Twisted Empire - Episode 105&106

 

TWISTED EMPIRE

Twisted Empire - Episode 105&106

(Her Blade, His Neck )

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No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, or reposted in any form, or by any means without a written permission from the author.

Copyright © 2025 

by Naomi Cindy B.

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[One Month Later, Erebus Orphanage]

A sleek red Maserati drove to a clean stop in front of the large green gate, and for few seconds, it seemed like no one was gonna come out, but April eventually stepped out of the passenger seat, looking good in her fitting jean pants and cropped top, but there's a cashmere jacket on top to fight the cold weather.

It has rained overnight, so the streets are still wet and chilly.

A gentle homely feeling settled in her stomach, replacing her nostalgias, and it showed on her face that she likes it. She missed this place.

She grew up here with Skye as kids till they grew up and decided to join the military, but unfortunately, Skye suffered and got lost in the military journey, so she's here without him now, though she's not alone.

Paine hopped out of the car too, wearing a cashmere jacket like hers. He looks different—richly so, and healthy.

He balanced his figure beside April, and she gave him a stare which made him smile.

"So...this is it?" He asked, throwing a glance at the orphanage gate before looking at her again.

"Hmm. Can't believe it's still here, I guess some things never change." She sighed, her voice happy.

"How was it? I mean... living in there?" Paine asked, and she smiled before she knew it.

"Peaceful, happy. We didn't eat whenever we wanted. We ate whenever food came, but at least we had room over our heads, and kind people donated clothes for us. It was manageable, and we were full of joy." 

"You wanna go inside?" Paine asked, curling a strand of her lose hair away from her eyes with his finger.

"Nope. I might refuse to leave when I see the kids. I'm filled by just watching it from here." She leaned into his hand.

Paine slipped his second hand around her back, holding her as gently as ever.

"And I'll take care of you madly, so by the time you come back, they'd have doubts about your identity." He smiled. She responded with a chuckle.

"You were cocky before, but now? It's out of hand."

"I'm rich now, of course I'd be cocky. Ronnie DeVille ain't a small name. Two new names at once is enough to drive me mad, plus a s+xy mother." He winked.

"S+xy?" April cut in.

"Of course, mum is s+xy. And then I have hot junior brother who's a General. It's just so sad that he's taller than me, and then...a pretty girlfriend" Paine continued, squinting subtly.

April's laughter turned to a large smile which took over all her face as Paine reeled into her, kissing her mouth softly.

She held his sides, shutting her eyes and taking in all of his lips too. It was short, but deep, so deep that when they pulled away, their lips are pale.

"Shall we?" He offered an hand.

She placed hers on it, and they walked back to the car.

"Is tonight the meet?" April asked as Paine brought the car to life.

"Why?" 

"Morgan texted me about it just now." April showed him her phone screen where Morgan's text aligned.

"I can't believe you really forgot that, do you have Alzheimer's? of course it's tonight. We got two months break from the base doesn't mean we shouldn't mingle before returning. Damn, I missed everyone." Paine groaned.

"Did you just ask if I have Alzheimer's? Fool!" April slapped his arm, and he laughed hard, swerving the car on the express.

Through the window, they could see the LED screens on the streets, displaying the vice President.

He's gonna get inaugurated as the new President today, and he's gonna continue the reign till the next presidential election season.

The wind of change which blew around last month after Usman's death reached everywhere.

Greece has been peaceful. No fear of impending attacks or upcoming bombings.

Kids go to parks freely, and adults visit their workplaces with steady heartbeats.

Though, the lives of some armies were lost in war, but they'd be legends forever. Their pictures will surround the base insignia.

"By the way, I'm visiting my hometown later today." Paine spoke up as April picked a cookie pack to munch.

"I told you not to do it, Ron." 

"If I don't do it, I won't be able to get over it. I swear." He shrugged.

"You're so f+ckin petty." April laughed, placing her legs on his laps as she munched her cookie.

"Ronnie Paine Petty DeVille, you can start calling me that from now on." He chuckled, caressing her ankles with an hand.

"I'm tired of you." April grinned.

--

[Loyalle Mansion]

Shannon didn't expect Brent to be a rich dude, but her expectations were exceeded the moment Brent drove into the large mansion which could definitely play rival with the President's.

It's so damn huge, and Shannon couldn't close her mouth as she stepped out of the car with Brent.

She nearly fell back, but Brent was quick to drap his arm across her back, steadying her.

"Easy. It's not that big." 

"Not that big you said? What!!" She shouted, pushing him to the back of the park till they reached the wall where she caged him at like a bird.

Brent blinked down at her.

"You're from a rich family?" She muttered, her shock still there.

"The Loyalle family is one of the richest in Greece, yeah. Anyone knows that. Dad is into automobiles. Loyalle rides?" 

"I'm not literate, and I'm not current with the news of the rich." Shannon said slowly.

"I don't mean it that way, Shannon." Brent quipped.

"I know, I'm just still in shock. So why did you join the military if your parents are sickly rich? Thought it's only meant for paupers like us?" Shannon released him.

"I joined cos I've always wondered what war looked like, and my parents didn't object so far it meant protecting the country. I don't regret it, and now I have the scars to tell my future story with." He smiled, touching his head.

There's a scar somewhere in his scalp from when he slammed his head on the pile of stones at war.

Shannon has the same scar on her scalp too, and she touched, smiling.

"Now I can't wait for the next terrorist to show up. I'm so ready." She said.

The two bursted into laughter, so heavy it filled the park.

Shannon hung her arms on his shoulders, and his own went curved on her waist as their lips met gently, the kiss so tender and mushy.

"You think your parents would really like me?" She whispered into the kiss.

"I like you already, trust me." A new voice replied behind them.

They froze, then turned to face the direction of the voice.

Beside the biggest car in the park, a brunette woman stood, wearing a bright satin dress and smiling hugely at them.

"Mum? When did you even get here?" Brent gasped.

Shannon quickly let go of him, taking her lips in as embarrassment whipped her.

The woman came closer, her smile getting brighter when she saw Shannon up close.

"You're so beautiful, is this the girlfriend you talked about?" 

"Yeah... Shannon Norris." Brent smiled proudly, taking her hand.

"Good day, ma'am." Shannon said awkwardly. The woman hugged her, surprising her.

"Don't act awkward. Brent has always been a chronic gossiper and I was worried no lady would ever like him with that mouth of his, but here you are." Mrs. Loyalle said fondly.

"Mum..." Brent pinched her, but the woman was all-over Shannon that she didn't even feel it.

"So his gossip stretches home? I swear he's our news box in the base. He knows everything." Shannon warmed up.

"Everything! That's how he is. How have you been handling him?" Mrs. Loyalle pulled her along.

Brent followed behind, rolling eyes with his hands in his pockets.

"He's handsome, that's a pass. I love gossips too, so we click well. Also, I love that gossipping mouth a lot." Shannon replied, and Brent blushed red behind.

"Your parents? Where do you stay?" Mrs. Loyalle asked as they went up the stairs that led to the stairs by the entrance.

"Mum is dead, dad is in a vegetative state in the hospital. And ... I don't really have a house. I depend on the base and I'm hoping to make something out of my life when I leave the base." Shannon explained.

The woman touched her hair, stroking fondly.

"Your life change is about to start, I love spoiling ladies. We have a lotta shopping to do." She winked, and April smiled as they entered the house together.

"Let me spend time with my girlfriend too! Urg!" Brent grumbled, shutting the door.

--

[Kalynda, Paul & Dave Artillery]

It became legal.

After Paul delivered the weapons from the artillery to the base during the war, the government licenced him, and the artillery was launched for legal weapons and poisons that can only be bought by the base.

So he's basically sponsored by the base right now and many higher ups from the country.

Moving to the city wouldn't cost a dime as he's filthy rich right now, but he chose to stay here since all memories of Dave is here.

Paul stood in front of the artillery, looking at the name written in bold teal coloured letters ... P&D LEGAL ARTILLERY.

If Dave was alive, he'd have spent this wealth with him and enjoy the fame, but he had to go die before the fame even started, and it's painful.

"Hey Uncle P!" Rook's voice made him twist. He smiled when he saw Rook approaching the large building.

"Rookie-Pookie." 

"Nahh...not that name again pleasee. If Paine should hear that, the motherfû+cker would call me by it for the rest of his life just to annoy me." Rook replied, Theo's bunny necklace dangling on his neck.

Paul grinned, hanging a big arm on his shoulder.

"Don't you guys have a meet tonight?"

"Who told you?" Rook frowned.

"I'm the base supplier, dummy. Of course I know the base news too." Paul replied.

"Oh... right. I came for brunch with you actually. Mum and dad are never home and it got boring." Rook sighed.

"You came at the right time, I'll order a takeout." Paul nodded, dragging him inside.

--

[Sheriff's Mansion]

Morgan sat at the dinning with her plate of pasta which she's stuffing her face with, and at the same time she's clicking her phone, reminding everyone of tonight's meet.

She has missed everyone, and it's insane at this point.

It has only been a month after the army break, but things are already soggy.

Home doesn't feel like home, base is the real deal and she can't wait for when they'd go back.

She's alone at the dinning, and her mum has been in her home office since like an hour ago.

She's discussing with someone, and she has no idea who it is.

"Must be a really big talk, it's taking much time." She muttered.

The front door of the mansion peered open, and she left the dinning after hearing the sound.

She went to the living room, shocked to see Quentin entering.

"Morgan..." He raised a wave awkwardly, and her eyes hardened.

"What are you doing here?"

"How have you been?" Quentin sounded awkward again.

"I asked what you're doing here!" Morgan snapped.

"I know I fumbled by doing that with Allegra, but—"

"But what? You're sorry? And what? I'll say thank you let's start dating again? What do you take me for? A fool?" Morgan intruded.

"I was—"

"You were nothing! Fine, I'm guilty for making us f+ck inside the ambulance, guilty for making us get caught and making our video trend. I'm guilty for refusing to let you shave but it was a stupid kink I developed which is now gone from my system cos I'm a different Morgan right now. I didn't do anything to hurt you, Quentin. But you had to go do that with Allegra? Yunno when the news about my enlistment came, I was ready to elope with you before we got caught by my mother in the cave. I loved you that much, but you hurt me!" She cried, her tears soaking her face in a matter of seconds.

"Morgan i'm sorry...I did bad, and I admit—"

"If you really know you did bad, then you should be taking your leave right now. Just go. Please." She muttered.

"Morgan..." He stepped closer, trying to eat the space.

"Leave, Quentin!" She snapped, pointing at the door.

Quentin dabbed his face with a palm, wiping his own tears before stepping out, never looking back.

Morgan slammed the door shut, not bothering to wipe her tears before proceeding back in, but then she bumped into a chest, and she toppled back. Her first instinct was to shout at the person since she's so sure it's her mum, but it's not her.

It's Master Sergeant Kash.

He's looking at her worriedly, and she quickly wiped her tears with her palms.

"Master... Kash? You... you're in my house? Are you the one who has been... discussing with my mum at the office?" She sniffled.

"Yeah," Kash relaxed his shoulders. "I came to talk about the next recruits of armies from this town with her."

"Oh...I never knew." She sniffled again.

"Reserve your energy for when you return to the base, tears exhaust. Don't do it." 

Morgan nodded, then he began going for the door.

"Master Kash! Are you coming for the meet tonight?" She quickly asked.

"Of course" he replied without looking back, and the door closed behind him.

Morgan smiled without knowing as she went back to the dinning.

Her mum is already eating her leftover pasta.

"I didn't say you could eat it! You're so annoying!" She snatched the plate from the wrinkly woman, going into her room with it.

"You grew even more rude in the base!" The Sheriff shouted after her, smiling as she drank water.

--

Kash was already driving out of the town when he sighted the store, and the person he saw at the desk made stop the car and hope come down. 

He entered the store where Stormy is the only attendant.

She gasped when she saw him.

"Master Kash?"

"How's life after neglecting the base?" Kash asked, picking a large pack of crunch from the shelf.

"Not very... bad." Stormy said slowly. She looks thinner.

"Are you sure? You can return to the base after the break yunno?" Kash said, and Stormy smiled sadly.

"No. That place is not for me. I fucked up already, and I lost all friends. Some things aren't just meant to be involved in, and my involvement with the base ends there. I'm not going back." 

Kash payed for the crunch he picked, then he gave it to her.

"Have a good life then." He nodded at her, and she smiled again as he left the store.

--

[Umbra, Wills Compound]

Paine nearly drove the car into the gate when he arrived, but it was Four who cautioned him.

Four is beside him, though Paine had forced him to come using the stupid big brother card.

Four looks as different as Paine. He now shows skin cos his shirt is sleeveless, and he's not wearing a jacket to cover up. His buff muscular arms are on display.

He's wearing black shades to block the sun that's already peeking out of the moody clouds, and his p+nts are the same style as Paine's.

Paine actually copies his wardrobe, actually. He does it to annoy him cos according to him, annoying people is his pastime.

He was smiling widely as they came down from the car together, and when Four saw he's wearing same boots as him, he smirked.

"You're taking this shit too far, Ronnie."

"Too far? I've not even started, baby brother." Paine winked, and Four almost puked.

"Stop calling me that." He gritted his jaws, obviously spooked.

"Baby brother?" Paine bit his lip, and Four elbowed him away.

Paine laughed with jest.

"You'll die crossing the road one of these days, and don't don't investigate cos it'd be me." Four rolled eyes seriously, but Paine just laughed loader, almost passing out.

He's in love with pissing him off like this. It's entertaining to watch.

They entered the compound after bickering for years, and Paine is now holding a small briefcase, walking side-by-side with Four till they arrived at the grape lawn where the aunties and her daughters are.

"Paine!" The three spranged up, but there's respect and awe in the way they called his name now. His perfume alone is enough to demolish and rebuild this house to a mansion, and it's not even bluff.

They could smell the generational money from him.

Four just stood behind, leaning on the wall as Paine opened the briefcase.

There are several wads of cash in there, and the eyes of the greedy aunt and daughters came wide with need.

Paine went closer and slapped the aunt with one bundle of cash. The woman fell with a bleeding nose, and Paine dumped that bundle on her, but the greedy aunt still took it.

"I can remember washing dishes for your daughters to eat when I was still here, washing their clothes too and you almost made me wash panties. I remember harvesting grapes without earning a penny. But now?" Paine laughed, slapping the daughters with another bundle of cash.

They both fell with their mother, and Paine forced their mouths open, shoving the bundle into their mouth.

"Now I belong to the DeVille family, and you'll hurt your heck if you try to even look up at me!" Paine spat, and though there's jest in his voice, but there's also anger.

Four just stood behind silently, watching with a small proud smile.

--

[Zeus Hospital]

The hospital fees has been due for payment since last week, but Cassie still stayed, pleading tirelessly with the doctors to allow her.

Her past punctual payments made them consider her, but this morning after Mr. Norris gave up completely, she had no choice.

She's gonna leave now.

Maybe back to the streets. Actually back to the streets.

She's standing glued to the door as her tears rained down her clothes, and her head did the calculation.

Kash spent more than a billion on her father, but now he didn't even wake up or open his eyes before dying completely.

Maybe her sins?

Definitely her sins. She hurt Kash anyways, so it'd be unfair if his money still woke her father up.

Her cries took over the ward before she knew it, and Shannon rushed inside with Brent.

She was still with Brent's parents when she received the call, and she had to rush over.

She stopped by the door just like Cassie, and her tears poured out, wetting her lids.

Brent pulled her into a hug, comforting her in the best way he could.

--

[Jason's Place]

Xanthe was surprised to see Gem packing her things into a bag when he entered her bedroom, and he blinked confusingly.

They've been living like siblings together with Jason for the past one month in this house, and it's been serene, so there's no reason for her to move out at all.

"Are you leaving?" He asked the inevitable question.

Gem threw the blouse she's holding inside the bag she's packing, then she faced him with a soft smile.

"My father's bank savings is still intact. Luckily, his brother have been keeping it safe, so I have access. I'll be travelling to China to unwind for a year." She said.

"Really?" Xanthe guiltily said.

Gem came closer, took his hand and removed the gemstone bracelet.

"I know you like Jason. I see the way you've been looking at him, and the way he looks at you. I understand you, and I don't take offense. I'm just happy that he makes you feel safe." She said, smiling at him again after letting go of his hand.

"I'm sorry..." He whispered.

"Don't be. It's really really fine. We'll meet after a year, and maybe I'll hookup with a Chinese boy?" She chuckled, "I also need their skincare for my skin, and I'll enroll in a police university over there."

"Seems we'll be going to China together." Quentin said, coming in.

"It didn't go well with Morgan?" Gem blinked .

"I wasn't expecting it to go well, but she didn't even allow me apologize, and I get it. When is our flight?" Quentin nodded.

Xanthe left the room at this point, going to the gym where Jason is working on the stationary bike.

Jason came down from the bike when he sighted him, and Xanthe didn't give him space to breathe before kissing him.

It wasn't hard, wasn't long, but butterflies fluttered.

Jason's eyes blinked repeatedly in surprise, and when Xanthe pulled back, his brows tightened.

"I like you, Jason." Xanthe said, hot breaths threatening to explode on his chest.

Jason was blank at first, but then he smiled, reaching for Xanthe's chin. He held it with the curve of his index.

"You're so cute, Xan."

"You like me, too?" Xanthe swallowed.

"It's so f+ckin obvious, soft boy." Jason pushed him to sit on the bike, then he came over him, crashing his lips down on Xanthe's.

--

[7Pm, Eco Restaurant]

The restaurant is situated beside a road, and it's exactly what the armies want.

Not because it's cheap, but because it's in the open where they can scream all they want, and besides...they serve all dishes and drinks here anyways, so it fits the happy mood.

Everyone's present.

Morgan, Kash, Shannon, Brent, April, Paine, Rook.

Then several other armies from the squad. They're like fifty in that restaurant so it's so full.

"Sorry about your dad, Shannon." April spoke up.

Shannon drank a cup of alcohol before nodding in response. "It's fine, I'll get over it before tommorow morning. Don't ruin the mood with my father's death, drink and eat!!"

"Cheers!!" Morgan raised her glass.

"Cheers!!" They all clinked their glasses in the middle before drinking up, bottoms up.

"You sure you're ok?" Brent whispered beside Shannon. He's holding her hand under the table.

"I'm fine, mine." She nodded.

"I'll go first!" Morgan spranged up, everyone turned to her.

"Our one month at home is so boring we can't spend another one month at home! Can we go back to base already? I miss the bombs!!" She said dramatically, shedding fake tears, so much that everyone began laughing.

"There are armies in the base, only our squad got a break so you can still resume." Kash spoke.

"No, Master Kash you won't understand! Our squad is the life of that base! No Maelstrom squad, no Greece core base!" Morgan argued.

"Yes!!!" The others from the back backed her up.

"Thank you!!!" Morgan shouted back. "Now tell me how I'm supposed to go back to base without you guys?"

"I second that, Kalynda in particular is so fuckin boring. I had to visit P&D artillery just to see guns cos I missed them." Rook spoke, dropping his cup.

"Home is sweet, I dunno what y'all are talking about." Paine scoffed.

"Me too, you all don't have happy homes?" Shannon added.

"Was just about to say that, I've been having the time of my life as Ronnie DeVille!" Paine said arrogantly.

"And I've been having the time of my life too as Ron's girl." April added.

A kiss followed, and they made sure their lips made the loud pop sound before they broke it.

"Urgg!!" Rook held his throat, trying to throw up in disgust as everyone started laughing again.

"Since Paine became a DeVille, we haven't rested." Morgan scoffed.

"You haven't even seen anything at all." Paine scoffed back.

"Tell them my love!" April hyped, and they kissed again, another pop sound released. April even moaned.

Shannon grabbed Brent, not wanting to be left out. She kissed him too.

Rook spat away the alcohol in his mouth, and Morgan did the same.

"If this isn't disrespect, then I dunno what it is." Kash said, drinking.

"I shouldn't have come here," Rook muttered, rubbing the bunny pendant on his chest.

"I regret it, trust me." Morgan smirked.

She reached for her cup of alcohol back, but Kash took it from her and dropped it.

"If you drink it, it'd be the tenth cup. You'd get drunk." He said.

"Sir, how did you know my limit is nine cups?" She blinked.

"Logic?" He tilted his head, and she smiled widely, holding eyes with him for a second.

"So who saw the news?" Brent leaned into the table, tearing chicken into his mouth.

"What news?" Rook asked.

"The Marquis, yunno he was found unconscious at the underground annex last month and was hospitalized, right?" Brent said.

"Yeah?" Morgan nodded.

"He died in his ward last night. I heard he couldn't handle the shock of losing his only daughter." Brent said.

"Good. I don't even care about that man right now." Shannon scoffed.

"What do you care about?" Kash asked.

"Sir, please tell me I'll get promoted during the upcoming promotion ceremony when we return to base. I'm tired of being a Private." Shannon replied.

"All squad members would probably get promoted." Kash shrugged.

"Yes!!!" Shannon stuck hands with Brent.

Their phones buzzed at a time. Every phone on the table, and they all began picking them up, checking one by one.

On Kash's phone, there's a video of him eating noodles hungrily like a thief at the communal dinning after a hot afternoon training.

On Brent's phone, there's a video of him placing his ear on the wall, trying to listen to the conversation of the guys from the opposite room at the male barracks.

On Shannon's phone, it's a video of her getting slapped by Allegra on her first day.

On April's phone, there's a video of her and Skye holding hands and leaving the male barracks together.

On Rook's phone, there's a video of him getting slapped by Axel during the internal exams.

On Morgan's phone, there's a video of her running away after her video with Quentin leaked.

Paine was smiling as everyone of them watched their personal videos.

He's the one who had sent them from Abbey's phone.

"This brought back memories," Kash smiled.

"It really did," Morgan replied.

"Both bitter and sweet," April muttered.

"Unforgettable" Rook smiled.

"I know, right?" Shannon and Brent chorused.

They dropped their phones at the same time too, then picked their glasses back up.

Morgan picked an empty cup though.

"We have a wedding to attend, remember that." Kash said.

"And a baby shower too, very soon" Rook raised his cup, leading the others to clink again.

"Cheers!!!"

--

[Nicolette Wedding Closets, 8Pm]

Only the staffs are present, walking the halls silently and spending all their nights attending to the important visitors.

The lights are on, and they're not too bright for the eyes cos of someone.

Wedding dresses lined the main room—both white and black. Classy, regal and sassy. Every mood is on set.

Even the shoes and accessories. Everything is on sale here, and it's all branded with originality.

It's the most expensive and exclusively visited wedding closet in Greece for a reason.

Yulia sat on a leather couch in the major showroom, sipping from a large red glass of wine.

Her red lipstick is much, but that's the point anyways. It's giving "Don't come close, I'm a witch"

There's a smile on her face though, and she's tapping quietly on the laptop that's with her, checking out the accessories line.

They're here to try out the wedding dress actually. Wedding is in a week.

Vonn entered the showroom, making her look up. She dropped her cup of wine as the autistic guy sat beside her.

"You said you wanted to go get pie," she smiled.

"I suddenly stopped craving it. I wanna see my sis in her dress before I can decide if I'll really get the snack" he smiled.

Four entered the showroom next, looking madly stressed as he dropped two big bags of fruits on the table.

"Did you uproot the fruits store?" Yulia blinked, checking out the bags.

"You know how she is, so I got every fruit existing. I never knew pregnancy cravings come as fast as one month and two weeks. Her stomach isn't even protruding yet." Four smiled.

"Don't you dare complain, you weren't complaining when you were doing it." Yulia rolled eyes.

"C'mon, B-Widow. I'm not complaining. And don't even start. Ronnie is already giving me enough headache with his baby brother shit." He said.

"I like that he's giving you headache." Yulia laughed.

"Of course, you're on his side..." Four smirked.

"They're here!" Vonn spranged up.

Yulia and Four stood, too.

Anassa came out of the fitting room with none other than Teal...

She's wearing her white sweeping wedding dress, looking robust especially on the cheeks and chest.

She added so much flesh.

Her body changes enhanced the extreme fitting of the dress, and she looks like...

A goddess? Yeah.

That body of a goddess never perished. Body is still tea, and face card is still as insane as ever.

The dress is like royalty, oozing the scent of riches and blooming the aura of sophistication.

Four's hand closed over his wide mouth as Teal smiled beautifully at him, her big eyes calling him.

"Baby," she pouted cutely. His heart raced hard, hitting his ribs.

He sat back on the couch, muffling...

"F+ck, she's too beautiful, and all mine. Only me? Damn."

TBC.

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