Atticus leaned against the balcony, mesmerized by the view below. The Carter villa was a grand sight, built on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The night sky was beautiful as the stars twinkled.
The Carter villas were always built in the style of a French chateau, with towering spires, tall terraces, and intricate stonework. Atticus knew that the cost of such a grand building must have been astronomical, but he also knew that money was no object for Fredrick. Fredrick had become wealthy through his shrewd investments and business dealings and he spared no expense when it came to indulging his desires like this one, the tenth gala he was hosting to celebrate the completion of his tenth villa.
Thomas's words caught Atticus's attention, and he turned to Fredrick as he approached.
"Ah, Atticus," Frederick said, a slight edge to his otherwise friendly tone. "It's been a while, Atticus. I'm so glad you could make it to my little gala."
Thomas's face tightened. " You call this little with all the city's most prestigious people in attendance then what will you call large, the world's most powerful leaders!".His eyes locked on Fredrick, who chuckled in response.
"I see you brought your baboon." Fredrick said eyeing Thomas.
Thomas continued, "Fredrick, you know why we're really here," he said firmly.
Fredrick sighed, his smile faltering. "Yes, I know. And I appreciate your... persistence. But let's not ruin the mood tonight. Shall we? Here, Atticus, have a glass of champagne." He offered Atticus a glass, trying to change the subject.
Thomas sighed again, his patience wearing thin. "Fredrick, enough with the games. We've been waiting for weeks for payment. It's not a matter of 'if' anymore, it's 'when'. And I can assure you, we won't be leaving here without what we're owed."
Fredrick frowned. "You really are a pain in the ass, aren't you, Thomas?"
Atticus didn't intrude and just kept staring out at the trees, his dullness still lingering while those two bantered behind him.
" You know, Thomas, you really know how to ruin a great party. That's why you won't be receiving any champagne ". He said drinking the champagne he was about to hand to Thomas. This made Thomas mad.
Atticus couldn't help but roll his eyes at the two men's exchange behind him. He was already bored with the whole affair, and their bickering wasn't helping. He took a long sip of his champagne.
"Thomas, you know, for a human you are the most arrogant human I have ever encountered ." Frederick said dropping his champagne.
Thomas gave Fredrick a cool, unimpressed look. "And you, Fredrick, are one of the most annoying person I've ever had the displeasure of meeting."
" How annoying, tell me Thomas, how do you think your blood tastes?". He said with a mischievous grin.
Thomas visibly stiffened, his eyes narrowing at Fredrick's casual reference to his blood. "That's not funny, Fredrick," he said hesitantly. "And if you even think of touching me, you'll regret it."
"Ohh look at the baby crying, just now you were barking."
Thomas clenched his fists, his expression darkening. "You think it's funny to joke about that?" he said through gritted teeth. "But you forget, Fredrick, that I'm not afraid of you."
"Really then let me try it." He said walking towards thomas
Thomas quickly ran to atticus. "Stay away from me, Fredrick," he warned, his voice showing fear as he leaned over to Atticus. Fredrick moved closer.
"Don't touch my people, Fredrick or you won't like what comes next," Atticus gave a stern warning.
Fredrick cleared his throat "Of cos I won't, Atticus". He glared at Thomas and dashed towards him.
Thomas screamed as he held his hands up in fear. "You touch me and I'll show you exactly what I'm made of," he said firmly, his eyes buried in his arms
Frederick laughed and he walked away, Thomas wiped the sweat off his forehead, Fredrick laughed at him for hiding under Atticus's canopy.
Thomas laughed in denial and tried to defend himself, but Frederick just walked away.
Atticus watched as Fredrick and Thomas continued to squabble a few paces away. He sighed, his eyes scanning the beautiful view before him. He had come tonight for a bit of entertainment, but now it seemed he was just going to have to stand here and wait it out. He took a sip of his champagne.
Just then, Atticus's gaze fell on her and his world froze. She was a vision in red, her gown hugged her perfect curves. Her skin glowed in the moonlight. Her hair was black that seemed to shimmer.
He stood in the balcony, holding his breath as his eyes devoured every detail. But her face remained a mystery as her gaze was cast downward and then as if fate itself had ordained their meeting and she raised her head and their gaze met for a brief second . The air seemed to vibrate with an electric tension.
Her eyes were like two shimmering black opals, sparked with mischief drawing him in.
Ignoring everything Atticus smirked and he walked to the stairs, her eyes lingered in his thought.
He could hear Thomas words of confusion at his going but he didn't respond as his whole being was focused on the enchantress who just captured her soul.