Chapter 002:
Aether Rose

We drove on in silence. The steady hum of the engine filled the air. Soon, my gaze locked onto the towering structure of Innotech, its sleek glass walls reflecting the fading light.

“What could we possibly be doing here… again?” I thought.

The vehicle stopped with a quiet jolt. The driver stayed motionless, a sour expression lingering from the last time we slipped out of his reach last time. My mind drifted to that mission with Raine. Her sister had sent him to drive me, so I could question suspects in a murder case. I was only following Raine's lead then, not involved in the chaos that happened.

I adjusted my thick jacket, trying to look presentable for whoever awaited inside. A quick glance at the rearview mirror revealed my unruly curls, which I smoothed with my fingers. Stepping out of the car, the crisp air hit me, bringing back the weight of memories tied to that well-known building.

"If you pull that trigger, something far worse will come for you, won’t it, Zane?" That woman's voice echoed in my mind, the same chilling words she had spoken a few months ago. Standing in the exact spot where it all happened, I could still feel the tension lingering in the air.

“What are you planning?” Raine had asked her back then.

“Isn’t it obvious?” the woman replied, her name still a mystery to me. “I was simply showing you a glimpse of what keeps me busy in this miserable world. Actually, it's just a teensy bit.”

At the reception desk, a new face greeted me—no sign of the woman Raine had once mixed up with her own name. Back then, Raine had me pretend I was her, going by Raine, while she became 'Zhane with an H.' What followed after that… well, those are memories I’d rather not revisit.

"Just Raine de Verra. The full name’s far too long," I remembered her saying right here in this very spot.

"So... that’s it? That’s all I need to say?" I had asked, unsure, trying to follow her lead.

“And if they ask what we’re here for, just say: Mr. Jerick summoned us. Apparently, it’s important,” she had added.

"Good morning, sir. How may I assist you?" a woman’s voice chimed, breaking through my thoughts as I stopped walking.

“Uh…” I hesitated, about to head straight for the elevator, but her question drew me closer. She wore shades and a sharp formal outfit. She grabbed a paper from her desk and handed it to me. “Zane Nuñez, right?” she asked, her tone steady and businesslike.

I glanced at the card in my hand—golden and gleaming—inscribed with the name Aether Rose and adorned with an elegant rose logo.

“What’s this for?” I asked.

“Please proceed to the 8th floor, Office of the CEO,” she replied, her gaze shifting on her computer, seemingly ignoring my question.

“CEO? Nice! Looks like I’m about to join the company,” I joked, laughing lightly, but her serious expression wiped the smile off my face, making my cheeks flush pink with embarrassment. “Zip it, Zane,” I murmured softly to myself, straightening up as I gathered my composure.

"Lorraine de Verra is waiting for you there," she added.

I strode towards the elevator, pressing the button for the floor she mentioned. Just as the doors began to close, I glanced back, but she had vanished without a trace. An unsettling feeling crept over me, heightening my suspicions about my surroundings.

“Is this another prank from her?” I muttered as I waited for the elevator to reach my floor. “Oh, you can't mess with me again, Raine.”

As the doors slid open, sunlight flooded in through the glass windows, casting bright reflections on the polished floor. I scanned the hallway, lined with doors, until I finally spotted the central office where I was supposed to go.

Loraine J. Garcia. CEO.

Before me stood a locked door, requiring a card to gain access. Remembering the card the woman at the lobby had given me, I slid it across the scanner repeatedly, frustration building until the light finally flickered green.

Open.

I stepped into a spacious room, its white walls softened by scattered plants that added a touch of warmth. Various doors branched off in different directions, hinting at a variety of functions within the space.

“Hello?” I called out as I stepped inside. My gaze fell on a familiar figure—her russet-brown eyes framed by stunning long eyelashes—seated in a swivel chair, facing me.

“So, what’s going on?” I asked, still piecing together the situation. “Are you the new CEO?”

“I would be, if only they tried a bit harder to persuade me,” she replied, her serious tone tickling my amusement. Moments later, laughter erupted between us, cutting through the absurdity of the situation.

“You're crazy,” I murmured, shaking my head with a smile.

I sank into a grey plush sofa on the side of the room, allowing my eyes to roam. The walls were adorned with a variety of artworks, while scattered papers cluttered the space, creating a vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere.

"Where is everyone? Just the two of us? It's a good thing they trusted us to come in here. There are so many comics on that bookshelf." I gestured toward the shelf, curiosity bubbling up. “I wonder if they’d let me read one.”

Raine laughed, spinning in her chair like a child lost in play.

"But seriously, what are we doing here?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "You were handling a case just this morning, weren’t you?"

"I don’t know," she replied.

"The CEO wants to talk to you about a plan? Modelling, perhaps?" said I.

Before she could respond, the door swung open, momentarily halting our conversation. Raine shifted her gaze to the entrance and quipped, "If there's any modelling to be done, I won’t need to audition," eliciting a smile from me once more.

"Acting like children, as usual," came a voice that made me turn toward the door. Her older sister stood there, someone I could call my boss. She had granted me a scholarship in exchange for keeping an eye on her mischievous sibling. To this day, she continues to support my family back in the province.

"Raine just turned eighteen, and while I’ll be nineteen soon, in some countries we’re still considered kids," I quipped, trying to stifle my laughter.

“And yet, you’re out there solving crimes. How I wish I still had the patience for the police chief’s constant remarks,” Elizabeth said, her tone serious, a forced smile resting on her red lips.

Raine stood up, her joy slipping away as she walked over to face her sister. My smile faded just as slowly, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

“Is that why you pulled us from investigating our new case?” Raine asked, locking eyes with her.

“I know what happened, and even though I understand the situation, I won’t act like a know-it-all like you,” Elizabeth replied.

“Oh, for heaven's sake. Why do you keep insisting we’re not good enough? Is it because we’re just children?” Raine retorted, a sarcastic smile forming on her lips. “You wanted to use your talent for the greater good, but when no one listened, you ended up like this. And let’s not forget Enola, shall we?”

Her sister's brow furrowed. “What about her?”

“Enola Holmes was fourteen in the original books, sixteen in the films. Nancy Drew is sixteen. Shinichi Kudo is seventeen. Ringing any bells, or should I draw you a concept map?” Raine shot back.

I had no clue what they were discussing, but I decided to let them sort it out on their own.

“They’re fictional. You, on the other hand, live in the real world. Welcome to reality, li'l sis. I figured that out long ago, and soon, you’ll have to as well,” Elizabeth responded, silencing Raine.

She motioned for her younger sister to sit beside me, but instead, Raine opted for the seat opposite mine.

“Pull yourself together, Raine. This is a prestigious company, and you should be grateful you are allowed to go here if you want to,” Elizabeth lectured.

“Why am I even here?” Raine asked, still standing.

“Because of a client,” Elizabeth replied just as the door swung open again.

“A client? For what?” Raine asked.

“August,” came the response from the new arrival who entered the room. “Other terms? Esteemed, distinguished, illustrious, celebrated… prestigious.”

Before me stood the renowned CEO of the company. I quickly gathered my composure and rose to face her.

“No wonder I was advised to dress properly earlier,” I thought.

“Other details? I’m afraid I can’t disclose them, as they must remain confidential,” Ms. Garcia added, approaching Elizabeth and extending her hand. “Ms. Elizabeth.”

“Ms. Loraine,” Elizabeth greeted. “Please excuse my sister’s behaviour,” she added.

“You’re involved in many tasks, aren’t you?” Ms. Garcia remarked, her gaze shifting to Raine, who forced a smile. "I suppose you have lots of fun."

“And this must be Zane Nuñez. I’ve read quite a lot about you. You never mentioned that you are a volunteer rescuer at your school,” Ms. Garcia said, looking at me and shaking my hand.

“Volunteer rescuer? Only Raine and I knew about my recent involvement in that organization,” I told myself silently.

“Nice to meet you, ma'am,” I said.

“I read your blog about your various adventures. Did you know one of my closest friends is quite fond of it?” she said.

“Who is this, ma’am?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

“The one who’s most fascinated is the one who read about your visit to an abandoned house,” she added. “If I recall correctly, the blog was titled The GHOSTly Encounter.”

Her gaze shifted away from me and returned to Raine as she approached her.

“And of course, my godchild named after me by two of my closest friends,” she continued. “Unlike many young people I see these days, you don’t seem to care much about appearances.”

“I don’t want to ruin my face with makeup. I’m just being authentic,” Raine replied, her tone calm but laced with sarcasm. “Now, excuse me, Ms. L.” She offered a polite smile before walking over to her sister and heading toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Elizabeth asked, quickly pulling her hand back toward us.

“An unnamed client?” Raine said to her sister. “Now that the case about Mum and Dad is closed, I think it’s time for a well-deserved break, don’t you think?”

“Says the one who was busy solving a case just before I brought them here,” Elizabeth retorted, her eyebrows furrowed.

“It’s not my fault they keep coming to me. Mr. Lee said that if I don’t cooperate, they might cause even more trouble,” Raine replied. “Oh, and by the way, the forensics course I mentioned before isn’t true, if you’re referring to me multitasking. Mr. Aguilar is just tutoring me, and you’re secretly funding him through the allowance you provide.”

“What the heck? Good thing that’s not true. Handling two courses would be difficult,” I spoke silently.

“I know, that’s why I allowed you to do it,” Elizabeth said. “Now, get yourself together. This is important! Straighten up!”

“Girls, that’s enough,” Ms. Garcia intervened.

“Who exactly is this client, Ms. L.?” Raine asked.

“Just look at what’s around you. You’re surrounded by well-known individuals in a world-class building. So for once, Raine, try to act like a proper lady!” Elizabeth lectured.

Raine sighed and sat down next to me, frustration still evident on her face. As she passed, I caught her whisper, “Like an old lady as always,” though the others likely didn’t hear it.

“Glad to see you’re still listening,” Elizabeth said as she and Ms. Garcia took their seats across from us.

“You’ve become like her mother now, huh?” Ms. Garcia remarked to Raine's sister.

“That’s what happened, unfortunately, Ms. L. And trust me, she’s not handling the job well,” Raine replied, laughing.

“Anyway, don’t test my patience, you two. I’m still your godmother, for heaven’s sake,” Ms. Garcia said sternly, sensing Elizabeth’s rising anger. “One of my closest friends is having an issue.”

“At least you’ll have something to occupy your time, lil' sis. You can finally put that infuriating brain of yours to good use,” Elizabeth said, stretching her legs out.

I took a moment to comprehend what infuriating meant. Often, I noticed her and Raine using words that surpassed my vocabulary. I guessed they’d made it a habit to showcase their intelligence, competing to prove who was smarter between them.

“Why me? The police can handle it,” Raine protested. “Your men can deal with any problems that arise.”

“Just like with the memory stick incident, we need someone reliable here, Raine,” Ms. Garcia explained. “We also brought your friend here because we know you don’t like being alone, and it’s clear you prefer having company.”

“And you know I don’t want to be recognized by others, right?” Raine asked.

“I can see why you might still be single,” Ms. Garcia replied.

“But Elizabeth’s here, right? She mentioned she has more free time than Raine,” I interjected.

“And you believe that, Nuñez?” Elizabeth asked, her tone sharp.

Elizabeth held up her tablet, revealing photos of a now-famous young actor whose smile lit up the screen. The man’s chiselled features and charming grin seemed to leap from the device, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.

“What do you know about this man?” Elizabeth asked her sister.

“I don’t know him, and I don’t care,” Raine replied, rolling her eyes and turning her gaze away from the screen.

Given that I mainly watched anime, cartoons, and various shows on television, her indifference made sense. She, on the other hand, preferred documentaries, mystery movies, and series.

“Then you should know him better,” Elizabeth said. As she swiped through the initial three photos, a new image appeared on the screen, displaying the chilling message: ‘I know your secret. And it will soon lead to your downfall.’