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“Maybe I just need some time to think. I can’t make any rash decisions,” I whispered. “For now, I’ll just have to hide it away from prying eyes… but not before I get a closer look at it.”
Yet I found myself unable to resist examining the cryptic plant again first. Each detail burned itself into my memory, from the hypnotic colors to its unearthly perfume. One thing was certain—I had to discover the truth about this impossible flower’s origins, no matter what darkness I uncovered.
DRAVEN
Ireclined leisurely with a steaming cup of trishem, activating the holographic projector on my desk. It hummed to life, colors slowly coalescing into legible data—an itemized budget for the upcoming gala.
My eyes scanned over the extravagant expenses, confirming we were sparing no costs. The public expected a lavish spectacle from the notorious Black Star, and I aimed to deliver nothing less.
“Catering, drinks, decorations—seems everything is in order,” I muttered. The astronomical bill from the previous florist leaped out at me. Just this morning, my subordinates reported his stubborn refusal to offer any refund on the abysmal flowers.
Normally, I’d intervene personally to recoup those losses. However, more pressing matters occupied me today. That fool florist was lucky I had better uses for my time currently. If he wished to defy the Vinduthi syndicate, consequences would find him soon enough.
I deactivated the projections and downed the remaining trishem in one scalding gulp. Rising from my plush chair, I exited the office onto the casino floor.
My staff scurried to and fro, final gala preparations well underway. Judging by their poorly concealed scowls each time I insisted on adjustments, my meticulous supervision grated on their nerves. However, absolute perfection was essential, and I refused to overlook the slightest flaw.
Another Vinduthi might smirk at the absurdity of obsessing over flower arrangements. But greatness lies in even the smallest details. Better to be overly thorough than lax. For this event, I would accept nothing short of immaculate.
Amusement tugged my lips upward as workers visibly tensed under my watchful gaze, beads of sweat glistening on their brows. My strict but fair leadership style commanded respect, and fear. No one followed a soft ruler.
I signaled a passing Mondion attendant, whose yellow eyes widened in trepidation. “You there. I need the kitchen storage inspected before this afternoon’s food delivery. It’s a massive order, so everything must be efficiently organized and unspoiled. Understood?”
“Crystal clear, sir, as pristine as the greenbelt on a perfect day!” he affirmed before scuttling off eagerly towards the kitchens. Duty done, I continued through the bustling casino, the crowd parting smoothly before me.
Stepping outside into the noisy Promenade, I set off with purpose towards my intended destination—Elara’s quaint little floral shop. Officially, I went to inspect my gala order’s progress, but truthfully, I simply longed to see her again.
In a realm crowded with liars and scoundrels, her wholesome presence was a rare flower itself, more alluring than all the neon vice surrounding me now. The lurid holo-ads barrage meant nothing; my mind brimmed with thoughts of Elara’s captivating eyes.
I wove adeptly through the teeming walkways, vendors crying out tempting deals unheeded. Their cunning sales pitches rarely worked on seasoned residents like myself. To the naive, they seemed like predators trapping prey. I hardly noticed them anymore.
At last, the humble storefront came into view, a new vibrant bouquet arrangement displayed upfront. My pulse quickened imagining what exotic selection Elara prepared inside for the gala.
The aromatic interior enveloped me as I entered, but Elara stood facing away, engrossed in some project on the counter. The shop’s tranquility muffled my approach, leaving her oblivious until I stood directly behind her.
“Ahem,” I announced myself pointedly.
Elara whirled around with a startled gasp, hand fluttering to her chest as recognition eased her panic. An escaped curl tumbled over her lovely flushed face. Did I glimpse a smile just before she lowered her eyes demurely?
“So sorry, you took me by surprise,” she murmured.
“No need to apologize, sneaking up on you was rude of me,” I said contritely. “I only meant to check on the gala arrangements.”
Elara’s brows knit momentarily in confusion. “Oh, of course! Forgive me, I was a bit...preoccupied organizing the new delivery.”
She gestured to the stack of shipping crates before pulling her unruly hair back into a simple tie that emphasized her elegant neck. I noted her hands trembling slightly, her fair complexion even more flushed than usual. Concern tugged at me that merely my unexpected presence couldn’t have rattled her so deeply.
“Is everything all right? You seem...on edge,” I asked gently so as not to spook her further.
“I’m fine, don’t worry about me,” Elara replied too quickly. She busied herself tidying the workspace, avoiding my probing stare.
Utilizing my enhanced Vinduthi hearing, I focused on the rapid patter of her pulse pounding quicker than normal. She was deeply unsettled by something, whether or not she wished to confide in me.
I softened my voice further. “Please forgive my boldness, but I sense something is amiss. I only want to help if you’ll let me.”
Elara scrutinized me warily. “How could you possibly know that?”
Thinking fast, I waved off her suspicion. “It’s clear on your face. And such a pretty face should never show distress.”
