Perun was stunned the moment he heard how dangerous the assignment was. Before he could refuse, Michael spoke again, his voice calm but persuasive, saying he would personally pay extra money from his side. That single sentence shifted Perun's attitude. He thought it didn't matter anymore even if trouble followed, money is money.
"This is my job, sir," Perun said firmly. "I'll do it."
Michael nodded and led him into the hall, where three maids were already standing in line. He introduced them one by one Rose with red hair, Nasha with blue hair, and Emily with purple hair. They were Melody's personal maids.
"Stay with Melody whenever she leaves the mansion," Michael instructed. He handed Perun a car key so luxurious that Perun hesitated before even touching it.
Perun went to Melody's room. The door was open.
"May I come in, ma'am?" he asked.
"Yeah, yeah," Melody replied casually.
Inside, the room looked nothing like the rest of the houses custom furniture, soft lighting, and an oddly personal warmth. Melody sat at her study table, writing. She told him to wait a couple of minutes. When she finished, she stood up and said they were going to a friend's house.
As they walked through the hall, Melody gave instructions effortlessly. Emily was told to prepare pasta for dinner, Nasha to wash a green dress, and Rose to clean the room. All three answered obediently. Perun couldn't help him to think Is she a princess or something?
Outside, Melody asked which key he had. When Perun showed it, she smiled and told him to head to the backyard. There stood a black Rolls-Royce, polished like a mirror.
They drove toward Maridona Street. Perun knew the area well. On the way, he noticed a car following them. He didn't mention it, assuming it might be a coincidence.
They stopped in front of a large house. A girl in a white dress waited outside. Melody rushed toward her, and they hugged tightly.
"Rema! It's been so long," Melody said.
Rema laughed. "You could've come earlier."
Melody shrugged, pointing toward Perun. "Dad doesn't let me go out alone anymore. He even gave me a bodyguard."
Rema smiled knowingly. Perun thought to himself Money attracts more money.
Inside, the girls spent hours talking about vacations, clothes, and friends. Lunch was served. Perun stood behind Melody the entire time. He noticed something unsettling some servants kept staring at him far too long.
When it was time to leave, Perun opened the car door. A folded paper slipped onto the ground. He picked it up.
Written in red were the words: You are going to die.
His throat tightened. His mind went blank. Fear crawled up his spine.
Melody sat in the back seat and noticed him frozen. "Why are you just standing there?"
"Nothing," Perun said, though sweat covered his forehead.
"You're sweating a lot," she said.
"It's just hot today," he replied, forcing calm.
They drove back. The same car followed them again then suddenly disappeared.
The rest of the day, Perun stayed close to Melody like a shadow. At night, Michael returned and listened to Melody excitedly describe her day. He dismissed Perun, offering him a room in the mansion if he wanted.
Perun refused politely and decided to go home. Though Michael told him to take the car, Perun didn't trust himself with it and chose a taxi instead.
On the dark street, Perun felt a presence like a shadow watching him. He quickly got into the taxi.
Inside, Vaelor was already sitting there.
They stared at each other for a moment, surprised, as if they hadn't met in years. After paying the fare, they entered the apartment in silence and sat facing each other in the living room.
After a long pause, Vaelor asked how Perun's day went.
"Fine," Perun replied. "What about you?"
"Good," Vaelor said.
They forced small laughs, but the weight in the air didn't lift.
Vaelor finally spoke. "I got a job in investigation."
Perun nodded. "I'm a security man now."
Vaelor's expression darkened. "I'm investigating a serial killer… who was murdered. The crime scene, the story it's disturbing as hell."
Perun exhaled slowly. "I'm guarding a girl who's constantly surrounded by danger. Someone followed me today."
"Now what can we do?" Vaelor said.
Suddenly, an idea popped into Perun's head.
"There's one thing we can try," Perun said. "Mr. Elane. He might be able to do something."
Perun picked up the landline while Vaelor stood beside him and dialed Elane's number.
No response.He tried again.Still nothing.
Again and again but the call never connected.
Vaelor could clearly see the frustration on Perun's face.
"I think we'll have to face this situation," Vaelor said calmly. "Running away isn't an option anymore. We're already tangled in the threads of fate."
Perun sighed. "Yeah… we don't have any other way. But what exactly are you saying?"
Vaelor replied, "I picked up that line from chapter three of Instewl Hollander."
Perun stared at him with a strange expression, not sure whether to be impressed or confused.
After a moment, they both sat down.
"I can help you with the investigation," Perun said. "But you'll have to tell me everything."
Vaelor nodded and began.
"Last Wednesday, a dead body was found in a house. Later, during the investigation, it was discovered that he was a serial killer. He murdered several people. He tortured his victims removed their nails and kept their little fingers in his refrigerator."
Perun's expression darkened.
"The neighbors had no clue," Vaelor continued. "There was no solid evidence. Nothing useful."
Perun leaned forward. "Why don't you start with the people related to the killer?"
"My superiors won't tell me about them," Vaelor replied.
"That makes sense," Perun said. "In cases like this, the identities of relatives are kept hidden to prevent backlash."
Vaelor looked at him. "Then who has that kind of information?"
"The cops," Perun answered.
Vaelor frowned. "And how am I supposed to get information from them?"
Perun looked straight at him. "You don't need to."
Vaelor paused.
"All you need," Perun continued, "is to talk to them. If they know anything, you can see it in their minds."
Vaelor's eyes widened.
"Oh… right," he said softly. "I forgot I could do that."
Perun then asked, "But what about me?"
Vaelor smiled slightly. "I can help you too. There's a way you can gain some sudden strength."