"You are okay, the bullet just grazed you. As for the other bruises, I'll give you this ointment so there will be no scar.". The doctor said, handing her an ointment. Sophia took it.
"Thanks Dr.," Sophia nodded, smiling. The doctor walked away.
Sophia sighed as she moved around the room.
It was a spacious room with dark wood flooring, high ceilings, and large windows that let in ample natural light. A grand fireplace dominates one wall, while a beautiful wooden desk sits in the center of the room. A comfortable armchair and a sofa in deep navy colors are strategically placed for conversations. A rug in rich tones adds warmth to the room, while artwork in heavy gold frames adorns the walls, reflecting the owner's taste and wealth. The room is finished with a few pieces of elegant furniture and a few well-placed vases of fresh flowers.
"Wow." Sophia mumbled.
"Wow," Jasper said behind her. Sophia turned.
"Do you love it?" Jasper asked, whispering in her ear.
Sophia nodded. "Yeah, it's lovely."
Jasper blushed. "I'm happy you love it."
Sophia chuckled. "Who cares if I love it? The room is lovely."
"Well, I don't care who else loves it, all I care about is 'do you love it'." Jasper said in a low tone.
Sophia raised a brow. "You're weird," she said, giggling. Jasper smiled.
Then Sophia's stomach groaned. Sophia winced in embarrassment.
"I guess I'm hungry," Sophia said.
Jasper nodded. He carried her in his arms.
"Jasper, what are you doing?" Sophia widened her eyes in shock. Jasper scoffed and walked out of the room. While Sophia kept asking him to drop her down.
Jasper walked into the dinning room. Sophia's face flushed red in embarrassment. The maids stopped what they were doing and stood facing down.
"Jasper, drop me down," Sophia said, frowning.
Jasper smiled and gently placed her in a seat. Sophia covered her face with her palm. Jasper smirked as he sat down next to her.
The maids served them. Sophia smiled and started eating. Jasper joined her.
"Lest I forget, Jasper, you haven't answered me. Well, are you a Mafia?" Sophia asked.
Jasper sighed. "Well, yes. I'm a Mafia lord-"
"Wait... What? Not even a member, but a lord" Sophia said in shock. "When? how? why?"
"Well... my dad was mafia lord and he forced me to take over the family business," Jasper answered. "I knew you'd be mad, that's why I didn't tell you."
Sophia was dumbstruck. She never thought Jasper to be the kind of person who carried a gun.
He was born rich, she knew, but she always saw him as a calm and quiet person. Having to think that he was a person who killed people with no mercy was disturbing.
"Wow I really can't believe it. So you're the Mafia lord Oz everyone has been talking about. The one who kills without mercy, the beast of the underworld. I really can't believe it," Sophia said, shaking her head in disbelief.
Jasper bowed his head. "If you're upset, I understand. I broke your trust. I just had to join the family business. I'm the only son and if I didn't, my father would have killed someone... dear to me. I had to-"
"Is it really true what they say... that you kill without mercy, slaughter everything and anyone who goes against you?" Sophia asked.
"Well, I don't know, that's what people think. I only deal with people who come to cause trouble in my territory. Although my methods are extreme. That's all."
"Are you into illegal business; like human trafficking, drug trafficking, or something of the sort?" Sophia asked, raising her brows suspiciously.
"Of cos not. I fight those who come into my territory to do those things." Jasper replied. "So does that mean you're not mad?" Jasper asked.
"Well, why would I? If I was mad before, after hearing you're a mafia, the madness goes away. Anyone who gets mad in such a situation is crazy," Sophia scoffed.
"Getting mad at a mafia —Do you have a death wish, he can just shoot you—"
"I would never do that," Jasper quickly said, patting her hand. His voice laced with fear.
Sophia nodded.
"Anyway, I have no right to judge you. Everyone has their reasons," Sophia replied as she continued to eat, Jasper joined her.
#######
Sophia dried her hair with a towel. She was wearing black pajamas. Jasper walked into the room.
"Have you freshen up?" Jasper asked. Sophia nodded.
"So, are they done with my room?" Sophia asked.
Jasper smiled, he stretched his hand. Sophia took it and he led her to the room.
"Wow, it's beautiful," Sophia said, smiling. "Thank you."
Jasper blushed. "I'm happy you love it."
"Stop saying tha," Sophia replied as she jumped into bed.
Jasper giggled, his eyes taking in every detail of her smile and body language.
"Thank you, Jasper. I should sleep now. I'm tired." Sophia said and got under the blanket. Jasper walked to her, patted her head, and tucked her in.
"Stop doing that," Sophia said, frowning. Jasper smiled.
"Goodnight, Sophia," he said.
"Goodnight, Jasper," Sophia said.
He walked to the door. He turned to her and smiled. His gaze was longing.
"I'm happy you are here with me, Sophia," Jasper said and walked out of the room.
#####
Sophia tried to sleep, but her mind kept drifting back to Atticus, his golden eyes kept replaying in her head, the warmth of his embrace, his chiseled face, his perfect stature.
Sophia sat up in frustration." Ah, what's wrong with me? Why am I thinking of him? he kidnapped me for goodness' sake." Sophia mumbled. As she replayed the scene in the bedroom, she blushed.
BEEP! BEEP!
Sophia checked her phone. It was a message from unknown sender. It read:
"Crimson calonia and the symbol on Atticus chest was displayed in it again. Down the right, it was written 'korvin'."
Sophia quickly tried calling the number but it was switched off.
"What the hell, who is playing with me,"
Sophia mumbled. She looked at the symbol again, took out the laptop beside her bed and began to search.
She searched the internet for Crimson Calonia, but there wasn't any information. When she searched Korvin, it was just an old myth, she saw — about a set of demons who, during creation, were part of it but disobeyed the Creator and tried to rule over Him. They were sent down to earth as eternal damnation. They were cursed to be the beasts of the shadows.
Humans saw them as beasts, and soon a war began between the two beings, leading to the death of many. After a million years of war, they suddenly disappeared, and since then, no one has ever seen one again.
Sophia widened her eyes at the last statement. It was said that at night they came out — their skin was silver, they were cold-blooded, they had fangs, red eyes, and claws. They were called the Vampyres of Creation.
"Oh my God," Sophia covered her mouth. "Atticus is a vampire... they exist. Oh my God." Sophia was shocked.