Pale Flesh

"I thought you had this handled," John says angrily, "I was so shocked to see him walk into the company like nothing happened. What are we going to do now? Aiden is a smart man. He will figure out my involvement in his situation eventually. That dude can be incredibly scary when he wants to be. So deal with this immediately or the deal is off." He snaps, slamming the phone down.

Willem was furious to hear John's words. He felt insulted and disrespected by this insignificant being, who had dared to speak to him in such a tone.

He clenched his teeth, and his eyes began to glow red. He felt his claws come out of his fingers, and he crushed his phone in his hand. He threw the broken phone on the floor, and growled.

He said to himself:

"John, you fool. You don't know what you've done. You don't know who you're dealing with. You don't know what I'm capable of."

He looked at the clock, and saw that it was almost midnight. He felt a surge of hunger, and a pang of pain. He knew that it was time for his hunt.

He decided to deal with John later. He had more urgent matters to attend to.

He got up from his seat, and walked towards the door.

He opened the door, and left the office.

He walked to the exit of the nightclub, where his car was waiting for him. He got in, and told the driver to take him to the outskirts of the city.

---

Aiden stepped out of his limousine, and felt a gust of wind blow his jet-black hair. He walked towards the Stitchery, a shop for elites that stood out among the other buildings in the heart of Aravon. The shop had a long history, dating back to the 19th century. It had served many famous and influential people, from politicians to celebrities. It had a reputation for making the finest and most exquisite suits in pandora.

The shop had a classic and elegant design, with a large glass window that displayed some of the latest models and trends. The door had a brass sign that read "The Stitchery - Hugo Schneider, Master Tailor". The shop smelled like fresh fabric and leather, mixed with a hint of Hugo's signature cologne. The shop was always quiet and cozy, with soft music playing in the background.

Aiden was a regular customer of the Stitchery, and he always received the best service and attention. He was always attended to by Hugo Schneider himself, a 70+ year old man who was still the best at what he did. He was a master tailor, who knew Aiden's measurements and preferences. He was also a friend, who had seen Aiden grow from a young boy to a successful man.

Aiden entered the shop, and was greeted by a bell and a smile. Hugo Schneider came to welcome him, and said:

"Mr. Knight, what a pleasure to see you. I'm glad you're here."

He looked at Aiden's attire, and his smile turned into a shock. He saw that Aiden was wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, instead of his usual suit and tie. He said:

"Mr. Knight, what are you wearing? Is this some kind of joke?"

Aiden smiled awkwardly, and said:

"I'm sorry, I had an accident with my suit. I need a new one as soon as possible."

He thought in his mind: "How do I explain this to Hugo? He must think I've gone crazy." He hoped he didn't notice the blood stain on his sweatshirt, or the bullet hole on his shoulder.

Hugo Schneider nodded his head, and said:

"Of course, Mr. Knight. I'll make you a new suit right away. Come with me to the fitting room."

He led Aiden to the fitting room, where he had all his tools and materials ready. He asked Aiden to take off his clothes, and put on a robe. He took out his measuring tape, and began to take Aiden's measurements.

He noticed that Aiden had changed since the last time he saw him. He had grown taller, leaner, paler, darker, and more handsome. His eyes had a hint of red in them, a sign of something else.

He commented on the changes in Aiden's physique, and said:

"Mr. Knight, you look different. You've changed a lot since the last time I saw you."

Aiden nodded his head, and said:

"Yes, I've been through some changes lately. Some good, some bad."

Hugo Schneider finished taking Aiden's measurements, and said:

"Alright, Mr. Knight. I have your measurements. Making your new suit will be an honor."

He smiled warmly at Aiden, and said:

"You know, Mr. Knight, I still remember the first time I met you. You were a young boy who wanted his first hand made suit for a meeting with investors. You had such ambition and passion in your eyes."

Aiden smiled back at him, and said:

"Thank you, Hugo. You've always been a great tailor, and a great friend. You've made me many suits, and I've always been satisfied with them."

He felt a surge of gratitude and affection for Hugo, who had been with him through thick and thin. He remembered how Hugo had supported him when he started ExoTech, how he had advised him when he faced challenges and difficulties, how he had celebrated with him when he achieved success and fame.

He also remembered how Hugo had comforted him when he lost his parents in a car accident, how he had encouraged him when he broke up with his girlfriend, how he had protected him when he was attacked by his enemies and rivals.

He said to Hugo:

"Hugo, you're more than just a tailor to me. You're like a father to me. I don't know what I would do without you."

Hugo Schneider beamed, and said:

"That's very kind of you to say, Mr. Knight. I'm glad you like my work. It's always a pleasure to make suits for you."

He took out a fabric sample, and showed it to Aiden. He said:

"Now, let's talk about your new suit. What color do you prefer?"

"Red" Aiden said.

It was a color that he chose instinctively.

"Red is a bold and powerful color, Mr. Knight. It suits your personality and your status. It also matches your eyes, which have a hint of red in them." Hugo said

"I have a fabric sample here that is a deep and rich red, with a subtle pattern and texture. It is made of the finest wool, and it is very soft and smooth. It is also very durable and resistant to stains and wrinkles."

Hugo goes to shelve and returns with a fabric in hand.

"Do you like this fabric, Mr. Knight? Do you want me to make your new suit with this fabric?"

Aiden looked at the fabric sample, and felt a strange attraction to it. He liked the color, the pattern, the texture. He felt like it was made for him.

He said to Hugo:

"Yes, I like this fabric. I want you to make my new suit with this fabric."

Hugo Schneider nodded his head, and said:

"Very well, Mr. Knight. I will make your new suit with this fabric. It will be a stunning and elegant suit, that will make you stand out from the crowd."

He smiled proudly at Aiden, and said:

"It will take me a few days to finish your suit, Mr. Knight. I will work on it with care and precision, and I will deliver it to you as soon as possible."

He looked at Aiden with curiosity and concern, and said:

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Knight? Do you have any questions or requests for me?"

Aiden shook his head, and said:

"No, thank you. You've done enough for me."

He thought in his mind: "I have to go now. I have to prepare for my next hunt. I have to face my enemies and rivals. I have to deal with the voice in my head."

He said to Hugo:

"Thank you for everything, Hugo. You're the best."

He hugged Hugo, and left the shop.

Hugo Schneider watched him go, and wondered what was going on with him.

He said to himself:

"Mr. Knight, you're a mystery to me."