Chapter 57: THE DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
Calling in an Old Favor
In the quiet, the broken windows creak, glass fragments glittering on the ground. As Lucian quickly grabs his phone, my heart races. His jaw is tightened, his expression is fixed, and I can see the tidal wave of ideas building inside his head.
"Lucian, what are you doing?" My voice quivers a little as I ask.
"I'm calling in a favor," he says icily, avoiding eye contact.
"A favor? "From whom?"
He dials a call without answering. He seems to be dreading this call based on his strained expression. After what feels like an eternity of ringing, a gravelly voice suddenly comes over the other end.
"Lucian," the scratchy, deep voice whispers. "How long would it take for you to come crawling back?"
Lucian's grasp on the phone tightens as his eyes get gloomy. Marcus, I don't have time for games. I require information.
Over the phone, there's a quiet laugh. "Data? If you're seeking me for assistance, you must be in dire need.
Lucian says sharply, "I'm not in the mood, Marcus." "This is a serious matter."
The other person pauses for a long moment before Marcus answers, his voice becoming more somber. Lucian, are you serious enough to risk everything? because you're acting in that manner.
For a brief period, Lucian's eyes dart to me before he looks away and speaks in a harsh tone. "Just share your knowledge with me."
Marcus exhales deeply. "It will not be to your liking."
Through clinched teeth, Lucian declares, "I don't care."
"All right," Marcus replies. But now I'll tell you something: Lucian, you can't win this battle. Walk away before it’s too late.”
Lucian’s jaw tightens, and I can see the frustration in his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."
One more laugh. "You were always obstinate. Okay. Come to the ancient docks with me. Midnight. And Lucian, please bring money.
The line stops working.
I put a hand on his arm as I take a stride forward him. "Who is Marcus, Lucian?"
When he does turn to face me, his eyes are worried and angry at the same time. "An old associate. Someone I didn't want to interact with ever again. However, he is aware of certain dangerous information.
The sound of that makes me frown. "And you believe in him?"
A small line forms between Lucian's lips. "No. However, he is the only one who can provide us with the necessary answers.
After a brief pause, I move in closer and put my hand on his chest. "We'll deal with this together, whatever it is. I won't abandon you.
Lucian cups my face tenderly, and his eyes relax slightly. "Isabela, I don't deserve you."
I lean toward his touch and mumble, "You keep saying that." But I am aware of the reality. You are fighting for our future and for us. I have faith in you.
He presses his forehead on mine as he leans in. "At this moment, you are the only thing keeping me sane."
Fear still holds my heart, but I grin. We'll overcome this, Lucian. Together.
He nods, but I can still see how much pressure everything is putting on him. "With each other."
However, I get the impression from something in his eyes that he is concealing something darker. And I have the unshakeable impression that everything will change after this meeting with Marcus.
A Risky Collaboration
The docks are still and chilly, and it's difficult to see more than a few feet in front of you due to the dense fog that rolls off the lake. Walking down the slender, dark pier, Lucian's hand never leaves mine. His eyes dart about, looking for any indication of danger, and I can feel the anxiety in his body.
"Are you certain that this is secure?" I look around anxiously and whisper.
"No," Lucian replies plainly as he looks into the darkness. "But that's our only choice."
I draw my coat more around me as I shiver as we come to a stop at the pier's edge. I shiver not only from the cold but also from the sense of something sinister hiding in the shadows, even though the wind off the sea is chilly.
Then I spot him.
A towering figure emerges from the mist, his long coat enveloping him like a shadow. His face is obscured beneath a cowl, but as he moves closer, I catch a glimpse of his eyes—cold, calculating, and threatening.
“Lucian,” Marcus adds, his voice calm but with an edge of threat. “You really are desperate if you’ve come to me.”
Lucian takes a step forward, his face stern. "Marcus, I need answers."
Marcus grins, his gaze briefly straying to me before returning to Lucian. "And I require something in exchange."
Lucian clenches his jaw. "You'll be compensated."
Marcus laughs quietly. Yes, without a doubt. But Lucian, I want more than money. You are aware of how this operates.
Lucian looks at me, caution in his dark eyes. "Marcus, what do you want?"
Marcus takes a step forward, glee shining in his icy eyes. "Are you looking for answers? You will have to pay more than cash for it. You will be indebted to me.
I can see the struggle in Lucian's eyes as he stiffens. Although he realizes he has no other option, he does not want to make this agreement.
"What sort of favor?" Lucian asks in a quiet voice.
Marcus smiles, and it's the kind of smile that makes me shiver. "When the time comes, you will discover."
Lucian's face becomes stern. "Marcus, I dislike surprises."
Marcus shrugs, utterly unconcerned. Don't make the agreement, then. However, you will never find the answers you seek if you leave now.
With a shaky but resolute voice, I take a step forward. “Marcus, how much is it?”
He gives me a funny look, as though I'm a naïve girl who shouldn't be here. "The cost is straightforward, my love. Lucian will come when I call. No inquiries were made.
I can feel the pressure of the choice bearing down on Lucian as his hand tightens around mine. Even though I know we need this, I want to tell him to stop. We require the data.
My heart is racing as I gaze up at Lucian. "Lucian, we must."
His eyes, which are a mix of worry and rage, meet mine. "This is not to my liking."
"I don't either," I confess, speaking no louder than a whisper. "But we have no other option."
Lucian inhales deeply and looks back to Marcus, his eyes hardening. "All right. I'll accept the offer.
Marcus's eyes sparkle darkly as he smiles. "All right. Let's talk about your minor issue.
The Cost
Marcus speaks in a low whisper as he leans forward. Lucian, your brother isn't working alone. He has strong allies that you wouldn't dare oppose.
Lucian narrows his eyes. "Who?"
Marcus smiles. "The Syndicate."
My heart sinks. Everyone in the underworld is familiar with the Syndicate. They are unstoppable and merciless. Is Lucian's brother now collaborating with them?
Lucian takes a step back, realization darkening his face. "You're telling lies."
Marcus shrugs while maintaining a constant smile. "Have faith in your desires. However, the Syndicate has already placed a price on your head and is involved.
Lucian's voice was hardly controlled as his fists clenched at his sides. "Why are you stating this to me?"
Marcus's eyes get icy as his smile wanes a bit. "Because, Lucian, I want something in exchange. You owe me when this is over. And I promise to collect.
Lucian advances, his voice low and menacing. "I hope I'm still here so I can pay your price."
Marcus laughs quietly. “Oh, you’ll survive. The question is, will she?”
His eyes shift to me, and a chill runs down my spine. Lucian steps in front of me, obstructing Marcus’s view.
“You lay a finger on her, and I’ll kill you,” Lucian yells.
Marcus merely smirks. “We’ll see.”
As we make our way back to the car, Lucian turns aside and drags me along with him. The deal weighs heavily on both of us. I am aware that this is only the beginning.
Lucian's phone buzzes just before we get inside the car. He looks at the screen as he takes it out. His face turns white.
"What is it?" I ask in a shaky voice.
He displays the message to me.
"They possess her. She must come alone or perish.
Lucian is already making preparations with a determined expression on his face before I can comprehend what it implies.
He says in a low, menacing voice, "We're out of time."
And I realized then that everything was going to change.