The Traps of Black Swan

As soon as Aarvi heard Zain who usually stays silent every time over her missions, and her team member's panicked voice uttered Leon's active changing positions, she knew she was in danger. 

Aarvi could hear the quick breaths of many over the call who wanted nothing but her safety. 

Life sure is weird. She was naive and simple, she got the people who didn't care about her. Now, all of them know she is sinister yet they wanted to see her safe.

Her team members were also amazed by looking at Leon who seemed like he was going crazy and was actually so smart to find the trick when they felt their eyes still swirl at the mirrors. Now they understand why Aarvi keeps her guards so high when they are against Leon Harmon.

Instead of doing what others were expecting, Aarvi chuckled, "Catch me if you can." She provoked Leon and walked to the center of the hall as though she was walking on a ramp. 

Her confidence and composure didn't waver a bit.

While playing Leon, Aarvi purposefully didn't step in the center spot of the hall of mirrors. The mirrors in the center could create the most distorting reflection.

Zain let out a light chuckle calming his nerves when Leon ran into the mirror wall. 

'Ugh, it must have hurt terribly.' Many thought when Leon was seeing stars above his head stumbling on his feet to balance himself.

Zain realized his over-smart Pumpkin was purposefully going clock and anticlockwise in the hall hence Leon only knew B and C passageways whereas Leon didn't know the reflection angles changed once she entered the center of the hall.

Leon didn't give up and tried to focus. But before he could pass a passageway, one last time Aarvi slammed the iron rod on his stomach and lurked behind the mirrors.

Leon crouched as he held his perfectly sculpted abs on his shirt and let out a groan in agony. The pain was excruciating so he could guess the force she used, nevertheless, he also knew it wasn't even ten percent of the pain Ava Kelly went through.

'My Pumpkin is savage.' Zain could make out she vented a little of her irritation.

She announced tossing the iron rod, "It's my game, Leon Harmon and you lost." Her win wasn't important unless he lost it.

She effortlessly exited the storage room ticking her checklist.

Confirming Leon about her existence - Check.

Playing Leon's mind - Check.

Making him face the failure - Check.

Inflict some pain - Check.

Be unharmed - Check.

Undisturbing the engagement - Yet to be checked.

A new mission added - What actually triggered Leon? Finding Leon's mysterious weakness.

Leon felt the iron pole roll over next to his feet. Breathing uncomfortable, he grabbed it and hit the mirror wall. Leon noticed the light entering while she was stepping out, "Ava Kelly…" 

'Tal ~sh' Added with his words, the mirror broke and collapsed on the floor.

Aarvi's team members gasped because one needs to use a lot of strength to break that mirror wall.

Leon who felt each step unbearable bumped into the mirror so he started breaking each mirror that came in his way.

Some sharp pieces cut his shirt and some pierced his skin but he walked like they weren't painful.

How can he feel the physical pain when 'Ava Kelly' ignited the fire in him that was flaming him?

---

Aarvi who exited the hall of mirrors started seeing herself everywhere. Her mind wasn't adjusting to normal and her dizziness was making her sickly.

[Pumpkin?]

[Boss?]

"Ms. Evans, shall we help you?" Alex asked, seeing her lean on the wall, shaking her head.

Aarvi knew she needed rest else it would be hard to recover from the images of her moving between mirrors. She long back knew the effects of playing in the hall of mirrors but she didn't expect them to be so hard.

Waving her hand off, "I am alright." She responded to all.

She didn't give in to her frailty. If she could manage inside for so long, she didn't want to fall weak after it. 

If Leon had followed her out, wouldn't she have tried to escape him? So why not a few more minutes?

Holding the wall for support, she walked frowning her brows, blinking her eyes to get adjusted out of the mirror room.

[Pumpkin, you need to rest.] Zain plainly said.

He knew she hadn't slept half of the night, her vigorous demanding brain workout made her body vulnerable. He didn't know if he should scold her for pushing herself inside the hall so much or be proud of her.

Aarvi hummed with a smile on her face. Zain always watches in silence and hangs up the call, to wait for her call after she settles down, it was the first time he couldn't hold himself but speak.

Exiting the lobby, Aarvi felt her head spin due to loud music in the hall. The music had started for the entry of Sean and Sara and colorful lights hurt her strained eyes.

The typical Sean's style, loud and flamboyant.

From her position, she could see Sean dancing to the music and enjoying it with his friends. Although one could easily say he is still young looking at his yet to be matured face, he gave justice to the three-piece suit he was wearing.

Instead of suaveness, he was dashing in the formal grey suit that perfectly fitted his slim physique. He had matched with a white shirt that supported his black plain tie. Wrapped in the double-breasted vest and blazer, he did look like the youngest handsome groom of Mocon.

Many in the hall still couldn't believe the spoiled prince of the Mocon is getting married at such a young age. Disbelief was written on many girls' faces while they stared at a lady who gracefully danced to the music.

Sara Dawson was really cute by appearance. In the insanely inexpensive gorgeous grey color couture gown, she didn't fail to garner the eyes of most of the people in the hall. Not everyone was interested in her but in her dress.

Sara was wearing the off-the-shoulder gown that had a dramatic huge tulle flower at her waist with a cloth falling like spiral leaves. One side of her shoulder was designed like a flower petal giving a dreamy look to her small face.

The specialty of the dress was, it had used the real gemstone red zircon all over the dress. The gemstone was designed like a red flower for the new beginning and the embroidery of leaves held the diamonds to indicate happy life. 

Aarvi had heard the dress itself cost a few million excluding the Zircon diamond choker and earring.

Aarvi realized why Sean was in a formal suit. It was obvious Sara made him wear the suit of her choice.

Nonetheless, Aarvi was neither entertained by what she glanced at nor by the hyped-up vibe of the hall. She craved for, "Aaron." She mumbled, taking a step back due to a throbbing headache and dizziness. 

She wanted to ask Alex for her wallet to fetch her mobile or ask her team to connect Aaron to the call. Before she could utter a word, a dark olive green blazer hung on her bare shoulders, and an arm securely wrapped around her from behind leaning her on him.

Aarvi smiled knowing Aaron was still waiting for her. She was content for having him right behind her to lean on, just like every time.

Breathing out slowly, she turned to him and softly stated, "Let me look at you and cure my dizziness."

Zain, her team, and the Shadow team: "..."

One by one all hung up the call before she could shove more dog food.