Dark Paradise | ✔︎

Chapter 15

I RUBBED MY EYES as I entered the kitchen. The smell of fresh croissants caused my mouth to water.

"Morning." Abelard chirped.

"Morning," I replied and sat on a stool near the island.

Abelard turned around with a plate full of fresh fruits and two croissants, she placed the plate in front of me than a glass full of orange juice. I thanked her before eating.

"How did you sleep?" She questioned, leaning on the island as she sipped on her tea.

I picked up a croissant and then bit into it, Abelard waited for me to respond. After chewing I sighed. "Good." I lied.

I barely slept last night, even if I tried nothing worked, the only thing I could do was think about him.

"That's good." She beamed, blowing on her tea before drinking.

"Oh! Almost forgot."

Abelard set her cup on the island before walking out of the kitchen, she returned with a small blue box in her hands.

"This is for you." She said, handing me the box.

I narrowed my eyes. "Who is it from?"

"Not, sure but I went out to check my mail at the lobby and they gave me this as well." She explained.

"Oh, and are you still up for spa day?"

"No." I declared.

I opened the box and my stomach dropped when I saw a small picture of me and my little brother was taken years ago.

Next to the picture was a note with a written address.

"What is it?" Abelard questioned. I paused, looked up then back at the picture. "Nothing important," I replied absently.

"Excuse me."

I hopped off the stool and left the kitchen, when I entered my room I shut the door and picked the photo up.

The last time I heard from my brother was 9 years ago. He ran away after our parents were killed the only thing he left behind was the blade my dad gave him on his 11th birthday.

I read the address one last time.

"Shit."

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

"Where are you going?"

I grabbed my jacket on the couch and rushed to the door. "I'll be back," I called out, tucking my gun in my pants then left the apartment.

Goussainville-Vieux Pays.

I read the paper once more then slipped it into my jacket and proceeded to walk out of the building.

- - ┈┈∘┈˃̶༒˂̶┈∘┈┈ - -

I stood in front of the abandoned building, debating whether I should go inside or turn around and forget this ever happened.

This could be a trap that's why I have second thoughts.

I let out a breath and checked my surroundings before going inside.

I pulled out my gun and cocked it as I took slow steps into the building.

It smelt like shit in here.

It was quiet. Too quiet.

dust, cobwebs, and graffiti on the walls and floors.

Four endless walls and a staircase leading to another floor. The walls were encircling me as if I was the victim of an ambush. I then noticed almost forcefully, the space where a window would have stood, shattered, sharp remains of glass still lie. The wooden floor was rotten with fungus growing in the corners.

I gagged, then heard a shattering noise.

I paused, but I was ready to attack. It sounded like it came from upstairs. I walked up the stairs, alarmed by my surroundings, As I lifted my head to defy its insubstantial stare, something caught my eye.

A figure.

"Why do you have your gun out?" His voice echoed.

Woah, It sounds weird to hear him again, he sounds different,

No longer the high-pitched voice.

"I don't know if I can trust you," I called out and searched each room.

"I'm your brother." He replied.

"People change."

I walked towards the entrance door. From there, the whole structure appeared to be monstrously massive. I slowly approached the figure and noticed it was a lamp covered with a sheet.

I truly thought it was him.

Letting out a breath I lowered my gun.

Where is he?

"People do change."

I immediately turned around with my gun pointed toward him and so was he.

"Long time no see, big sis."