost prefer a second Belladonna to enduring those bored, conceited moneybags," he replied, annoyed. He leaned against his lover and looked at him with a silent plea. "Can't we hide in your apartment and just say we got lost?"
Dante smirked. "I don't think you're getting out of this. You promised Violet — and your father too," he reminded him gently.
"Oh right, of course." Helios snorted derisively. "How could I forget? And thanks to my wonderful self-healing abilities, I can't even fake a broken leg to excuse myself."
"You could at least try," Dante teased.
"And make a fool of myself when they notice? No, thanks," Helios said in defeat. He really had no choice but to accept his fate. He had gotten himself into this mess, so he would have to get himself out of it again. "Let's just get it over with — and don't forget that after this boring gathering we're going to your secret apartment."
He kissed Dante, distracting himself with the thought of what they would be doing just a few hours later.
"I keep the key with me every day," Dante whispered before returning the kiss. "For my part, I'd also rather spend the first part of the evening with you in a different way."
Helios smiled. "Good to know."
With heavy hearts they pulled away from each other before they lost themselves too much in the moment. Helios's willingness to skip the gathering was already dangerously high. He shouldn't provoke anything that could come back to haunt him later.
The thought of attending a high-society party where Penelope would not be waiting for him struck him like a heavy blow. He swallowed the guilt and grief that rose up in him and tried to ignore the almost unbearable emptiness spreading in his chest.
His gaze drifted to Dante — that unshakable giant, his lover and protector. The man's mere presence was enough to calm the storm inside him, if only a little.
At least you're here, Helios thought, and his breathing grew steadier.
___
Three hours later he was bathed, dressed, styled, and seated in the car on his way to the evening gathering. His hands were hidden in leather gloves, the makeshift prosthesis concealed his finger stumps, and the faint scar on his neck was no longer visible thanks to makeup.
He felt prepared, yet not ready.
These social gatherings drained the last bit of life out of him — at least the last bit he could muster in a social sense.
"Are you making progress with the project?" His father's voice broke the silence in the car, tearing him abruptly from his thoughts.
Helios looked out the window and didn't even try to glance at his father.
"If you mean this disaster I've been working on recently, then yes, somehow it's moving forward," Helios replied.
"You've adjusted a few formulas, I hear?"
Of course he had heard; there were plenty of people watching him during his time in that hidden lab.
"I have. No one should suffer under these experiments."
His father smirked. Slowly, Helios turned his gaze toward him. His anger hadn't faded; he had to restrain himself.
"I see you find this amusing?" he asked coolly.
"Of course. Now that everything is in capable hands, one of my wishes will soon be fulfilled," his father said with delight. He leaned forward, watching Helios with great interest. "How long will you need to produce the substance?"
Helios pretended to have to think about it.
"Hard to say. The project is still in its infancy," he said slowly. "From what I've seen so far, there's definitely potential, but I'm afraid it's not what you're hoping to find."
His father's smile weakened. His expression grew a little disappointed.
"Well, you've only just begun. I didn't expect you to succeed on the first try. Take all the time you need to bring the project to success."
"Of course, Father," Helios said obediently, keeping up the pretense. It wouldn't be long before he took away everything his father had ever hoped for. "Will you be closing another deal tonight?"
His father gave him a businesslike smile. "Naturally. Work never sleeps. I'd be pleased if you joined me later. There are some people you should meet."
"Give me a signal and I'll be there, as usual. Though I don't plan to stay too long."
"No problem. Once you've fulfilled your duty, you're free to go."
"Thank you, Father," Helios said.
The car pulled up in front of the Belvoir estate. So he would have to see Anastasia Belvoir that evening after all. As long as she left him alone and didn't make advances, that was fine with him.
In a way, he was glad the timing was perfect once again. He didn't want to breathe the same air as his father a second longer. Without showing his haste, he stepped out. Dante was silently at his side as they walked together toward the Belvoir residence.
At the door he saw Violet, nervously waiting under the watch of a guard. She ran her fingers through her loose, curled blonde hair. She wore an elegant pink dress that flattered her figure without revealing too much.
At the door, he saw Violet waiting nervously under the watch of a guard. She ran her fingers through her loose, curly blonde hair. She wore an elegant pink dress that flattered her figure without revealing too much.
When she saw Helios, she gave him a shy smile and stepped toward him.
Helios forced himself to wear a friendly expression, took her hand, and kissed the back of it, just as tradition required of him.
"Lady Violet, I hope you've been well lately?" he asked politely.
"I'm well, thank you for asking." Her voice was quiet, almost uncertain, but then, with a hesitant smile, she linked her arm with his. "And how have you been?"
"As always," he replied evasively.
This was already far more pleasant than the last evening gathering he had attended. They exchanged a few pleasantries and then fell into a comfortable silence — at least Helios found it comfortable. He had no desire for much conversation.
He walked ahead with Violet while Dante followed at a respectful distance behind them.
Still, he made an effort to keep her in good spirits. He started conversations here and there, asking her about things he knew interested her. Then he let her talk, while he could switch off and study the people around them.
It was a sea of faces reflecting power and influence. High-ranking families had accepted the Belvoirs' invitation; the crème de la crème of society seemed to have gathered here. Everywhere diamonds sparkled, silks flowed, and sharp words hid behind sugary smiles.
Helios deliberately led Violet from conversation to conversation, letting himself be seen with her, presenting himself as the charming escort. Exactly the sort of spectacle the rumor mill needed to churn in the coming days. His father would be satisfied, and for a while he wouldn't have to deal with bothersome marriage plans.
The only one to suffer from it would be Violet. Because after this evening, he had no intention of seeing her again — neither in a medical context nor in an official one.
He hated the way people approached her out of curiosity. How they tried to dig for information behind their friendly masks. He hated how they came to him under the pretense of admiring his achievements. How they begged for his help and practically kissed his feet just to please him.
He looked around a bit more and decided it was time to get something to eat. At least, that had been his plan — until he spotted someone he knew quite well.
What the hell is he doing here?
Their eyes met, and Helios gave him a discreet signal to meet up. Spider nodded just as discreetly, so now Helios only needed to get rid of Violet for a moment.
"Lady Violet?" he asked, turning to his companion.
She smiled at him. "Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Vale?"
"I'm afraid I must excuse myself for a moment to use the powder room. Perhaps you could while you wait speak with a lady you already know?" he suggested politely. "Don't worry, it won't take long."
"Oh!" she exclaimed, then immediately lowered her eyes in embarrassment. "I—I mean, of course, I think I saw a friend just over there."
"When I return, I would very much enjoy dancing with you," he said. It was one of the promises he had to fulfill that evening; after that he'd only have to check in with his father and he'd be free of this suffocating society.
Violet grinned broadly. "I can hardly wait to dance with you!" she said happily. She leaned forward slightly and lifted a hand to the side of her mouth as she whispered to him, "Don't worry, I've been practicing diligently. Tonight I won't step on your feet, nor will you have to carry me across the floor!"
Her tone was so proud that he couldn't help but smile. She was really trying and as expected she was easy to manipulate.
"I'm curious to see," Helios said. "See you in a bit — I'll come pick you up."
Violet beamed from ear to ear. "See you soon!" she said and went off toward her friend.
Helios turned to Dante. "Let's go," he said softly and disappeared in the opposite direction toward the restrooms. He took a side corridor where he'd last seen Spider.
"What the hell is Spider doing here?" Dante asked quietly, looking around warily. "I don't like this."
"I don't like it any more than you do," Helios answered honestly.
It wasn't good that Spider was here. If Spider sought him out at a place like this, something was wrong.
"Let's find out." No sooner had he spoken than he was grabbed by the arm and yanked through a side door into a narrow room.
"Fuck!" Dante swore behind him. Heavy footsteps sounded as Dante followed.
"Let me…!" Helios shouted as his mouth was covered.
"Pssst! Calm down! Both of you!" Spider hissed. "Close the door, big guy!"
"What the…!" Dante said, puzzled.
"Now, close the door!" Spider hissed again.
Dante shut the door and Helios tore himself away from Spider.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" Helios snapped at him. "Do you have any idea what happens if someone sees us? Or recognizes you?!"
"Nobody here knows my face but you, don't worry," Spider said. His expression turned serious, his voice sounded worried. "You need to get out of here, Helios."
"Not before you tell me what's going on!" Helios fired back. "First your cryptic message yesterday telling me to watch myself, and now you're here in person. I'm dying to know what's happening and I'm not leaving until I know everything!"
Spider exhaled in annoyance. "It's that very thirst for knowledge that's going to get you killed someday! We can meet up as soon as you get out of here. If you don't leave soon, you'll die!"
"Die? Don't tell me some lunatic wants to kill me again."
"Not just some lunatic — Wallace wants you dead, and he's hired a few pretty good assassins."
Helios raised an eyebrow. "Better than you?"
"Dammit, we don't have time for this!" Spider snapped. "Normally I love messing around with you, but…oh fuck it. You brought this on yourself!"
"No one's going to be able to touch me, don't worry," Helios said calmly. "As you know, I don't have time — just give me the short version."
"You really get on my last nerve sometimes!" Spider said, irritated. His gaze flicked to Dante. "I'll get you both out of here in a moment — you must protect him, understood? After all, you still owe me a favor, Helios, and I don't intend to lose you tonight."
"I'm all ears."
Spider took another deep breath before speaking. "I broke into Wallace's estate and stumbled on one of his secret meetings. He wants you dead, Helios. If you die, your father's pharmaceutical empire will destabilize, and if your father can't think straight in his grief, Wallace wants to take everything."
"Pretty cliché — carry on."
"He wants to do it tonight, in front of everyone. So everyone can see that Helios Vale is truly dead. He wants to make sure your father can't cover anything up and to turn it into a damned spectacle. Seriously, Helios, I don't even know if we can get you out of here at all. Several killers have already been planted among the staff."
"So we can't use the servants' exit," Helios mused. "Too bad for Wallace that I don't plan on dying here."
"I don't think what happens is entirely in your hands. It may already be too late."
"From the sound of it, it was already too late the moment I stepped onto this estate," Helios sighed. His gaze drifted to Dante, who stood silently beside him. He looked worried; fear showed in his eyes. "Did you notice anything?"
"A few people struck me as odd," Dante admitted. "But I think your instincts aren't wrong. You walked into their web the moment you came in."
"Alright, then the only question left is how I get out of here."
"You're way too calm for what's coming," Spider remarked.
"Should I panic?" Helios replied dryly.
"That'd at least make you more human." Spider scoffed.
"Has he completely lost his mind?" Spider asked, addressing Dante.
"Helios," Dante said. "I don't want to have to watch you die. Let's get out of here."
Spider checked his pockets and slid two blades into his sleeves.
"Some of my men are also on standby among the guests and staff. After all, we have a deal — we get your sweet ass to safety if things get dicey," Spider said. He looked satisfied after distributing and double-checking his weapons. The typical cocky grin spread across his face. "Let's try the garden. I don't think the main entrance will be any less guarded than the servants' entrance."
"The garden is extensive," Dante considered. "That might work — they can't have an assassin hiding behind every bush."
"We'll have to go through the main hall," Helios said, turning toward the door. "Bullets hurt like hell, and I'd rather avoid getting shot again."
"Then let's go," Spider said. "Follow me."
He opened the door and peered down the corridor, giving a silent signal that the way looked clear. Helios and Dante followed quietly. Spider went first, Helios behind him, and Dante brought up the rear like a massive shield.
"We should behave as inconspicuously as possible. If panic breaks out, they could strike immediately," Spider noted as he checked the next hallway. "At least, that's how I'd do it."
"We can manage inconspicuously," Helios said.
"When I said the last adventure with you was fun, I didn't mean something like this," Spider cursed.
They stepped into the main hall. Spotlights glittered off crystal chandeliers, voices drifted like thick steam; champagne glasses chimed. People everywhere wore polite faces that seemed to be shaping knives beneath them.
"Maybe you should be more careful with your wishes," Dante murmured into Helios's ear.
"Secure the way out — I'll keep watch in here," Dante said quietly. Spider moved on unobtrusively.
"Mr. Vale! You're back!" Violet suddenly said beside him.
It was disturbingly unlucky how perfectly timed both his father and Violet's appearances were. If things continued like this, he might well find out tonight whether he was truly immortal. Not that he wanted to. All he wanted was to get out of here and hide away with Dante in his apartment. He was fed up with this stupid soirée, and he couldn't help feeling relieved by the convenient pretext of an assassination.
At least now he had a good reason to disappear.
The question was only how he could avoid his father and Violet. His best options in that moment were fairly simple, if he looked at them closely. He would send Violet back to her friend, go to his father, inform him about the assassination attempt, and then disappear.
That wouldn't take more than five minutes, and then they could be gone.
He turned to Violet to put his plan into action. Taking her hand in his, he looked at her with feigned regret.
"Lady Violet, I'm afraid I must…" he began.
But then the music for the dance struck up loudly. The host called the guests to the floor, and the crowd began to stir. He felt himself being pushed toward the dance floor, Violet following with him since he was still holding her hand. Casually he glanced around, only to see Dante at the edge of the floor, looking shocked. He would have to wait there until Helios left the floor again.
His father looked pleased, and Spider was nowhere to be found.
This timing was far too perfect to be mere coincidence.
Fine, then he would play Wallace's game. He just had to make sure not to get shot in front of all these people. He could manage that somehow. His heart began to race, adrenaline surged through his veins. This was far too thrilling.
There were enough Vale guards present, and his assassins were also in place. Strictly speaking, nothing should happen to him.
And yet he felt as if he were trapped in a really bad play.
Helios took Violet's hand, placing his other hand at her waist. He smiled at her and began to lead her across the dance floor in time with the music.
If Wallace wanted to play this game, so be it. He wasn't going to get what he wanted. Helios might not have been a man of faith, but he trusted in his substances. If he had indeed gained rapid self-healing abilities, then the immortality part should also have worked.
An eager tingling spread through his body, sending shivers across his skin. He could hardly wait to finally discover the truth. At the same time, he feared what would follow.
Everyone would see what was happening to him. He would no longer be able to hide it.
How would the guests react? How would his father react? He suppressed a laugh and continued to guide Violet in flawless steps. He was truly tempted to test his theory.
But his mind advised him to follow Spider's and Dante's plea and slip away quietly. Rationally, that was the best choice.
When the dance ended, he bowed to Violet, who returned with a graceful curtsy. She was completely out of breath and looked like the happiest girl in the world. He offered her his hand.
"You could use a break," he said with a smile.
"That was really fun!" she said happily. Her expression turned shy. "Could we dance again after the break?"
Absolutely not.
"Of course — I just need to speak with my father for a moment," he promised, contrary to his thoughts.
Suddenly there were fewer people around them, the music had slowed to a very slow rhythm, and only a few couples remained on the floor. He felt like he was on a serving platter.
Everything seemed perfectly staged for the big showdown.
He looked around: Wallace was standing right next to his father, watching him closely, a knowing smile playing on his lips. Helios returned an innocent smile in his direction. How he wanted to give the sign to have Wallace killed here and now.
But that was the one thing he had to avoid tonight.
Killing people was enjoyable to him, and if he were to kill Wallace, he would want time and peace to do it. Above all, he wanted to see the hopelessness in that fat-bellied idiot's eyes.
His gaze found Violet's.
"How about you go back to your friend for now and I'll come fetch you when I'm done?" he asked politely.
"Oh, of course!"
Helios stepped toward the edge of the dance floor to blend back into the crowd. But he didn't get that far. Suddenly a gunshot rang out, ripping the joyful mood of the party apart. People froze. They looked around in shock, while others turned their gaze to Helios.
Pain exploded in his chest; he coughed and immediately spat blood. He clutched at his chest, letting go of Violet. He already felt the tingling of wound healing and the bullet pushing its way back out of his chest.
It hurt—so unbearably much. There was so much blood he grew dizzy from the loss.
How did Dante keep enduring this again and again?
He sank to his knees, powerless. Violet screamed in panic beside him, but Helios shoved her away and rose again on trembling knees. If Wallace wanted a spectacle, then he would give him one.
"Helios!" Dante called from a distance. Or was it just his perception playing tricks on him? His eyes turned to Wallace, who looked shocked as Helios approached him. Another shot rang out and lodged in his upper arm. A third struck his belly. He could barely bear the pain, and yet a laugh escaped his throat.
Oh Wallace, you will pay for everything you are making me feel!
No matter how much it hurt, his rapid wound healing made the pain subside quickly. He felt increasingly invigorated. Maybe he should just execute the bastard here and now.
But it apparently wasn't meant to come to that. As the next shot sounded, his vision faded and he could only vaguely hear the screams around him. The last thing he felt was his body falling to the floor — and then there was nothing.