Chapter 88 Not Your Territory
Serena's POV
It had felt like weeks since I last heard from it, but in reality? It's just been a few hours.
And there was still a dread around his messages.
I carefully tapped it open.
“This meeting would only make matters worse.”
I read it twice, then thrice, reeling in anger with every syllable.
I didn't get worried, neither did fear haunt me over his words.
If anything, I was tired. I was tired of his unceasing predictions that always ended with danger.
A thought passed through my mind to block his number and never receive any message from him again.
But another part felt that would be too extreme. So I simply replied as calmly as I could.
“Why is it that you always give negative predictions? Why do you enjoy making me scared?”
That was how I felt and I couldn't push it back any longer.
His reply didn't come immediately and I placed my phone down gently as I looked out the window again.
I noticed the familiar buildings right where I could remember seeing them.
The houses, the structures, the streets, nothing seemed to have changed since I last was here.
But to think about it, it's only been about a week since I left. With everything happening, I could easily mistake it for years.
My phone buzzed in my thighs again. I ignored it and kept staring out at the familiar spots and people.
Even the people hadn't changed. I could still remember their faces from back then.
And all these I knew from doing what I was doing now, staring out the window while being driven around.
It's funny how I felt I had come so far, only to be where I was.
I took a deep breath and picked up my phone.
But Dante had noticed that as he spoke out from my side. “You alright?” He asked from my side.
“Oh yeah, I'm good. Just noticing how everything hasn't changed,” I lied.
He smiled, obviously believing me. “It's only been a few days,” he replied.
I nodded slowly. “Yeah, feels like it's been way longer,” I remarked.
“And hopefully, what's left would be way shorter,” Dante replied and I couldn't help but take the wrong side of that.
I nodded as he went back to what he was doing. Then I too went back to my phone.
I opened up the message from the unknown number.
“It's high time you realize that you draw closer to death than life with each day Luca still walks. And my predictions only come to pass cause you don't take them seriously.”
I chuckled as I read the message. I'm closer to death than life?
That normally should have gotten me scared, but given all I've seen and passed through, I was kinda used to that already.
And it had a point anyway, with the second part of course
“So what do you advise I do?” I texted back.
It replied nearly instantly.
“Nothing, you've come this far and Dante won't be turning back now. Just see through it and prepare for the consequences.”
My nerves got the better of me and I felt myself slightly panicking.
“How do I get out of all these?” I texted back.
It replied instantly. “I’ve told you already.”
I searched my mind for anything from him, then it came rushing back to me.
So I texted back.
“I can't kill Dante, and betraying him to get his ring feels very similar to killing him.”
“That's the only way out.” It texted back immediately.
“No, there has to be another way. You can't help me escape?”
A minute passed, then it replied.
“I can't come rescue you. But I can guide you to run.”
I typed as fast as my hands permitted.
“Then help me.”
“There could be greater consequences.” It replied.
“There are consequences to everything I do already, this won't be any different,” I texted back with all the fire in me.
I waited for its response, but didn't get it immediately.
“Serena,” Dante called out instead, startling me slightly. “We're here,” he announced, raising a brow at my reaction.
I found myself caught between two sides. One waiting to get its response, and also eager to see where we were.
I looked up then down again, sweating on his reply.
Dante opened the door at his side, but didn't step out.
I turned to spot him staring at me with a raised brow, like he was waiting for me.
They all were waiting for me.
And just as I was about shoving my phone into my bag, the message dropped.
“Very well, see through this and we'll get on that.”
I closed it and shoved it into my bag, muttering a quick apology to everyone before pushing the door open and stepping out.
I was immediately engulfed by the majesty of the building.
It was large and generally round with four tall pillars, one at each end.
It wasn't the kind of structure you see in the more developed areas, probably why it's situated so far away from town.
“It's beautiful, never actually come here before,” I remarked as I met Dante at the front of the car.
“Wait till you see our family building,” Dante replied with a smirk.
I had never even thought of it that way, guess every family rightfully should have a family house.
“Where's yours?” I asked as we approached the building.
“It's a bit far, a good distance from here,” he replied.
“So why don't you live there, you know, as the family head and all?” I asked.
“Didn't feel it was necessary, especially with me having to take charge so early,” he replied. “I've always liked to do things my way,” he added.
I nodded, deciding not to press on.
We walked into what should be a reception. The whole building was tiled even to the walls with shiny black and white tiles.
The receptionist lady looked young and was all smiles when we walked in.
“Welcome,” she greeted warmly. Then had a closer look at Dante. “You must be Mr. Russo, Dante Russo to be specific,” she added.
Dante nodded.
“Elder didn't mention having any reservations with a Russo today,” she exclaimed.
“I came unannounced,” Dante replied.
“And to what may we owe this visit?” She asked kindly.
“Put me on to see the Elder, I have a very important discussion to have with him,” Dante said.
“I understand, Mr. Russo. But I'll need more details concerning this ‘very important discussion’?” She asked.
“I can't share those details with you, it's only for him,” he replied with a hand on the counter.
She stared down at his hand slowly, then back up to his eyes.
“You have to understand that you are out of your territory, Mr. Russo. Things aren't done that way here,” she said calmly.
But Dante didn't look like he was ready to follow any protocol.
“And if I don't?” He asked, placing his hand over the table properly and sliding the other to his trousers.
But that's not what scared me the most, the smile on the receptionist's face sent shivers down my spine.