"What in fuckin' hell is going on?!" A masculine voice echoed in the hall, old, hoarse, and authoritative, all eyes aimed at the long stairs to the upper floor of the brothel. A man of grayish hair, wine-colored clothes made of expensive patterns and fabric, his facial features soon determined he was in his mid 40's, robust, with a strong jaw and severe blue eyes. A well-defined circle formed around Esther as if there was an invisible barrier around her, the crowd wouldn't dare touch her, moving around as what the girl could assume was the owner, descended the stair and slowly approach her. His steps were heavy, but the aura around that man was heavier, the fear he inflicted on the clients and prostitutes was palpable.

Esther wrapped her arms around herself in hopes to find comfort, but her wide eyes and agape mouth evidenced her awe. The gray man was but a few feet away from her, his head aimed down on the little girl before him - "I know you." He murmured, his tone was low and calm, but his words struck Esther's heart like a dagger.

"You do?" She let out, surprised. "You're Abron's kid." The man added. A few "ohs" and "ahs" could be heard from the small crowd, and others simply share puzzled looks on the man's remark. Suddenly the brunette that chased Esther rushed to the man's side, placing her hands on his arms like a damsel in distress - "I didn't let her in, ! I swear on my life! The brat pushed and jumped like a wild animal to get in! Milly and I were trying to catch her but-..." raised his arm, his big hand moved haltingly to reach Esther, her eyes shut in fear and she flinched, he caught her chin and pulled her close so he could inspect her face. The brunette ranted for a few minutes before interrupted her - "Did you do this?" He inquired, showing a scratch on Esther's face, it was red, only a few droplets of blood upon its surface - "Wha-What, no! I just told you she began to run around like an animal! Breaking everything!" "I heard that already godamnit! Get the fucking clients out of here!" The woman didn't question, she turned her heels and along with other girls began to scatter and take clients to their rooms, dispersing the crowd around them. let go of the girl and adjusted his posture - "You caused quite a commotion girl, I'll take you back to..." "I'm not going anywhere until I see Cyprian." She argued, quickly changing her tone as she stiffen her body, hands balled into fists as she glared at , who was more annoyed than surprised. "You're in no position to ask anything Wieliczka." "I'm not asking. If you take me I'll come back, again, again and again until I see Cyprian." The young one crossed her arms - "I didn't go this far to just turn around. I want to see Cyprian!" Spoiled. Was the only thing that came to Alonso's mind, he pressed the bridge of his nose while letting out a frustrated grunt, the man pondered on his options and concluded that if he could only end this situation without any more repercussions one way. He grabbed Esther by her arm firmly and "guided" her to the upper level, the stair held a beautiful dark caramel hue, but the steps were wide, plus the rush Alonso had in taking the girl almost made her trip on the way up. After charging past various doors, some even a mid-open, which provided a view Esther was not quite ready to see nor comprehend completely, Alonso stopped when they reached the last door of the corridor, a sizeable reinforced wooden door, he took a set of keys from his hip, placing the only copper-ish key on its lock, two twists, and finally opening the door, inside was a big office. Filled with bookshelves, paintings or various sizes but all quite elegant, a large strong wooden table filled with books and archives, a small strongbox, ink, and three turquoise pens, chairs, a fireplace, and candlelights on all the right spots, at its center was what Esther was looking for. Cyprian Wiley, playing with a fake sword while open books scattered around him. "Esther!? What are you doing here?" Cyprian exclaimed as he stood up, Esther was quick to get lose from Alonso's grip on her arm, and in seconds the boy's body was almost crushed by Esther's joyous embrace, she hugged the boy as if he haven't seen him for years. "You stupid…STUPID! I thought you were dead or something!" "Esther! Stop! You're killing me!" He gasped, the girl let go of him but rested her hands on his shoulders - "We looked for you everywhere! I didn't know where you lived but…! Why you didn't say anything?!" Cyprian was appalled by her friend's desperate concern, he looked over his shoulder as he perceived his father's gaze, he was not pleased, then turned back to Esther. "I'm grounded. My dad doesn't want me to play around anymore…I'm-..." "That's enough." Alonso snapped, approaching the duo - "I kept my part Wieliczka, it's time to go." Esther would dare extend her visit much longer, she knew she had broken enough rules and stressed the man's patience to its limit, she takes one last look at her friend, taking his hand as the wailed softly - "Will you send me a letter at least? I-I'll be waiting for you, alright?" Cyprian felt trapped, a heavy sensation formed in his chest, sinking him down into reality, after 3 years of their friendship only now he could see how he meant to her, his lips went dry, he squeezed her hand - "Alright." And just like that, Esther could feel a hand sneaking upon her shoulder, pulling with a strong grip, hauling her from Cyprian as he takes her from the room. Esther would look over her shoulder as Cyprian stood in the same spot like a statue, a castaway watching a ship fade into the horizon. And hopes ceased the moment the door finally closed.