With a stern face and hurt look in his eyes, Eros still seemed overwhelmed by the poison from Sigi's last comment, when a loud voice demanded our attention:

"Ladies and gentlemen!" the clone host of that event for the filthy rich clamoured from the double-winged stage. His voice was fit for a radio soap opera, and he would make an outstanding male leading role with that deep, velvety voice. "Before dinner is served and Mrs Nevermore proceeds with her speech, it's time to get your groove on! With... the Broken Vases!"

Eros and I got startled by the clones yelling like a horde of fangirls while the members of the most popular boy band in the whole world made their way onto the stage, waving at all of us. Their cheerful music started to play and they danced in perfect synch as if they were born to do it.

Many clones started dancing on the improvised dancefloor, on a large lawn in front of the left wing of the stage. Some waiters were getting the dinner tables ready on the right. Cian and Gabi were among them.

Out of the blue, Mirela appeared with a female partner, joyfully rushing from the restrooms and onto the dancefloor. She was oblivious of my presence, thank God.

"Shall we dance?" Eros asked me with a broad smile. "Let's get all this angst away, Daphne."

I nodded and smiled back at him. I was glad to see he wished to break the nasty spell cast on his mood. We danced to the rhythm of a cheesy pop song.

Our chaste dancing caught the attention of the clones around us. My moves weren't as skilled as Eros', but I didn't care. He said something, but the music was too loud to hear him. I didn't think it mattered. He was smiling.

When the pop song was over, a punk one took its place. We didn't feel like dancing to that song, to be honest. We went to the back, close to the bar.

"Nice moves both of you got on the dancefloor, honeysuckle," Kono said all of a sudden right behind me. They were drinking an appletini.

"Kono! You've arrived!" I exclaimed. They winked at me with a broad smile and hugged me.

"Sorry, Daphne," Kono said, and then they finished their drink in one go. "I'm needed somewhere else. Besides, I don't like being a third wheel."

"You're not a thir- wait, what?!"

I could smell the eau de prankster mastermind from a mile away!

"Oh, wait. I get it," I added with mild tiredness when I had put two and two together.

"I'm needed by the electronic irrigation system," they replied with a mischievous smirk but pretending to be serious about the excuse they were telling us. "Apparently, the sprinklers have got an awful need to release the water in the pipes, you know. Too much pressure isn't good for them! And it can't wait, I'm afraid. Precisely now that Mirela is having so much fun, right? It's not like she's begging to be pranked, or anything."

"But Kono!" My complaint fell on deaf ears. Kono was already smirking.

They just went away to mess with the sprinklers, leaving the words unsaid in my mouth.

A few seconds later, the sprinklers went off and the dancing clones shrieked when the cold water hit them unexpectedly. The Broken Vases went on singing and dancing. They must have been convinced that it was part of the show, probably.

While many clones rejoiced and went on dancing, I watched Mirela yell some profanities, pushing away her fling when she offered help. Something about her priceless dress was amiss, or so I heard. She was too far away from me to hear everything she said. She left in a hurry to the restrooms or God knows where with a murderous look on her face.

"Despite the water, they are having... fun," Eros commented with surprise.

"A lot, if you ask me. They are so drunk as well. Including Mirela's partner," I replied.

"Who is now requesting the attention of a different partner in a flirty attitude," he pointed out.

"She's gonna be pissed when she comes back," I said referring to Mirela.

"I don't think she is coming back, to be honest. If they're having so much fun, why not try it ourselves? What do you say, Daphne?"

He was asking me to get wet with him. On purpose. And dance our worries away like the rest of the guests. Nothing harmful.

I took a look all around me. Most of the clones were wasted. My rebel teammates were spying on their private conversations here and there, like Gabi, Cian, Taro, and Sven, while serving them more drinks.

K8 was pretending to be managing the event or helping out. But she was actually picking pockets and stealing their phones and wallets. She wasn't interested in the money, but the personal data, like their bank info, compromising photos, any personal cards with contacts, anything worthwhile hacking and keeping.

Sigi was nowhere to be seen, unfortunately. I guessed he was still under the poker canopy... like Apollo.

Eros was staring at me with glowing eyes. I hesitated for a bit longer while biting my lower lip.

"Sure, why not? Let's go," I whispered back at him.

I was already taking Eros' right arm with my left hand when suddenly a male voice that felt like nails on a chalkboard required my attention:

"Ah, you're here, my pet," Apollo said. "Thank you, Eros, for keeping her company. You're dismissed."

Apollo had no right to dismiss Eros for keeping me company, but his conceited attitude was screaming he thought that he had.

"I don't mean to be rude, Great Apollo, but unfortunately that won't be possible," Eros replied seriously but politely. "I request her assistance in giving my mother a surprise gift soon."

"Is that so?" Apollo asked coldly.

"Yes, my mother will be delighted if it's the two of us who give it to her. Besides, I wish to speak to you about a personal issue that cannot wait, Great Apollo. Would you be so kind as to lend me your ears for some minutes?"

"Request granted, young man." He seemed appeased.

"My concern for the well-being of young Miss Peneus here is the heart of my request," Eros stated with a bit of uneasiness.

"That is my first and foremost concern."

"Yes, I know, Great Apollo," Eros explained. "The problem revolves around the worry that young Miss Peneus has expressed to me a few minutes ago. She has mentioned that you wish to transplant a new brain into her and erase all those memories that seem unfit from your point of view.

"I believe that would limit her personal experience of life for her, and thus endangering her personality development. Having no recollection of role models like her father could be detrimental in psychological terms, I'm afraid, although he was a rebel. I would even suggest that she would no longer be the same person and the woman you love, Great Apollo.

"May I suggest you discard a brain transplant so soon? The 3D printers failed horribly during the press conference, and I'm sure you must have worked hard on them these last few days, but why not make an exhaustively foolproof round of tests on them before you try it on her? I can assist you through this process if you like. I beg you to reconsider, Great Apollo."

Eros sure had a way with words when he was formal and serious.

"Yes, what you say sounds reasonable," Apollo said after a sigh. "Maybe I am rushing into things when I should be focusing on more pressing matters," he added with a stern voice, then. "I have reasons to believe there might be a threat on our lives soon."

"Oh, dear! Great Apollo, you mean... right here?" Eros asked with fear.

"It may be possible. Some of those despicable rebels are still out there." He made a brief pause only to make eye contact with some of his closest bodyguards. They saluted him. He nodded. "But fear not. We are safe here. I've just called for more security reinforcements, just in case. The faculty and this garden are secured from any attack. Trust me. If they want to come to harm us, they won't get through those doors."

Oh, but what if they're already in? I amused myself with that thought.

"And if they're in here with us tonight, they're not coming out alive," he added with a dark, ominous voice.

I swallowed and turned pale when he said that.

"My dear guests!" Mrs Nevermore called our attention from the stage, then. She had taken the mike from one of the Broken Vases' singers. "May I have your attention, please? The dinner will soon be served. Please, proceed to look for your seat in the dining area to your right. Thank you!"

Apollo took my right arm without my permission and guided me to the VIP table, with Eros following us close. There, the three of us met the President, the Secretary of State, and their spouses, who were meant to dine with us.

The President was a middle-aged man who seemed to have mixed ancestry, like a combination of white and middle-eastern genes. I found his mocha-coloured skin and deep blue eyes a stunning and alluring combination of features. In contrast, the Secretary of State looked like a full-blooded Latino man, but I couldn't be sure. They were clones created by Apollo, which meant he mixed plenty of different DNA strands from different races to create one human being. His long, black hair was tied in a low tail. He was taller than most of us, and his lean figure was enviable.

"My mother will be here in a few minutes, ladies and gentlemen," Eros said to all of us with formality. "Please, take your seats."

My name was written on a beautiful golden card lying on a napkin on my plate. Apollo took my seat and offered me to sit on it just like a true gentleman would. When he was done, he sat beside me. Then, I noticed he briefly put a hand over his temple, as if he was getting a headache.

"What is it, Great Apollo?" the new President asked with worry while a large group of waiters started serving us some appetisers.

"It's nothing, President Ronaldson," Apollo replied with a dismissive attitude. I found it weird as if he was hiding something.

Mrs Nevermore arrived shortly after that. I was the only one to eat the appetisers with distrust and in complete silence. Despite Apollo's arrogance, they chatted amiably during dinner, which I was sure that it was worth more than my annual salary at Oyster.

Rich sweet and salty smells overpowered my nose. I tasted fruits that I didn't even know that they existed.

Between the first and second course, a video was shot on a large screen on the stage. It was about the goal of Mrs Nevermore's NGO, of course. She wanted to bring many extinct species of animals from all around the globe back to life, and secure those which were about to die out. The narrator in the video went on to explain and set the mood to enhance the wish to make generous donations:

"Seals, pandas, white sharks, polar bears, grey wolves, dodos, paradise parrots, Caspian tigers, mammoths," the narrator said while showing pictures or drawings of those animals, "and many more extinct animals could come back to life thanks to Revive, a brave, new NGO led by Lenore Nevermore."

The scope of the project and its superb details were outlined during that presentation. I was in awe until the narrator mentioned the true aim behind that NGO:

"The more generous your contribution, the more rewards you will get, like shares of the company. When this ingenious NGO will become a fully-established business, many products made with the skins of these formerly endangered and extinct species will be made available to you, with the high level of exclusivity that only the most well-off clones can have. Do not hesitate and choose the best donation plan available! Scan this QR code to get access to all donation plans and their exclusive rewards!"

All the clones around me were checking the QR code on their phones but Eros.

It didn't feel like an NGO at all from an ethical point of view. She was doing something good for the animal life on our planet, but she would end up making a profit from it. It was all about donating then, and getting rewards in the short and the long run. I felt it was selfish.

Then, I took a glimpse of Apollo's smartphone, and I saw him donating a million e-pounds with a smirk on his face.

I felt disappointed. Was Mrs Nevermore just like any other clone? I couldn't and didn't want to believe it.

"What's the matter, Daphne?" Eros asked me with worry while putting a hand softly on mine on the table.

"Oh, it's nothing," I lied. "I was thinking about those extinct animals, that's all. Dying out and be the last one must be terribly sad."

He replied to my comment with a bittersweet smile.

"And now, without further ado," the host said with that charming yet buttery voice of his when the video presentation was over. "Mrs Nevermore will make a speech. Let's hear a round of applause for her, please!"

Loud cheering and an excited clapping ensued while Mrs Nevermore was going up the stage. I wondered whether anything she might have to say would lift the veil of disappointment I was feeling.

"Daphne," Eros whispered to me into my ear, "in a few minutes, I'll give you a signal, okay? We'll take this gift box up the stage and hand it to my mother. The egg is about to hatch. I'm so excited!"

He showed me the gift box, which he had concealed beneath the table. It was a middle-sized light brown box with a dark brown, thick silk ribbon and some small holes to let the air in.

"Can you know when it's gonna hatch with that much precision? What if it doesn't hatch when you want it to?" I asked with worry.

"I'm sure it will. In less than ten minutes," he replied with excitement. "When only two minutes are remaining, we'll spring into action, okay?"

I nodded.

It was still an amazing gift for an outstanding woman, even though I still felt the aftershock of the real aim of her brand-new NGO. A few drones were recording the event and broadcasting it live on social media.

Mrs Nevermore was excited to present the project herself, but she didn't add anything relevant. It seemed as if she was only there to be fawned over.

In the meantime, Apollo grabbed one of my hands. I felt a huge wave of embarrassment and disgust because everybody could see it, and they were taking photos of us and posting them on their social media.

It wasn't long before Eros called my attention and winked at me. It was time. I stood up right beside him when he did. Apollo harshly frowned when my hand escaped from his reach. He sat up and grabbed my hand with brute force before I could escape again, but when he saw the gift box he calmed down and let me go.

I frowned at his reaction.

What he had told me in the limo, the brain transplant, the pet name he had given me, all those sick presents, and now that gesture. I had plenty of reasons to hate the man.

His so-called love for me crossed all ethical limits. It was a psychotic obsession that had put a blindfold over his eyes. I was sure he didn't realise the true colours of that kind of love if it deserved such a name. It felt more like a phobia related to the soreness of losing a beloved one. If he didn't take that blindfold off, that phobia would weigh too much for him to bear.

It would sink him into the depths of despair and destruction eventually, and I wouldn't be there to help him get out. No one would.

Eros and I went up the stairs to Mrs Nevermore while holding the gift box between the two of us, just like Eros wanted.

"What is it, Eros?" she asked a bit dumbfounded, her voice echoing in the nearby loudspeakers. "I'm right in the middle of my speech."

Eros got the mike for a moment and said:

"Today is my mother's birthday. She's forty-seven. I'm proud of her and her job, that's why we would love to give her this special present here, tonight."

The audience went all cheesy and cute with a sudden wave of 'aw's and clapping at us. The drones were busy getting everybody's reaction broadcast.

"Mom, open the box. We will hold it for you, don't worry," Eros said with a gentle smile. He adored her.

"Thank you, Eros and Daphne," Mrs Nevermore said with a broad smile while she opened the gift box. "Oh, what's this? A straw nest... and an... egg?"

A drone came closer to hover above us. The screen at the back of the stage automatically turned on to enable the audience to take a peek at the gift.

"Yes, a very special egg, mom," Eros replied with pride. "And it will hatch in just a few seconds. Would you like to try to guess which species it belongs to?"

"Oh, my! I don't know!" Mrs Nevermore was thrilled, softly clapping her hands full of joy and biting her lower lip with anticipation. "I'm... I'm so surprised I wouldn't know where to start!"

Everybody was expectant to see the egg hatch at any second. A silent kind of thrill ran through their veins, including mine even though I already knew it was a dodo, so much so that we didn't see it coming.

Her pearl necklace tightened around her porcelain neck. Then, a large knife pierced Mrs Nevermore's chest.

Eros and I could only stare at the tip of the blade facing us. The piercing movement had been so harsh that it stained Eros' white suit, my dress, my exposed arms and the dodo's box with blood.

Before we could even gasp, the necklace of shiny pearls that she was wearing broke and all the pearls fell on the floor of the stage. They clattered and scattered around while a baffled Eros took in the cruel sight of his mother getting murdered on that stage.

"Mom!" Eros yelled in panic. He let the box go, and I stood there, frozen, holding the box with the dodo's egg all by myself.

He hurried to her aid despite being too late. Mrs Nevermore's body had lost all strength and fell to the floor. Eros' breathing became ragged as he knelt right beside her mother's corpse, lying face down over the scattered pearls on the stage, eventually revealing the identity of her murderer to us.

Irina Peneus. My mother.

My eyes went wide and I stopped breathing.

A horde of heavily-armed androids came from backstage, rushed behind her, and jumped from the stage down below, hollering with rage.

To set a brutal carnage off. The worst I had ever seen until that day.

Hello, my sugar cubes!

This is heartbreaking, isn't it?
Wait for it to get even worse. 

Stay tuned to know more!

XOXO

MS