Introduction
Share the book to
About Author
avastwrite5
Chapter 1
The morning light streaming through the tall windows of Meridian Gallery made everything look perfect. I stood in the center of my domain, coffee in hand, watching dust particles dance in the golden beams. After fifteen years in the art world, I still got that little thrill seeing my gallery like this—quiet, elegant, waiting for the day to begin.
"Elena, the Times critic is here early," Thomas called from the front desk. My assistant's voice carried that nervous edge it always got when important visitors arrived unannounced.
I smoothed my black blazer and walked toward the entrance. Margaret Chen from the New York Times stood studying our featured piece—a haunting oil painting of Ophelia drowning, her pale dress billowing in dark water. The artist had captured Shakespeare's doomed character with such raw emotion that viewers often stopped mid-sentence when they first saw it.
"Ms. Chen, what a pleasant surprise," I said, extending my hand. "I didn't expect you until this afternoon."
"I wanted to see the collection without the opening night crowd," she replied, her sharp eyes never leaving the painting. "This piece is quite... intense. Tell me about your curatorial choices for this exhibition."
I moved to stand beside her, seeing the painting through fresh eyes. "Classical themes of tragedy and beauty have always fascinated collectors. There's something about these timeless stories that speaks to our deepest emotions. This particular piece explores the thin line between despair and transcendence."
"And you're not concerned about the subject matter? Given recent events in the news?"
I frowned. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"The Canvas Killer case. Surely you've been following it? The FBI released new details yesterday about how the killer poses his victims to recreate famous paintings. Some people might find it unsettling to see tragic classical scenes right now."
My stomach tightened. I'd been so focused on preparing for the exhibition that I'd barely glanced at the news lately. "I don't see any connection between celebrating classical art and some madman's twisted crimes. Art shouldn't be censored because evil people exist."
Margaret nodded thoughtfully, making notes in her phone. "Of course. Can you tell me about this Rothschild piece in the corner? The documentation says it's on loan from a private collector."
I led her to the smaller canvas—a dark painting of Judith holding Holofernes' severed head, her expression both triumphant and haunted. "Dr. Julian Rothschild has been my mentor since graduate school. He has an extraordinary eye for finding these hidden masterpieces. This piece was recently authenticated as being from the workshop of Artemisia Gentileschi."
"Rothschild... the name sounds familiar."
"He's written several books on classical mythology in Renaissance art. Brilliant man. He's been like a father to me since I started in this business."
We spent another twenty minutes discussing the exhibition. Margaret asked thoughtful questions about each piece, and I found myself relaxing into the familiar rhythm of talking about what I loved most. When she left, promising a positive review, I felt that familiar surge of satisfaction. Another successful show, another step forward in building my reputation.
Thomas appeared at my elbow with a stack of messages. "Dr. Rothschild called twice this morning. He sounds excited about something. Also, that Russian collector, Natasha Volkov, wants to schedule another appointment. She's very interested in acquiring more pieces with mythological death scenes."
"Good. Schedule her for next week. And call Dr. Rothschild back—tell him I can meet him for lunch if he's free."
The rest of the morning flew by in a blur of client calls and paperwork. I was reviewing insurance documents when Thomas knocked on my office door, looking pale.
"Elena, you need to see the news."
He held out his tablet, and I found myself staring at a headline that made my blood run cold: "Canvas Killer Claims Fifth Victim—FBI Releases Crime Scene Details." Below the headline was a photograph that stopped my breath entirely.
The victim, a young woman with dark hair, had been posed exactly like the Ophelia painting hanging in my gallery. Every detail was perfect—the flowing dress, the flowers scattered in her hair, even her peaceful expression. It was as if someone had used our featured piece as a blueprint for murder.
"My God," I whispered, sinking into my chair.
"There's more," Thomas said quietly. He scrolled down to show additional photos. "The article mentions that investigators are looking into connections between the crime scenes and known artworks. They think the killer might be getting inspiration from gallery exhibitions."
My hands were shaking as I read the article. The FBI was asking the public to report any suspicious interest in classical paintings depicting death or tragedy. They wanted to hear from gallery owners, museum curators, anyone who dealt with this type of art.
"This is just a coincidence," I said, more to myself than to Thomas. "Millions of people know that painting. It's been reproduced in art books for centuries."
But even as I said the words, I felt a chill running down my spine. The resemblance was too perfect, too exact. Someone had studied our painting very carefully to recreate it so precisely.
My phone rang, startling me. Dr. Rothschild's name appeared on the screen.
"Elena, my dear, have you seen the news?" His familiar voice was filled with concern. "I'm worried about you. This terrible business with that madman copying classical paintings—people might get the wrong idea about your gallery."
"Julian, I just saw it. What should I do?"
"Stay calm. This has nothing to do with you or your work. Art has always been copied by disturbed individuals. Remember when that man in Europe was imitating Van Gogh? These things pass. Don't let fear destroy what you've built."
His steady voice helped calm my racing heart. Julian had guided me through every major decision in my career. If he wasn't worried, maybe I was overreacting.
"You're right. It's just shocking to see something so close to our exhibition."
"I'll come by this afternoon. We should discuss whether to make any changes to the show, just to be safe. In the meantime, don't talk to any reporters about this. Let me handle any inquiries."
After hanging up, I sat staring out the window at the busy Manhattan street. People walked by, going about their normal lives, unaware that somewhere in this city, a killer was using classical art as inspiration for murder.
I had no idea that my name was already on an FBI list.
Latest Chapters
#52 Chapter 52: The Mission
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 01:40#51 Chapter 51: The Network
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 01:40#50 Chapter 50: The Warning Signs
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 02:00#49 Chapter 49: The Lesson
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 02:00#48 Chapter 48: The Aftermath
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 02:00#47 Chapter 47: The stance
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 01:55#46 Chapter 46: The Choice
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 02:10#45 Chapter 45: The Network
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 02:00#44 Chapter 44: The Escape
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 02:05#43 Chapter 43: The Test
Last Updated: 09/26/2025 02:00
Comments
You Might Like 😍
The Matchmaker
No one escapes the Matchmaker unscathed. The process is simple—each participant is paired with a supernatural being, often sealing their fate with blood. Death is the most common outcome, and Saphira expects nothing less. But when the impossible happens, she is matched with a creature so legendary, so powerful, that even the bravest tremble at its name—a royal dragon.
Now bound to an ancient force of destruction, Saphira finds herself among the royal pack. With them, she navigates a world of power, deception, and destiny. As she walks this new path, familiar faces resurface, bringing long-buried secrets to light. Her heritage—once a mystery—begins to unravel, revealing a truth that may change everything.
The Shadow Of A Luna
Everyone looked in that direction and there was a man standing there that I had never noticed before. He would have been in his early 20's, brown hair to his shoulders, a brown goatee, 6-foot 6 at least and very defined muscles that were now tense as his intense gaze was staring directly at me and Mason.
But I didn't know who he was. I was frozen in the spot and this man was just staring at us with pure hatred in his eyes. But then I realized that the hatred was for Mason. Not me.
"Mine." He demanded.
Letting Go
That fateful night leads to Molly and her best friend Tom holding a secret close to their hearts but keeping this secret could also mean destroying any chance of a new future for Molly.
When Tom's oldest brother Christian meets Molly his dislike for her is instant and he puts little effort into hiding it. The problem is he's attracted to her just as much as he dislikes her and staying away from her starts to become a battle, a battle that he's not sure he can win.
When Molly's secret is revealed and she’s forced to face the pain from her past can she find the strength to stay and work through the pain or will she run away from everything she knows including the one man who gives her hope for a happy future? Hope that she never thought she would feel again.
Crossing the lines ( Sleeping with my Best friends)
get together with the rest of our college friends,led me to reveal some of my secrets. And some of theirs. From being accused by friends I gave up. Little did I know the get together was just a ruse for them to get back into my life and they were playing the long game, making sure I belonged to them and them only.
Dean's POV : The minute we I opened the door and saw her ,so beautiful, I knew it was either going to go our way or she ran. We fell in love with her at Eighteen,she was seventeen and off limits,she saw us as brother so we waited, when she disappeared we let her ,she thought we had no idea where she was ,she as absolutely fucking wrong. We watch her every move and knew how to make her cave to our wishes.
Aleck's POV : Little Layla had become so fucking beautiful, Dean and I decided she would be ours. She walked around the island unaware if what was coming her way.one way or the other Our best friend would end up under us in our bed and she would ask for it too.
Alpha's White Lie
When a new guy moves into the empty apartment across the hall, Rosalie Peters finds herself lured towards the hunky man. Blake Cooper is a very hot, successful, and wealthy businessman with a life built on a little white lie.
Rosy’s life, on the other hand, is full of mystery. She’s hiding a secret that would tear apart love and friendship.
As the secrets in Rosy’s life start to unfold, she finds herself seeking refuge with Blake.
What Rosy didn’t anticipate was Blake’s admiration for her was so much more than just love; It was supernatural.
Life for Rosy changes when she discovers that Blake’s biggest secret was animalistic and so much bigger than hers!
Will Blake’s white lies make or break his relationship with Rosy?
How will Rosy adjust to all the secrets that throw her life into chaos?
And what will happen when Blake’s twin brother, Max, comes forward to claim his twin bond with Rosy’s?!
Bribing The Billionaire's Revenge
Her life is perfect until her glass castle crashes down. Her husband admits to infidelity with none other than her own sister and there is a child coming. Liesl decides the best way to mend her shattered heart is by destroying the one thing he holds more important than anything else: his career.
Isaias Machado is a billionaire first generation American he knows the value of hard work and doing what it takes to survive. His entire life has been geared to the moment he can take the McGrath company away from the corrupted men who once left his family homeless.
When Liesl McGrath approaches the billionaire to bribe him with information set to ruin her ex-husband, Isaias Machado is chomping at the bit to take everything the McGrath’s prize including Liesl.
A story of love, revenge and healing needs to start somewhere and Liesl’s pain is the catalyst to the wildest rollercoaster ride of her life. Let the bribery begin.
The Rejected Luna: From Outcast to Alpha Queen
Then she came back.
Layla—my pure-blooded half-sister with her perfect smile and poison tongue. Within days of her return from Europe, Paxton was ready to throw me away like yesterday's news.
"I want to sever our bond, Freya. Lyra is my true mate."
Wrong move, Alpha.
He thinks I'm just another submissive mate who'll quietly disappear. He's forgotten I'm a mixed-blood Alpha who's been playing nice for far too long. While he's busy playing house with my backstabbing sister, Lucas Morgan—the most dangerous Alpha in the territory—is making me an offer I can't refuse.
Paxton wants to discard me? Fine.
But he's about to learn that some women don't just walk away—they burn everything down on their way out.
I'm done being the good girl. Done being the perfect mate. Done hiding what I really am.
The mafia princess return
Ever After Awaits
There’s the charming stranger from a chance encounter, the one she never expected to see again—but fate clearly has other plans. The sweet barista at her campus coffee shop, whose smile feels like home. Her stepbrother, who makes no secret of his disdain but hides more than he lets on. And then there’s the childhood friend who’s suddenly back, stirring up memories she thought were long gone.
Navigating love, tension, and unspoken truths, she’ll learn that sometimes happily ever after isn’t a destination—it’s a journey filled with surprises.
Claimed by My Bully Alpha
Suddenly, the boy who used to be her tormentor had turned into her protector, attracting the attention of not only other allies, but jealous classmates that want her gone forever. But how can she accept the fact that the boy who had tormented her all through high school was suddenly obsessed with her? Will she give love a chance or will she end up just like her mother, broken and destroyed and six feet under.
“Burn those who burned me!”
Burn those who burned me is an anthology book circulated on truth; justice; and REVENGE!
Story #1 The Ballad of Rabena Price.
Story #2 The rebirth of Clara Granger
Story #3 The violin of Graceland Teague
Story #4 The list for Josie Taylor
Story #5 COMING SOON!
Mated by Contract to the Alpha
William—my devastatingly handsome, wealthy werewolf fiancé destined to become Delta—was supposed to be mine forever. After five years together, I was ready to walk down the aisle and claim my happily ever after.
Instead, I found him with her. And their son.
Betrayed, jobless, and drowning in my father's medical bills, I hit rock bottom harder than I ever imagined possible. Just when I thought I'd lost everything, salvation came in the form of the most dangerous man I'd ever encountered.
Damien Sterling—future Alpha of the Silver Moon Shadow Pack and ruthless CEO of Sterling Group—slid a contract across his desk with predatory grace.
“Sign this, little doe, and I'll give you everything your heart desires. Wealth. Power. Revenge. But understand this—the moment you put pen to paper, you become mine. Body, soul, and everything in between.”
I should have run. Instead, I signed my name and sealed my fate.
Now I belong to the Alpha. And he's about to show me just how wild love can be.
About Author
avastwrite5
Download AnyStories App to discover more Fantasy Stories.
