Unveiling Shadows: Echoes of Vengeance, Ties of Betrayal

GIDEON

On the opposite side of Woodsford, in the vast military administrative headquarters, there was an eerie silence that pervaded the entire building.

Even though a mission had just been completed, there were still traces of fear and the taste of dismay that could be felt all around, and it was as unpleasant as the smell of rotten fruit.

The expressions of fear and disillusionment that were present on the faces of my men, as well as in their eyes, showed that a combination of the two emotions had taken hold.

The atmosphere had the appearance and sensation of being so dense that it could be touched directly. The air had become extremely thick.

To take a breath felt like pulling weights; to put it another way, it was as if you could literally feel the tension on it.

Already fifteen minutes had passed since I issued the order and called my men over to the field to line up in formation.

I was at a loss for the appropriate language to express my frustration over the fact that despite our best efforts, we were unable to complete the mission.

Everyone was aware that we had been unable to complete the mission, but it was a challenge to be the one to take charge and admit defeat in front of the group.

Before I spoke, I took a few deep breaths and looked around the playing field to compose myself. And when I finally felt like I was ready, I swallowed hard and started to talk.

I stood tall in front of them as I shouted, "My men, my great men," and then I began to march in a circle around them.

"Everyone is aware that we did everything in our power to make our mission a success, but alas, it still failed. Indeed! We are very close to being able to apprehend these nefarious members of the mafia and ensure that they are held accountable for any wrongdoing they have committed in our society –"

I was in deep anger, like I was about to begin to lose myself. I was beginning to become engulfed in such a great sense of frustration, overthinking, and dismay about the manner in which the mission had failed.

"The mafia groups… They are responsible for so many awful things that have happened in our society that had affected most of our lives! So heinous that only a wicked person could conceive of and carry it out!” I stated once more.

“But I wanted everyone to know that despite everything, it was still an honor to work with such a great, brave-hearted army and strong forces like you!”

"Those who are suffering right now in their beds and for those who are standing here, you are all great! You chose to continue on despite the fact that you could have been killed, shot, or injured. Therefore, I continue to feel a great deal of pride for everyone!” I continued.

“Prepare to brace yourself! As we would attempt once more very soon! The servants of justice shouldn't ever give up so easily! Never!"

“Never! Never!”

My heart was pounding so hard, and I had the distinct impression that I was going to pass out any second now. I had been doing everything in my power to maintain a level of professionalism throughout the situation.

I made a concerted effort to be attentive of keeping superfluous emotions at away, and to do it in a professional and courteous manner... This mission is still under my command, and I am the captain in charge.

As soon as I got back to my office, I started babbling my rants and frustrations.

"Bloody hell! Damn these mafias!" I didn't think twice before kicking my office chair and aggressively throwing everything that was on my desk, from pens to papers to my laptop. I didn't even stop to consider the consequences of my actions.

“Seriously?! This is not possible!" I exclaimed with a hiss. I was aware that my teeth and knuckles had already begun to clench, and I could feel my knuckles tightening.

Taking some long, slow breaths was no longer helpful. It wasn't just a wave of anger or disappointment about the mission; rather, it felt more like I was mourning for something else.

I could feel the fire in my heart. It yearned for fairness and justice in all aspects of life.

“Fuck!” I had the urge to scream, punch the wall, bang my head against something, or fire the gun at myself or at anybody else, just like someone who had lost their mind would do.

But like said… I couldn't, I couldn't do that here, and I couldn't just forget that I am still their captain.

More than that, I was a brother holding grudges, but I was still and should be a strong leader and role model to the army of men that I lead. I can't, I couldn't do that here. I couldn't just forget that I am still their captain.

Simply put, I was feeling extremely frustrated because this mission was not like any other mission; rather, it was a significant one, and we were so close to completing it.

I was so close to catching him, “That man!”

I was unable to put out of my mind the instance in which I came so close to physically possessing him. However, they claimed that nearly would never truly be enough, therefore it was still a failed one.

A failed one and a genuinely big punch of dismay, not just to my pride, but also to the justice that I've been pursuing for my sister, Gwyneth.