Chapter 44: The Binks Assassination, part 1/4

Chapter 44: The Binks Assassination, part 1/4

Emerging against the horizon, a gleaming structure of at least four stories, constructed from polished metal, asserted its dominance, standing sentinel-like amidst the green expanse of gardens. The bright beams of the reflectors lit up the entire building, reflecting on the shiny walls.

A plush red carpet unfurled like a river of velvet from the grand entrance, weaving its way to the ornate gate in the tall fence encasing the entire area. Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

With a clang, the gate closed, isolating the crowd of cheering people behind its bars.

Gracefully, a woman glided down the crimson path. Her opulent black ball gown trailed behind. Midnight-black hair flowed seamlessly down her back, reminiscent of liquid obsidian. Her face was concealed by a silver mask ornate with vibrant gemstones, mirroring the myriad of lights flashing around her.

Despite her poised demeanor, she battled the disorienting blaze of camera flashes from each direction, every burst threatening to steal her sight.

'Such absurdity," she mused, "still bombarding people with blinding flashes despite the advances in photography.'

The palace looked even larger as she approached, its walls of mirror-like metal soaring skyward, threatening to crush all the poor with its unnecessarily elaborate and extravagant facade.

Tia felt like vomiting after seeing the most disgusting building she had ever seen. 'I hate modern architecture. It is so unesthetic.'

Lining her path were guards clad in tailored black suits. The red glow emanating from the visors of their welder-esque full-face masks lent an otherworldly menace, their gaze unrelenting as they tracked her every move.

'I wonder if they are truly as dangerous as they look.'

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. With a clear mind and grace that masked her inner turmoil, she pressed on, each step measured and assured.

'Blend in. You belong here,' she silently coached herself.

The mere thought of witnessing their bodies burning within the rubble of the disgusting palace brought an involuntary chuckle, muffled behind her ornate mask. However, she clenched her fists and suppressed her wild imagination.

'I must focus; this is my first real job.'

"Welcome." The chattering of the crowd ceased instantly, replaced by an anticipatory hush as a deep, resonant voice echoed throughout the hall.

From atop the chrome staircase, a figure began a deliberate descent. Clad in a pristine white tuxedo, its fabric glistened with the intricacy of interwoven silver threads, creating an ethereal glow. The stark contrast of his luminescent attire against the sea of dark-clad attendees was impossible to ignore.

'Here we go, the spoiled brat has arrived. The useless son of the planet's vice-governor's assistant for external security.'

All eyes were magnetically drawn to him, captivated by his striking presence. His face, unobscured by any mask, bore a confident smile, and it was evident that he reveled in the undivided attention he commanded.

Melding into the crowd, Tia also turned to face the man, standing amidst the rich brats.

'He should be my target.'

The single glance at him made Tia want to immediately proceed with her task and kill him on the spot.

"I am Darius Binks, and I wholeheartedly welcome you to the annual Binks Auction!"

However, she remained cautious as she scanned the entire venue, noticing all the guards standing in every corner.

'This makes no sense. Why would they send me, a newbie, on such a high-profile task? Do they trust me so much, or is there something else in play?' It all reeked of conspiracy to her. The sheer courage and brazenness of the organization to kill someone so high-profile was simply too shocking for her.

"Please enjoy the evening!" The man spread his arms wide as if he were playing god, his radiantly white teeth and suit shining within the lights of the reflectors aiming at him.