Chapter 65: The Dawn Family (1/2)
Before V.I.R.A.L took the country of Victoria by storm, life was very different. After a devastating war 400 years ago the legendary heroes of old all but vanished, leaving in their wake chaos and tyranny. Two families ruled the country with an iron fist. The Dawn family and The Syndicate family. Both were all-powerful and manipulated and controlled the masses. This all changed when V.I.R.A.L was formed. The seven CEOs took down both families and took control of the country, bringing peace and security. This peace would last a while; however, rumours have begun to stir that the families are growing their numbers. A dark shadow casts itself over the capital of Victoria, which can only result in one goal. The destruction of V.I.R.A.L.
Scarlett stared blankly into the mirror as her personal maid was taking her measurements for the dress she was forced to wear. An elegant long black dress with a small red rose on her side. She had no real opinion on the look, choosing not to saying anything. Her maid tied up her hair into a bun as she stood back. ”You look beautiful Miss Dawn.”
Scarlett didn't respond to the compliment choosing to change the conversation instead entirely. ”Have my friends arrived?”
”Is that what you are calling them now? You have been with them for three weeks, and now you are casting them as your friends?”
”Have they?”
”Indeed, they have Miss Dawn; they arrived twenty minutes ago. I had them wait in the dining room for your arrival.”
”Thank you, Clara.” She replied, turning away from the mirror, looking at the dress from behind. ”Anything else?”
”Your father has requested your presence for a family meeting. It also seems he wants the boy and girl from your new team there.”
”Alton and Zinnia? For what reason might I ask?”
”He did not say. But for the whole family to be there, it has to be important.”
Scarlett gave a small nod as her maid left her be. Looking back in the mirror, she snarled at her appearance, pulling her hair down, staring at herself for a little while longer she took her handbag and stormed out the room. Walking down the stairs, she heard Zinnia loudly admiring the house. ”Alton, did you see that giant lion statue by the entrance?! I've never seen anything like it!”
”How could I miss it? You won't shut up about it…”
”I still can't believe Scarlett lives here. I knew she said her family was rich but holy Moley.”
”It sure gives the Montagues a run for their money.” Emil chuckles overlooking serval large portraits of the former chairman to the Dawn family. ”Well don't all these peeps look swell. The current head of the family is Jack Dawn. Bit of a basic name, yeah?”
Alton looked up at the portrait of a man with black hair and red eyes. He had a large scar over his face. ”This is probably Scarlett's father.”
”I can see it,” Gale whispered. ”They both share that same terrifying scowl.”
”Now, now. Be nice. We are guests here, remember.” Percy informed, sitting neatly on the sofa. ”But it makes you wonder what is taking Scarlett so long?!”
”So much for respect and being nice…”
Scarlett entered the room, getting everyone's attention. ”I humbly apologise for the wait. I hope you all feel welcome here.”
”Wow, Scarlett you look amazing in that dress.” Zinnia gloated.
Scarlett smiled bowing. ”Your kind words are appreciated Zinnia. While we wait for more information from V.I.R.A.L, you are more than welcome to stay here. Clara here will show you to your rooms.”
”Sweet, don't think I'll ever get the chance to live the high life again,” Percy spoke out loud this was met with Zinnia hitting him. ”Ow, what was that for?!”
”Before you all settle in, I must make a request. Alton and Zinnia, you have been summoned to a family meeting.”
Alton gave a confused look. ”Us? Why does your family want to meet us for?”
”I haven't the faintest idea. But it should be in your greatest interest to accept very few people are given an audience with the Dawn family.”
Zinnia also looked weary, but she grabbed Alton's arm nodding. ”We shall accept the invitation.”
”Splendid. The maids shall take you upstairs to change into something more. Appropriate.” She ordered bowing before escorting Zinnia off. As they walked through the vase corridors, she saw Zinnia in awe by the building. ”The Dawn family has had this building for generations spanning more than two hundred years. It is a great honour to be bestowed such a key part of our history.”
Zinnia giggled looking at all the paintings. ”I feel like a princess with my very own castle. I'm so jealous you get to live here Scarlett.”
”Come now; there is nothing to be jealous of, in my eyes I'd much rather prefer to live in the orphanage you stay at.”
Zinnia snorted, holding back her laughter. ”No you don't silly.” She was taken into a large room as Scarlett stood at the entrance bowing. ”I shall leave her in your hands. Zinnia, my maids shall pick out a dress for you. Do not take too long, please.”
Scarlett left Zinnia to her own as she wandered back down the corridor only to stop seeing Alton talking to her mother. She left as Scarlett marched over to him. ”Oh, Scarlett. I was just talking to your mother. You two look so alike it really threw me off.”
”What did she talk to you about?”
”Nothing much. She was just saying hello.” Alton shrugged off. He adjusted his collar smirking. ”I haven't worn a suit in quite a while. What do you think?”
Scarlett turned away, speaking in a dull tone. ”It will do.”
”Huh, I honestly half expected for you to tease me and such.”
”There will be no such banter today. The concept of this family meeting going well is all that is on my mind. It is essential you leave a good impression on my father—you alongside Zinnia. Therefore, when we enter, you only speak when spoken too. Allow me to muster up the conversation. Do you understand?”
”Your father sounds strict.”
”Strict is the last thing you have to worry about.”
”I've meant to ask for a while now. The Dawn family. Did they use to be a criminal organisation before V.I.R.A.L yeah? Like the mafia? Are they still in that business?”
”The truth of the matter is none of that is any of your business. My family is a respectable one who has only done well for the people of Victoria. Any sort of mishaps you have heard of in the past doesn't apply to us now.”
”Right, sorry.”
”Whatever. Not like I give two shits.” Scarlett snarled, biting her lip. ”What is taking Zinnia so long?”