MIDNIGHT PRINCE: Empire of Sin

As the sun rose in the sky, the world seemed to have come alive, from its previous stagnant and silent state, as people started waking up with the first rays of the sun and prepared themselves to face the day ahead. Whether to go to work, exercise, or simply sleep in as it was a Saturday.

The neighborhood where Adam and Cecilia lived was no exception to this phenomenon. Everywhere, one could see cars leaving houses or young and old people alike running on the asphalt with their earphones plugged in. Jogging or just simply taking a quick run out to enjoy the scenery of an early morning.

Everywhere, there were touches of Halloween decorations that could still be seen occupying the streets and houses. Though some were already starting to take them off to clear out the rubble as the holiday was no more.

It was the start of a beautiful day. At least that is what Shuri thought as she pulled over and stopped in front of the house of her dear friend and nephew.

Once she stepped out, a few men and women who had been running along the road nodded at her. The Gospels had been living in this place for years already and while neither Adam nor Cecilia were particularly friendly or outgoing, the neighbors still knew that this house belonged to Shuri.

Some with a gossiping soul had summarized that Shuri and Cecilia were in fact a couple while the vast majority simply did not care enough to bother thinking about things that did not matter to them.

On this day, Shuri was clad in a light one-piece short white robe that seemed to fly with the gusts of wind. At first glance, perhaps thanks to her genetic heritage, one would never think that she was in her thirties. She had a beautiful body, and a luscious hourglass figure —The result of hours after hours in the gym to take care of her health and a very strict diet.

Shuri did not particularly care about how she looked. But as a lawyer, she had long since learned how to weaponize her beauty to use to her advantage. The clothes might not make the man, or the woman in this case, but it sure helped in smoothening out some deals.

Opening the backdoor of the car, she bent down and began taking out some provisions she had bought on the way here.

She knew that neither Adam nor Cecilia were cooks. In fact, she was sure that Cecilia would live off of fast food if she was not here to admonish and take care of her.

This lifestyle choice of hers was something that really irked her since no matter how much junk food that woman engulfed, she seemed to have never gained even an ounce of fat from that. Her devilish figure to this day was a testament to that fact.

'Ugh…'

There was no woman who wouldn't be jealous of such a glamorous body. Much more so if that body was simply built in such a way that it would never lose its most optimum and beautiful state.

'I wonder what they are doing right now.'

Reaching the door she began to search for the spare key to the house in her purse. In the past, she had always been very careful about this notion. After all, she did not want to make Cecilia feel like she was trying to impose herself on her or anything.

But such consideration had long since vanished after they became closer and became bosom friends. True friends that always had each other's back and cared for each other's well-being. Now she saw herself as a member of the family and rather than eating alone in her house while tiringly drowning in the shadows of her loneliness, she liked coming here on the weekends and relaxing with her wonderful friend and her nephew.

Opening the door, she was surprised to hear the sound of the TV rolling out of the drawing room. Neither Adam nor Cecilia were particularly fans of TV. She was even more surprised to see Cecilia sleeping on the couch and a can of beer with its content spilled on the floor.

The odor of alcohol was completely filling the house, making her sigh in exasperation.

'Why do I feel like I am a wife taking care of her drunk husband.'

She was feeling pretty frustrated right now. Cecilia was already quite unwell, due to the complications with her heart, and drinking certainly wouldn't help her in any scenario. As if that wasn't enough, Cecilia was only wearing a pair of white panties and a white shirt that was loosely coming off her due to half the buttons being open.

The weather was pretty warm and cozy currently but still, one shouldn't be so careless like this. It would be a disaster if she caught a cold in her current situation.

She put down the provisions she had brought with her and approached the sleepy Cecilia.

"Cecilia. Wake up."

She made sure to stand a little away from her. Not only because of the alcohol that was spilled on the floor but also because she had learned the hard way to not startle Cecilia awake. The last time she did so, she nearly had her arms broken by this friend of hers.

From what she knew, Cecilia was some sort of retired soldier or perhaps even a mercenary. She had never asked about her situation in more depth as she knew that even friends had the right to keep some secret from each other. Even lovers and life partners had the right to keep some secrets for themselves much less friends.

Thankfully, she only had to call once and Cecilia began to move.

Her eyes slowly opened while her body stayed completely still in an eerie position. It was only after a few seconds that Cecilia finally turned toward her, while still laying down on the couch.

Even though she should have woken up abruptly, she showed no drowsiness or confusion in her eyes.

It was in moments like this that Shuri realized that despite her usual bluster and clumsiness, Cecilia was someone who was hiding a very dangerous edge to her.

But as fast as that moment came, it vanished when Cecilia gave a goofy grin as she stood up,

"Oh my… I didn't hear you. I was having a good dream I guess."

She stretched up, showing her toned stomach as well as a few small scars that looked like blades and bullet wounds.

"Ugh… All my bones are creaking like I am some old woman."

Cecilia smiled before looking up. It was a look directed toward the room of her son.

"Adam! Stop sleeping and come down for breakfast!"

Cecilia shouted using the voice all mothers seemed to obtain when they had to hurry their lazy children.

"Give me a second!"

Shuri chuckled as she witnessed the interactions of the mother-son pair. In moments like this, she wondered what would her life be if she had a child of her own.

Though, thinking of her husband and the current situation of her marriage, she was happy to be childless. She did not wish her child to go through such a traumatic experience.

"Cecilia, wipe the floor while I go make something light for the morning.'

"Yes, ma'am!"

Cecilia grinned and walked away to get a mop.

The dream she had in her sleep was still lingering in her mind and this helped her once again realize what her goal was.

She had a good friend and a good son. What more could she ask for in life?

It was a fulfilling life…