Deep stories of reason

Nancy had given me my orders for the day. I would be helping out around the house and the compound, assisting with tasks like trimming the plants alongside the gardeners, and handling other domestic chores.
Sofia was sent with me to show me the ropes, ensuring I knew how things were done. As I stepped out, the strange gazes from the others in the compound immediately made me uncomfortable. It wasn’t just me; Sofia and I were both subject to their cold stares.

As we began our work, I couldn't hold back my curiosity any longer. "Why do they look at us like that?" I asked Sofia, trying to keep my voice steady.

Sofia glanced around before answering, her tone matter-of-fact. "It's normal. The other female and male slaves hate us because of the nature of our work. We're treated differently, you know. We have our own rooms, we get the finest food. It’s all because of who we are."

Her explanation made sense, but it didn’t make the glares any easier to bear. We worked in silence for the rest of the morning, trimming the plants and tidying up the garden. Despite the uneasy atmosphere, I focused on the tasks at hand, determined to prove myself capable.

After our work was done, I wandered around the compound, taking in my new surroundings. The place was vast, with high walls and several buildings that I hadn’t yet explored. As I walked, I spotted Raven at the left side, working on her sniper rifle. Instinctively, I hid behind a nearby tree, watching her from a distance. She was meticulous, her focus unwavering as she cleaned and adjusted her weapon. After a few minutes, she called out, "Who's there?"

She didn't know who it was, but she sensed someone’s presence. Reluctantly, I stepped out of my hiding spot. When she saw me, a small smile appeared on her face. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

I shrugged, trying to play it off casually. "Just looking around."

Raven nodded, motioning for me to come closer. We began to talk, and the conversation quickly turned serious. She asked me about my life before this place, but I wasn't ready to share. The memories were too painful and too fresh. Sensing my reluctance, she didn’t push further. Instead, she brought up Sebastian.

"Oh, he is fine on the outside, and that’s what he would say, but he isn’t fine on the inside. We all know he isn’t. He’s bleeding on the inside," Raven said, her voice tinged with sadness.

I was confused. "What do you mean?"

Raven quickly changed the subject, but I persisted. Finally, she sighed. "I'll tell you later. Now is not the time for stories. I have a mission."

After our discussion, I returned to my room and found the other girls talking excitedly about Sebastian’s second brother, Evander, coming home. They were all happy, but I was confused as to why. Sofia explained.

"Evander is amazing. He has a great personality, he's playful, but he's also the second most powerful after Sebastian. Some even say he’s stronger than El Rado. He’s the only one who can make Sebastian smile. He’s friendly, kind, and any girl he calls to his room always comes back with a smile. He talks to them, and even though they end up having sex, he gives them a gift afterward. He travels a lot, looking for places to expand Sebastian’s power. He and Mamba are always on the move."

“Mamba?” I asked her.

Sofia then told me about Mamba and his brother’s death during a mission to claim their father’s second mansion. "Mamba changed after his brother died, but he’s stable now, thanks to Raven. She wasn’t in the mansion when it happened, but she was part of the mission that day. They’re the only ones here who have love for each other." She said.

The next morning, as I worked around the compound, I saw Evander and Mamba arrive. Raven hugged Mamba, and Evander received a handshake from her. I continued my work, but Raven soon approached me again.

We had another conversation, more meaningful this time. I mentioned Evander, and Raven’s smile slowly faded.
Raven was somewhat down.

"Evander and Sebastian have suffered a lot," she began. "Despite his smiles, Evander is a strong person. Really strong, with a terrible temper. He can be frightening when he’s angry."

She paused, lost in thought, before continuing. "There was a fight in the warehouse once. It was bloody. Bodies fell everywhere, and Sebastian and Evander were the MVPs that night. They barely survived. Sebastian shocked everyone with his strength."

I listened, captivated by her words. "How did Sebastian become who he is after all the good things he wanted to do?" I wondered aloud.

Raven looked at me, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding. "That's something only he can answer."

As she walked away, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The more I learned about this place and its people, the more complex everything seemed. The power struggles, the hidden pains, and the masks everyone wore made me realize just how much I had yet to uncover.

I decided to find out more about Evander. The way Sofia and the other girls talked about him made him seem like a legend. I asked Sofia if she could tell me more stories about him.

"Evander is not just Sebastian's brother; he's his right hand," Sofia explained as we worked in the garden. "He has always been there to support and protect Sebastian. Even when they were children.

The more I heard, the more I realized how deep the bond between the brothers was. It wasn't just about power; it was about loyalty and love. "What about the warehouse fight? What happened there?" I asked, curious to learn more about the night Raven mentioned.

I shivered at the thought. "How did they survive?"

"By sheer willpower and determination," Sofia replied. "Sebastian was gravely injured, but he didn't give up. Evander was the same. They fought until the very end, refusing to let each other fall. When it was all over, they collapsed from exhaustion and Sabastian from blood loss, Raven, Rat face, Behemoth, Redhead junkie, mamba, that night was a crazy night.

Hearing about their ordeal made me see Evander and Sebastian in a new light. They weren't just powerful figures; they were survivors who had been through hell and back. It also made me wonder about the toll it had taken on them, especially Sebastian. Despite his outward demeanor, there was a depth of pain and suffering that he hid from the world.

As I pondered these thoughts, Sofia continued. "Evander may seem happy and carefree, but he carries a lot of weight on his shoulders. He's seen things that would break most people. Yet, he remains kind and caring, always putting others before himself. It's a rare quality, especially in this place."

I nodded, understanding more about the man everyone seemed to adore. "What about Mamba? How does he fit into all of this?"

"Mamba is a complex character," Sofia said. "After his brother's death, he changed. He became more withdrawn, less trusting. But Raven brought him back from the brink. Their relationship is special. They understand each other in ways no one else can."

The next day, I saw Evander and Mamba again as they arrived at the compound. There was a sense of excitement in the air. Raven hugged Mamba tightly, and Evander exchanged a firm handshake with her. It was clear that these moments of reunion were cherished.

As I continued my work, Raven approached me once more. This time, our conversation took on an even deeper tone. We talked about Evander and his role in the compound.

"Evander is a beacon of hope for many here," Raven said. "But beneath that cheerful exterior is a man who has seen and endured unimaginable pain. He's strong, incredibly strong, but his strength comes at a price."

I listened intently as she shared more about his past. "There was a time when Evander and Sebastian were on a mission to take down a rival gang. It was supposed to be straightforward, but things went south quickly. They were outnumbered and outgunned. The fight that ensued was brutal. Evander fought with a ferocity I've never seen before. He was a force of nature, taking down enemies left and right."

Raven's eyes darkened as she recalled the memory. "But it wasn't just about the fighting. It was about survival. They were both pushed to their limits. Evander's anger was terrifying to behold. He unleashed a side of himself that few have seen. When it was over, the warehouse was littered with bodies. They barely made it out alive."

The imagery was vivid, and I could almost see the scene playing out in my mind. The sheer intensity of the fight, the desperation, and the raw power Evander and Sebastian displayed. It was a stark reminder of the brutal world we lived in and the lengths they had to go to maintain their position and safety.

Raven continued, her voice steady but her eyes revealing the weight of the memories. "Despite everything, Evander remains a good person. He’s a beacon of hope for many, including myself. But don’t mistake his kindness for weakness. When he’s pushed to his limits, his anger is something to fear. He’s only truly himself around those he trusts implicitly—like Sebastian and, to some extent, the crew, including me"

I couldn’t help but feel a growing respect for Evander. His ability to maintain his humanity in such a harsh environment was admirable. "How do they manage to keep going after everything they’ve been through?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Raven gave me a small, almost sad smile. "It’s their bond. Sebastian and Evander have a connection that goes beyond mere brotherhood. They’re each other’s anchor. Without one, the other would be lost. They draw strength from each other, and that’s what keeps them going."

As the conversation progressed, Raven shared more about the events that shaped them. "Sebastian always wanted to change things for the better. He had dreams, visions of a different kind of world. He tried to execute some of those dreams, but the world he’s in doesn’t allow for kindness and idealism. It’s beaten out of you, replaced with pragmatism and a need for control."

I pondered her words, wondering how someone with such good intentions could become so hardened. "Do you think Sebastian can still change things?" I asked.

Raven looked thoughtful. "He can, but it’s complicated. The power he holds is immense, and with power comes responsibility and danger. Every move he makes is scrutinized, every decision could mean life or death for those he cares about. It’s not as simple as just wanting to do good."

Our conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. It was time for me to return to my duties. Raven gave me a nod, indicating our talk was over for now, but the weight of her words lingered with me.

Later that evening, I found myself alone in my room, reflecting on everything I had learned. The stories of Evander and Sebastian, their struggles, and the harsh realities of their lives painted a vivid picture of the world I was now part of. It was a place where strength was necessary for survival, where bonds of loyalty and love were both rare and precious.