[Scene:] The Core Algorithm Chamber of the Thorne Estate. Late Night.
1.1 The Algorithm's Blind Spot
Deep within the basement of the Thorne Estate, in the Core Algorithm Chamber, the atmosphere was exceptionally tense. Hundreds of suspended black screens flickered with complex runes and code. This was the beating heart of Alistair Thorne's power.
Alistair stood at the center, accompanied only by Lydon and two core technical advisors. Though Eleanor was locked away upstairs, the clue of the "Eye of Samos" she left behind felt like an ice pick lodged in his heart.
"The results." Alistair's voice was devoid of emotion, yet its restrained calmness was more terrifying than any roar.
"Tutor, the trace of the 'Eye of Samos' is extremely faint," Lydon reported respectfully. "It is not a product of the modern supernatural domain, and our Core Algorithm cannot track it directly. It is classified as a 'Sacred Forbidden Object' and has ties to ancient Vatican archives."
Alistair violently raised his hand. A black lightning bolt instantly struck a screen in front of him, shattering it into sparks.
"Tell me, is my algorithm failing to find it because it is more powerful than me, or because it simply does not exist?" Alistair's cold gaze swept over everyone present.
The technical advisor trembled: "Tutor, it exists. Legend says the Eye of Samos was used to seal the powers of ancient Greek deities. It is not powerful, but it is neutral. It does not belong to any supernatural family, therefore, it lies in our algorithm's blind spot."
1.2 The Transaction of Power
Alistair took a deep breath. He understood. Eleanor was exploiting his vulnerability in world dominance to protect herself. If the algorithm couldn't find it, he would have to use the power of the mortal world to seek it out.
"Lydon, contact The Baglio Family." Alistair commanded decisively. "Tell them I am willing to trade the mining rights of five energy fields in Western Europe for one piece of information from their ancient literature archives."
Lydon's expression changed: "Tutor, the Baglio Family are Europe's oldest knowledge traders, famous for their monopoly on supernatural documentation. Five mining rights—isn't the price too high?"
"Price?" A wicked, cold smile touched Alistair's lips. "For my prisoner, no price is too high."
He knew the Baglio Family only cared about absolute profit. He had to use secular power to break the supernatural world's taboos.
"Furthermore," Alistair added, "I want you to secretly approach Father Rafferty. Since he knew Eleanor's plan, he must know the whereabouts of the Eye of Samos."
Lydon reminded him: "The Father was gravely wounded at the monastery. He is a steadfast believer and cannot be bought with money."
"There is more than one way to buy loyalty." Alistair looked at Lydon coldly. "Tell him I can heal his injuries and guarantee the eternal peace of his monastery. In exchange, he must surrender the information about the Eye of Samos."
1.3 The Prisoner's Taunt
Having issued his commands, Alistair walked alone to the penthouse containment chamber. The room was luxuriously furnished, but Eleanor's icy gaze made it look like a gilded tomb.
Eleanor wore a silk robe provided by the estate, sitting by the window as the sea breeze ruffled her dark hair. She watched Alistair enter, a flash of triumphant mockery in her eyes.
"Tutor," Eleanor spoke calmly. "You look distressed. Are you troubled by my 'little trick'?"
Alistair walked up to her, abruptly grabbing her chin, forcing her to look up and meet his gaze. His eyes were filled with challenged fury and suppressed possessiveness.
"You sealed it." Alistair's voice was low. "Did you think that would free you from my control?"
Eleanor met his gaze fearlessly: "I sealed not my power, but your imprint on me. I locked all your controlling desires, the algorithm's residue, and my uncontrollable love for you inside."
Her words pierced Alistair like a dagger.
"You are wrong." Alistair's voice was utterly cold. "What you locked away was my chance to completely let you go. Once the Eye of Samos is unsealed, you will return to the path I set for my Heir. And you will never escape again."
Eleanor laughed mockingly, a smile both beautiful and desolate.
"You pursue it because you are afraid. Afraid that one day, the algorithm within you will be utterly destroyed by the love I sealed away, afraid that you will have to face your love for me as a mere mortal."
1.4 The Declaration of the Hunt
Alistair abruptly released her chin, turning his back to her. Her analysis was too accurate, and it startled him.
But he would never admit the fear.
"Eleanor," Alistair's voice resumed its Tutor-like ruthlessness. "The Eye of Samos will be found soon. You think you've won; you think you've successfully dragged me into your emotional trap."
He turned around, a new, more dangerous light flickering in his eyes.
"But you forgot. I am the hunter. I will use the wealth, power, and wisdom accumulated by the Thorne family over millennia to tear open all sacred taboos. The more imprints you seal, the fiercer my possessiveness will be when I unseal it."
He walked towards the door, commanding the guards: "Give her the best treatment, but never leave her side. She is the Thorne family's most precious masterpiece."
Alistair left the chamber. He knew that now, the pursuit was not just about an artifact; it was about proving that before the absolute power of the Thorne family, love and faith are merely tools for his game of the hunt.
Author's Note:
Thank you for your continued readership and dedication to the consistent quality of this novel. Alistair has officially launched a global pursuit, weaponizing wealth, power, and intellect against ancient taboos! How long can Eleanor's "Seal of Love" last? Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we will peel back the mysterious layers of the Baglio Family!
BY : KHChing