The Killer

AYSU

Aysu’s chest tightened at the mention of that name. The hands she kept on the table curled into fists while she tried to ensure her emotions remained in check. For all she knew, it could be another Magnetino.

“What do we have about the victim? How long ago was the murder?” The man speaking earlier took over while Ximun briefly faced Aysu, concern all over his face.

“Barely a few minutes ago. The kitchen is usually quieter around this time of the day. And it seems Magnetino was the uhm… Luna Queen’s help.”

That response crushed Aysu’s soul. Her head lowered immediately and within seconds, everything became blurry and distant, all she could think of was Magnetino, the he-wolf that kept her company in a way she never knew someone could. Ever since they met, though as Queen-to-be and a help, Aysu grew more fond of him. And at some point, she determined to stay in that friendship for as long as possible.

But, because some fool chose to end his life, Magnetino can never be her friend anymore. As Aysu silently mourned, it occurred to her that Magnetino might have been a victim of a thrill kill. And going by the details in the books and documentaries she often saw about serial killers, it was very likely that the killer was around, lurking to watch the kind of mess his recent kill would produce.

That little thought caused Aysu to jump to her feet. Her movement startled the men who halted their discussion and faced her.

After seconds of silence, she said, “The murder is still fresh, isn’t it?”

The man who rushed to tell the news nodded. “Yes, it is.”

“The scene remains untouched?”

He hesitated before responding. Within those few seconds, he looked across the room as though asking someone for permission to speak. “It uh… It does.”

“Let’s lay a trap.”

Ximun butted in. “Aysu, what are you talking about?”

“There is a great chance that the killer is still around so-”

“I am sorry to interrupt Your Highness,” the he-wolf leading the meeting earlier took over her words, “but we have done more than laying traps for this culprit.”

“Did you lay the traps hours after the murder?”

The man hesitated, an indication that he was about to tell a little lie. “In most cases, yes. Each time we did that, we were always discreet and each plan was good enough to capture the wildest animal.”

His response heightened Aysu’s determination to make the thoughts in her head work. “Right now, we are barely minutes away from the murder time. There is a huge chance the killer is watching from a distance.”

“Why would they do that?”

“To create a show that will entertain them. As much as they love murder, some of them enjoy watching the deaths they cause throw other people into jeopardy. So, if something goes wrong with that show, there is a chance they will slip and reveal who they are in a careless way.”

“That makes sense,” Ximun supported Aysu. “How do you suggest we go about this plan?”

“Let’s create a lie.”

“A lie?”

The leader of the meeting joined the discussion again. “We have to make him believe that the victim is not dead yet.”

“It will really bother the culprit. Most of them can’t stand it if their crime isn’t perfect. So,” Aysu straightened her leaned posture to face the man at the entrance, “are there security cameras in the kitchen?”

“There are a few in strategic places. Thankfully the murder scene is not a blind spot.”

Aysu sighed. “This person is gutsy. Alright,” she faced the room again, “if two men in this room could help create the false narration, the killer would believe us better. All we have to do is find a way to clean up the murder scene to some extent, and then we make it seem as though Mag… as though the victim isn’t dead.”

“How many people are aware of this incident?” Ximun asked.

“Barely up to ten people. And they are all high-level palace helpers that have proven their loyalty.”

“Alright then.” Ximun faced Aysu. “Your plan is risky but workable. Let’s just get some details right in t he next few seconds. Then we’ll reach out to one or two people who will help capture the killer.

And,” he beckoned to the he-wolf who was still standing at the entrance with firmness, “we have to take care of the scene to the best of our ability. Before we do that, get some pictures of the original scene taken and have our secretary draft a letter that we’ll submit to the court before any issue arises.”

“I’m on it, Your Majesty,” the man curtly replied and soon, he was out of that room.

“Okay, everyone. Aysu’s plan is going to help us greatly,” Ximun addressed the room. “Let’s now come together and put an end to the menace that has haunted our pack for months.”

“Okay.” Aysu released a massive breath and at the same time, she slumped into her seat.

“Are you going to be fine?” Ximun leaned closer and asked with a slightly hushed tone. “Magnetino was-”

“I know. It sucks a lot. But, let’s catch his killer first.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Aysu nodded in determination. “Let’s hurt this person’s ego.”

A few minutes later, Aysu’s idea became a more concrete plan and without wasting time, the two men that were going to lay a bait that the killer would hopefully bite left the room.

And according to their plan, Aysu and Ximun approached a secret door which was going to lead them to a vital location in the kitchen.

It was from that position that they would observe the killer’s movement should he or she show up. Opposite that location was another key point where Zion and another guard would stay.

At the same time, the remaining members in that room will be with security personnel, observing the moment through the screens.

“I hope he shows up,” Aysu whispered when Ximun quietly announced that they were closer to their designated position. At that point, it was hoped that the bait would have been laid.

“He will. Your logic is one that we have lacked for months.”

“I think the advantage was the timing of the man that announced the murder. My plan would be useless if it had been reported hours later.”

Ximun hugged her closer. “It will work out fine.”

After that, nothing was said and all that was embedded in Aysu’s thoughts was how she wished to avenge Magnetino’s death as well as the souls of the many wolves the killer must have ended.

Soon, Ximun and Aysu were in position. And they waited for what seemed like minutes.

Aysu was about to feel a little dampening in her soul but when some very particular slow strides walked into the room, that feeling disappeared.

Aysu watched as a heavily hooded person paraded that empty area which was reportedly stained with heavy blood earlier. It was quite impressive that the palace helpers were able to get rid of so much blood within minutes.

A grunt followed the depressing footsteps of the killer and the moment they turned their back to Aysu and Ximun, Zion and the guard with him sprang into action and attacked the person without holding back.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t extremely difficult to get the person on their knees. So, Aysu and Ximun stepped out while Zion pulled off the hood over the person’s head.

“How-” Aysu’s incoming words were instantly stuck in her throat while her forehead creased deeply at the sight of the culprit, and while her chest squeezed with the greatest pain. Aysu’s eyes twitched many times before she could get her words together. “How are you here?”

“Aysu,” Ximun tried to pull her back.

But she resisted his grip and moved closer to the culprit. With confusion in her eyes, she locked gazes with the person on their knees. “Dad, why are you here?”