Her chauffeur guided her back to the car, and they both got in. He handed her a coat, and she wrapped it around herself, still feeling cold inside. As they drove to Ravenna Estate, Ivory stared out the window, her hands trembling. The streets were crowded with cars. Road officers stood everywhere, trying to keep things moving, since Fridays were always busy in Belvon, Montunaro.
Belvon is the biggest and most powerful city in Montunaro. It's the heart of business, politics, and where the country's decisions are made. Montunaro stands out among other countries because it's mostly driven by technology, with only a few rural areas. Its cities are modern, full of skyscrapers, nice homes, offices, and good weather; making it a great place to live.
Ivory was lost in thought and didn't notice when they arrived. The car stopped in front of a small mansion, its lights making it look warm and inviting.
"We're here, ma'am," said Mr. Thomas, her older chauffeur. Her parents had hired him to drive her everywhere, even though she hadn't wanted it.
"Oh, thank you," Ivory said, gathering her things. Mr. Thomas got out, opened her door, and she stepped onto the driveway.
Her butler hurried over. "Ma'am, are you okay? Your dress…" he said, taking what she was carrying.
"I'm fine, Fred. Just a small incident at the graveyard," Ivory replied as he opened the door for her.
"Thanks, Fred," she said. They walked into the living room, which was bright and welcoming. Soft peach sofas, a TV, a glass table, and other nice touches made it feel like home.
"Ma'am, your dress is dirty. That doesn't look like a small incident," Fred said.
"I'll be fine, Fred. I'll tell you later. Please ask the chef for my ginger tea," Ivory replied, taking her things and heading upstairs.
Her room was big and full of light, with soft carpets and a bed that looked inviting. Everything felt rich, from the smooth sheets to the polished tables.
She slipped off her wet clothes in the closet, took a warm shower, and changed into her nightgown. Her hair was up, and she felt clean and comfortable.
She sat on her bed and turned on the TV. News about Lucas Brooks' engagement party filled the screen. "Of course," Ivory muttered, watching the coverage.
The Brooks family was as important as the president, known for their wealth and power. Long ago, they saved the country from an outside attack, and since then, everyone knew their name. They had even ruled Montunaro in the past.
Whenever a Brooks was getting married, the bride's identity stayed secret until after the wedding. The family owned key places like the Ravenna Grand Ballroom, Ravenna Estate, and Ravenna College, where the elite sent their kids. Their fashion company, Ravenna Couture, was the top brand in the country and beyond.
"Lucas will be the downfall of the Brooks," Ivory said, eyes still on the news. She glanced at her hand and noticed the ring—the one the man at the graveyard had slipped on her finger. She'd forgotten all about it until now, and the memory hit her hard.
"Shit!" she muttered, jumping up and tugging at the ring. No matter how hard she tried, it wouldn't budge. She stood there for minutes, twisting and pulling, but it stayed stuck.
"What have I gotten myself into?" she whispered, still struggling. Her heart raced, and a cold, uneasy feeling crept over her as she tried to calm herself down.
"I'll handle this later," she said, leaving her room. On her way to the dining table, she bumped into Fred.
"You look better now," Fred said.
"I feel fine," Ivory replied as they walked together.
"You still have a meeting," Fred reminded her.
"It's nine o'clock, Fred. I'm ready for bed. It's been a long day," Ivory said, sitting down.
"Alright, I'll cancel your appointments," Fred said, checking his tablet.
"Thank you," Ivory said.
"Enjoy your tea," Fred said as he walked away.
She sipped her tea. Fred was ambitious, just two years older than Ivory. She never understood why he chose to be a butler, but she was grateful; he did much more than his job, handling her meetings and other tasks. Ivory had told her parents she wanted to live alone, but they disagreed.
As she drank, her phone rang. It was her parents. "Here we go," she muttered, reaching for the call. Before she could answer, everything went black.
A group of miners worked underground, chipping away at the stone. A shadow crept up behind them, but no one noticed.
"I told you to bury him, not find him a soulmate," a voice called out. The miners froze, except for one man who kept working.
A figure, covered from head to toe, stepped out of the shadows and walked toward the man still working.
"I'm talking to you, Densilbal," the figure said. The man stopped and turned.
"My name is Daniel," he replied. "And I did what you asked; I buried him."
"You'll always be Densilbal to me, and you didn't do your job right," the covered man said.
"Listen, Cormac, I did what you asked. What happened after isn't my problem," Daniel replied.
"Watch yourself. Don't push me," Cormac warned.
"I'm free now," Daniel said.
"No, you still owe me," Cormac shot back.
"I don't. I did my part," Daniel insisted.
"I decide when you're free. There's no signature from the Black Opal High Court, so you still owe me," Cormac said.
"A deal's a deal," Daniel argued.
"The Black Opals are still after you. I could turn you in, and you know what that means," Cormac threatened.
"What do you want?" Daniel asked, his voice tense.
"Relax, let's just talk," Cormac said.
"Talk, then," Daniel replied.
"You can deny it all you want, but you're still a Black Opal, Densilbal. You're the last one who knows about the SMM," Cormac said.
"I don't know what you mean," Daniel answered.
"Don't lie. I know where your family is," Cormac warned.
"The SMM is too dangerous. It could wake up things best left alone," Daniel said.
"I don't care. The Star Mystery Magic is the only way to stop Diamond Alexandrite Black, since you couldn't do it," Cormac said, clenching his fist.
"You knew it would fail," Daniel said.
"Maybe, but finding a soulmate wasn't part of the plan. So, do it or risk your life and your family," Cormac replied.
"How did you even learn about the SMM? It's too dangerous," Daniel said.
"Everything about me is dangerous. Now, make your choice," Cormac said.
They locked eyes, then vanished together.
"Let's get out of here," one miner whispered. The others dropped their tools and ran.