Atticus leaned against the balcony, taking in the mesmerizing view below. The Carter villa was a grand sight, built on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The night sky was clear, the moon shining brightly and the stars twinkling in the distance.
The Carter villa was 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. The current villa they were in was designed with a French architectural style, with tall, stately windows and ornate decorations on the facade.
Thomas's words caught Atticus' 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 glad you could make it to my little gala."
Thomas's face tightened. " You call this little with all the city most prestigious people in an attendance then what will you call large, the world's most powerful leader!".His eyes locked on Fredrick, who chuckled in response.
"I see you brought your baboon". Fredrick said shaking his head and eyeing Thomas.
Thomas continued "Fredrick, you know why we're really here," he said quietly but firmly.
Fredrick sighed, his smile faltering for just a moment. "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's smile dropped completely, replaced with a hardness that had been hidden beneath the surface. "You really are a pain in the ass, aren't you, Thomas?"
Atticus doesn't intrude and just keeps staring out the trees, his boringness still lingering as those two banter 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 I have ever encountered ". Friedrick says dropping his champagne and smirking.
Thomas gave Fredrick a cool, unimpressed look. "And you, Fredrick, are one of the most insufferable people I've ever had the displeasure of meeting."
" how annoying, tell me Thomas, how do 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 took a step back, running to atticus. "Stay away from me, Fredrick," he warned, his voice showing fear as he leaned over to Atticus. Fredrick moves closer.
"Don't touch my people Fredrick or you won't like what comes next". Atticus gives a stern warning.
Fredrick clears his throat "Of cos I won't Atticus". As he glared at Thomas dashing 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
Friedrick laughs as he walks away, Thomas takes a deep breath of relief.
Then Fredrick laughs at him for hiding under Atticus canopy.
Thomas laughes in deny 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, trying to ignore the noise behind him and focus on the peaceful scenery instead. The trees below him, towering and mysterious in the darkness, caught his eye and held his attention. He found himself drawn to the contrast of the well-lit room behind him and the shadows outside. The music and laughter coming from the gala seemed distant now as he focused on the trees, their branches dancing in the soft breeze.
Just then, Atticus gaze fell on her and his world froze. She was a vision in red, her gown hugging her curves like a gentle summer breeze. Her skin a radiant canvas of porcelain glowed with an ethereal light, as if the moon itself has descended on earth. Her features delicate yet striking seemed chiseled by the goddess of beauty. Her hair a rich dark cascade, framed her face like a velvet curtain. He stood in the balcony his breath caught in his throat as his eyes devoured every detail. But her face remained a mystery her gaze cast downward her eyes hidden beneath a veil of lashes and then as if fate itself had ordained their meetings, she raised her head and their gaze met in a flash of cosmic connection. The air seemed to vibrate with an electric tension, as if reality fabric had been altered. Her eyes like two shimmering black opals, sparked with mischief drawing him in. Time stretched leaving only the rustle of her gown the whisper of her breath and her hypnotic gaze. His heart race, pulse pounding like a primal drumbeat as he felt himself drawn to her orbit. 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