Page 11 of Silent Oaths
“I’mTheodoreWhitmore, but you can call meTheo,” he says with a hint of condescension.Hegestures to the two men behind him. “Theseare my brothers,MaxwellandJulian.”
“Notactualbrothers,” the leaner one—Maxwell—chimes in, smirking beneath his mask.
Theoturns to him, his tone sharp. “Thanksfor the clarification.”
Maxwellshrugs, a chuckle escaping him as though he thrives on pushing buttons.Meanwhile,Julianstays silent, his gaze fixed on me.There’ssomething about him—dark and unreadable—that makes it hard to breathe.
“Whatare your names?”Theoasks, his eyes fixed on me a beat too long.It’sunnerving.
Mymouth goes dry, andIshift on my feet, willing my voice not to tremble. “I’mIsabel,”Imanage, gesturing to my side. “Andthis isValeria.”
Theo’slips curve into a slow, sinister smile. “WelcometoLatibulumNoctis,” he announces, spreading his arms, as if to embrace the night itself. “Tonight, leave your inhibitions at the door and enter with an open mind.Ipromise we’ll show you a good time.”
Thewords settle in my chest like a stone.
There’snothing casual about his tone that suggests a normal evening.
“Followme,”Theocommands, turning to lead us deeper into the house.
ValeriaandIhesitate.Myinstincts scream at me to leave, but curiosity keeps my feet rooted in place.Ifthere’s one thingIknow about myself, it’s thatIcan’t resist uncovering the truth, no matter how dangerous it may be.
It’swhat drove me to pursue a career withTheBlackQuill.Investigativereporting isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.
Assoon asValeriafirst told me aboutCamilaand theWhitmoresall those years ago,IknewIwanted to dedicate myself to exposing the kind of truths most people are too afraid to face.Iwas one of the many reasons that shaped my path, transforming a wide-eyed orphan into someone willing to walk straight into the lion’s den.
Wetrail behind the three men, their presence unshakable, but instead of shrinking away,Ifeel a spark of excitement humming under my skin.Myheart races—not just from nerves, but from the thrill of it all.Thisis whatIcrave: the rush, the mystery, the chance to dive headfirst into the unknown.
Thedimly lit hallway only adds to the drama, with shadows stretching across the walls like something out of a thriller movie.Mymind is already cataloging every detail, every sound.Ican’t help it.Ithrive on moments like this, even if they terrify me a little.
Asthe silence grows louder,Ifeel the need to speak to shake off the tension.BeforeIcan,Valerianudges me gently, her shoulder brushing mine. “Youwere enjoying the attention, weren’t you?”
Busted.
Ishrug, my lips curling into a mischievous smile. “Maybe.”
“Youlittle slut,” she murmurs with a chuckle.
“Hey,I’mhere for a good time, not a long time,”Ireply, heat rising to my cheeks.
Herteasing falters for a moment as she tugs me closer. “Aslong as you promise to be safe.”
“Yes,Mommy,”Itease, flashing a grin.Thenickname started as a joke.Val’salways been overprotective, so it felt fitting.
Shegroans, rolling her eyes. “OhmyGod.Areyou ever going to stop with that shit?”
“Nope!”
“Whatever.Justremember, if we get separated and you need help, text me our code word,”Valeriasays, her expression serious.
Butterfly.Valpicked it years ago because butterflies have always meant something to her.
“Yes,I’llmake sure to pull out my phone and text you whileI’mbeing murdered,”Iretort, trying to keep my tone light, though my stomach twists with unease.
Hersteps falter, and she grabs my arm, her grip tight. “IsabelLuciaSoto,” she hisses. “Beserious for two fucking seconds.”
Theuse of my full name makes me wince. “Fine, fine.I’llmake sure to reach out if anything looks sketchy.”
Sheexhales, her shoulders relaxing slightly, butIcan still see the worry etched into her features.
