Existence Is My Woven Tapestry

In the room, no one dared to talk as their eyes lifted from the screens. Their minds were plagued with questions however no answer would be provided and they knew it.

"Ophelia passed away however before her death hinted that this world would meet it's demise. Whether this is true or not, the authenticity of her words can only be unfolded through time." Callus mused, her tone flat as ever.

"It's a shame that she claimed her life like that." A voice echoed. "Cracks forming all over the sky? The one responsible for birthing mutants will end the world? That's a lot to take in." Another added. Most pondered whether this was one of Ophelia's ramblings or not.

The astronauts upon returning back to earth when asked what they experienced, they mused that they recalled seeing something otherworldly but couldn't quite describe it. "Ophelia was the one who got a good look at it." Darius Rucker, a fellow astronaut mused.

And with that, she was the most unstable of the three as she would whisper in her dreams that went accompanied with screams. She would make weird marks and glyphs all over the walls which made her comrades think that she had gone insane however in her ramblings, she would often hypothesis and predict the future.

Another rambling they told themselves. "A year after us the world will birth people like us." At the time they dismissed it but a year later, it unfolded just as she had predicted. From there some of them contemplated as to whether she had skills of foresight while others feigned that it was a coincidence.

She would be bombarded with all kinds of questions however she failed to answer any of them. "I can't control it. It just happens." From there the questions plummeted and when government officials wanted to run tests on her, Darius refused wishing to let her be.

And now she did the same prediction however this time, the news wasn't joyful in the slightest. "Of course such information isn't allowed to be let out to the public as it will cause an uproar and fear resulting with chaos and death. However this doesn't dismiss you to leave your posts as you will resume as always. You're all free to leave."

Callus was the first to take her leave and the rest shortly followed. Now alone in his office, Renald wondered about what he had heard. 'The world will come to an end...' He pulled out a photo of his family, the warm smile on her daughter, the loving warmth and radiance from his wife and his proud smile.

Truly a gem to him and now he heard that all of it would come to an end. 'To think that my last days will be wasted here in this office...' He wanted to enjoy time with his family before he met his end however his mind clicked and shot up.

He made his way to the archives and with his position was able to gain clearance with minimal ease. After rummaging through a bit, he found what he was looking for.

***

The soft and soothing sounds of jazz could be heard. The air was light hearted as people conversed without care, enjoying their meals. At the far end of the restaurant, a beautifully stunning lady could be seen dish alone however it would seem that she wasn't bothered by it.

Shortly after, a man came to his table and took a seat opposite to her. She wasn't bothered as she went on digging in her food without care. The man was sharply dressed, a two piece grey suit, short black hair and his eyes pure obsidian as he placed a document on the table.

"I can't have a meal without you pestering me with work?" Her tone was agitated as she picked up the folder. Her crimson eyes ran through it before placing it bag onto the table. This lady adorned in a bareback red dress that clung tightly onto her figure was none other than the Crimson Sythe.

The man however didn't seem bothered as he looked around. "It's a shame that these people don't know that their lives will come to an end soon." Crimson ignored his ramblings. "I've heard about Ophelia and her last words. In my opinion she was just rambling away."

Her tone carefree as she was done with her meal, now shifting to the fine wine. She took a light sip before locking eyes with the man right next to her. "Some say that she wasn't rambling, that it could be true." Crimson gave a light sigh. "Are you here for small talk or work, Steven?"

Her face unamused as she took another sip after lightly swirling the glass around. "Your next mission will involve you kill someone extremely dangerous. He's not a mutant but that doesn't make him any less of a threat." Steven's tone heavy. Crimson recalled the person she had seen in the folder.

"He's the one responsible for killing Cyrus? What kind of connections does he have to do such a feat?" Cyrus, the man who was responsible for giving rise to the Dark Hold, one of the three astronauts was now dead at the hands of a human.

"Something's off about him. He has no political power, no prominent business but he drowns in luxury. Even my elites couldn't tell what he does as a job. It's as if he came out of nowhere with a lot of wealth. However he does have a hobby or should I say a weakness." Crimson could already tell where this was going.

"Seriously what is it with these perverted bastards at the top! Just tell me when and where." She had lost her appetite as she put down her glass. "Five Stars Bliss Hotel. He has all the top five floors to himself. Be there at 9. And the payout of this job is ten times more than any job you've ever done so failure isn't an option."

And with that Steven took his leave to which Crimson followed shortly after to her mansion. She browsed through her dresses, trying to look for the one that would make her stand out unaware that there was an individual that wanted her dead.

'Maybe I should retire after this. The Dark Hold will start to crumble with the power vacuum present. Seriously, how did a random nobody kill Cyrus. Even I wouldn't be capable of doing that. Maybe he has moles and pawns all over not just in the Dark Hold but the Golden Lantern as well.'

***

Rafiq who was done with his shower was about to head off to sleep however he was met with a folder on his bed. He opened it to be met with the following.

[{Five Stars Bliss Hotel, 9 pm. Don't be late and don't waste this opportunity. We haven't forgotten about her and neither should you -R}]

Realizing that he would have his revenge sooner than anticipated, Rafiq couldn't be more eager, his fists curled into balls digging into his palms. 'I can finally avenge you sister. Don't worry, I'll make sure that she pays tenfold.'

And with that, he started making preparations as he looked more into the folder.

***

Next to her were two ladies, each dazzling and beautiful in their own ways. It was clear that they were nothing more than toys meant to be used however Crimson didn't carry the torch of justice around. Be it that whether they were trafficked or not was not her problem.

*Ding*

The elevator came to a halt on the floor right beneath the top. Emerging, the three ladies were met with a tall burly man donned in a sharp suit. His muscles prominent as his face was stone cold. With a single order, he ordered the three ladies to follow him.

The ladies could only do as they were told as they walked past the lavish gold-veined marble floors and the crystal chandeliers, every inch of the hotel screaming opulence.

Crimson Sythe, now adorned in a deep long emerald dress, slit at the side, and paired with matching stilettos as her hair cascaded down in soft waves, lips painted a bold red that matched her name. She wasn't dressed for combat, but with her artillery, she was far from defenseless.

Two guards stood by the double doors leading into the top floor suite. They glanced at her along with the other two ladies before opening the doors without a word. The one who had guided them made his way back. "Do as your told. My master doesn't like any complications or resistance."

Inside, the suite looked like it belonged in a dream. The velvet drapes, polished wooden panels, firelight flickering from faux hearths, and the scent of aged whiskey lingering in the air. Not to mention the luxurious cars parked indoors that came off as odd. Making it clear that they were nothing more than decorations.

"Ah, ladies. Please make yourselves at home. There should be some wine at the counter if you're thirsty." A voice echoed through the lavish halls to which the three of them followed, seating at the opulent couches.

Crimson unlike the ladies next to her wasn't as entranced as she made her way to the counter before spiking the drink after pouring herself a glass. She had faint traces of poison in her blood however she was capable of making sure that it never went to her vitals spiking the drink with her own blood.

Seated, the owner of the voice finally came into view. Not particularly tall or muscular either. But he carried himself like a king lounging in a throne made of silk. Black slacks, an unbuttoned white shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to his elbows as he made his way to the counter bar and poured three glasses of wine.

His body was drenched in sweat which made his clothes cling onto his skin shaping his muscles. His face warm and carefree, the same face and attitude Crimson had seen with politicians and billionaires alike however there was something more that she couldn't quite deduce.

"Ladies..." His voice soft and welcoming as she placed the glasses for the two and one for himself. He took a light sip before placing it down.