Book 2, Chapter 18: The Storm

**Madison**

“Welcome to the Abizi estate, Zemra Ime,” Damien whispered in my ear as I stood outside the grand building before me. It was gorgeous. I always thought my family home was beautiful, but this estate had a “wow” factor. The best way to describe this place would be to say it is a classic Richy-Rich Beverly Hill or Belair mansion. It was a three-story high stone structure with large windows. The door was a bright blue, which oddly worked. The grounds were neatly trimmed and had many shrubs; there was a circular drive similar to my house, a small garden with a fountain in front, and many colorful flower beds.

The view, even from the driveway, was spectacular. The whole city and even the downtown skyscrapers looked picturesque from up here. Part of me was very excited to see the view from one of the higher floors.
Damien took my hand and led me through the front door. Another “wow” left my lips, and Damien chuckled. “Not bad, right?” he commented with a smile. I could only nod.

He insisted on giving me a quick tour, for which I was grateful. I tried to pay attention to what he was saying, but I found it hard as I got stuck admiring the various paintings on the walls or a trinket from a far-off land. This home was incredible. Surprisingly, it was very cozy. The furniture in most rooms reflected relaxation in lots of neutral tones of brown, white, baize, and maroon. Even the grand library was on par with the one at home. Someone got inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Some rooms, like the formal dining room, formal sitting rooms, and the main office, screamed pomp and circumstance like what you would expect in a royal castle. The colors were mainly deep shades of gold, blue, orange, and purple. The filagree patterns that were etched on the woodwork displayed incredible craftsmanship.

Don’t even get me started on the kitchen. It was massive and modern. If my mom saw this, she would probably offer me up in marriage to get her hands on the top-of-the-line new appliances. There was even a hibachi grill, something my mother uses every day. This kitchen had to have been remodeled recently. Maybe when I get home, I can draw it up for my mom, and she can put on her puppy dog face and get my fathers to consent to yet another remodel. The island in the middle was easily fifty feet long, and the cabinets were all sleek and black with black, white, and gold-streaked marble for the countertops. I felt that familiar twitch in my hands, itching to open the cabinets and make something.

We passed a security room embedded in a small alcove. The door was wide open, and two guards monitored several CCTV cameras. There was also a large electrical panel on the wall. Wrong move, Damien, I thought wickedly to myself.

Damien led me to the second floor via the main foyer's marble and stainless-steel grand staircase. He pointed out twelve bedrooms on this floor and nine more on the third floor. He led me to a room at the end of the hallway. It had a large wooden white door with a golden handle. He opened it and led me inside, dropping my hand and walking ahead.

“This is our room,” he said with his arms outstretched and twirled around the open space. It was a master suite. It was beautiful, dark, and mysterious, just like Damien. It was definitely his room. It was shades of red, black, and gold. The king-size poster bed had black silk sheets, a black duvet, probably five hundred black, red, and gold pillows, and a deep maroon-red plush carpet that matched the walls. The furniture was minimal yet modern and sleek, all black with gold accents. His bedroom was divided into two sections: the part where his bed and most of the furniture were. And a small sitting area that reminded me of the little library room back at his underwater safe house. There were two black doors to the side, no doubt to the ensuite bathroom and closet.

There was a large balcony that looked like it expanded over the entire back wall, and even from the center of the room, I could tell the view would be breathtaking.

He kissed my forehead as he made his way to the door. “I have some business to attend to. I will be in my office. Your bag was placed in the closest. Why don’t you take some time to relax? It will be a tiring few days. You can explore the house to your heart’s desire, but don’t go outside. Don’t try any funny business, Madison. I mean it! In four days, my family will be coming to meet you, and the night after that, we have the Governor’s Ball.” Damien finished his little speech and closed the door once he exited.

I rolled my eyes and went to the closest balcony door, throwing the double doors open with a forceful push. I stepped outside and breathed in the fresh air. The clouds were turning a dark and sinister grey, swirling above with a promise of a downpour. The sea air was strong, even up this little mountain top. You could see the black clouds rolling in from the coast, and lightning strikes far in open waters. The winds started to pick up, causing me to shiver. I looked over the balcony to the floor below. I began to observe the guard rotations and noted the landscape. A plan began to formulate in my head. A very crazy, naughty plan, one that, if successful, would be one for the record books in my family, but if I failed, it would not be pretty…

*Six hours later…*

The last of my plans was done. I have to be grateful for being sequestered most of my life. Being at home with an army and impenetrable forces gave me lots of experience finding all the weak spots. In fact, Mom and I often enjoyed playing games with my dads and brothers, testing their new systems. Abba Kai and Papa Ben always included me in their special training. I could be a ninja spy. Some of Abba’s favorite team members were just as devious as me. We always found ways to get in trouble; of course, I could get away with murder if I wanted to when it came to my fathers… mom, on the other hand, is a different story.

The storm was brewing nicely outside. A torrential downpour created a natural haze that I could use to my advantage. It was rigorously pounding the pavement outside, and many reports of street flooding were already coming through. The waters on the coast were crashing the shoreline like a hurricane.

I smiled deviously as I popped open the electrical socket near the door. I’ll have to thank Damien for the poor planning in the kitchen and the lack of security detail in the house. I guess he thought a simpleton like me couldn’t possibly cause havoc in such a pristine and impenetrable fortress. Cue an evil laugh here. I love it when I am underestimated. Just another reason to get the fuck out of here. He is playing on my emotions, and I hate to admit it, but I have feelings for him, which scares me.

He had a drawer full of curiosities that were perfect for causing destruction. I found a small paring knife, a large tub of baking soda, fresh lemons, water bottles, and chip clips. I also swiped a lighter from a guard’s jacket left on a chair because you never know when you need some pyrotechnics.

I mixed the baking soda and lemons in the container and set them aside. The water bottles were next to them, and the chip clips were in my pocket. The harsh winds knocked on the balcony doors, rattling the panes. You could see the water blowing sideways, and it was almost pitch-black outside — such a nasty storm.

I held the wires in my hand and watched outside for a lightning strike before ripping them with the knife. The entire room flickered before going out. I smiled wickedly while I put the socket back in place.
I grabbed the container of baking soda and the water bottles and headed out the door. The entire wing was blacked out. I saw a guard by the stairs. He shifted his posture when I approached. “Ma’am, please go back to your room. The storm is terrible, and the boss wants you secured in your chambers.” So, of course, I put on the puppy dog eyes and cried out, “My room went pitch black. The whole hallway is also blacked out, see? I’m so scared right now. I thought I would be with Damien. He knows how scared I can get.” I forced a few tears for an added performance.

“Oh, shit, please don’t cry, Madam. Boss will kill me if he sees you crying. He’s in his office downstairs. I’ll take you,” he muttered while his features showed nothing but fear. “No, that’s okay. You have to stay at your post. Damien wouldn’t be happy if you left your station. I know where to go. Thank you!” I said with a small smile and wiped my ‘tears’ with my free hand before descending the steps and switching the container behind my back to my front. I could feel the guard's eyes on me as I descended until I disappeared under the threshold into the back of the house.

Damien’s office was to the left, and my destination was to the right. I made my way to the security office and knocked on the door. I heard some low cussing, and an angry guard opened the door. His features changed to fear and respect when he saw it was me.

“Madam, how can we help you?” the guard asked nervously. He even looked down the hallway, and his breath was labored.

“My room went black with a power outage, and the backup generator didn’t kick on. Damien said you guys could maybe help since he was so busy?” I said and silently prayed they would take the bait.