Prologue: An Extreme Situation

Mayara arrives five minutes early at the café described on Arthur's stained note, sitting at the table she reserved, waiting for him while he drinks his coffee. Arthur arrived on his Harley Davidson without making a fuss. He had a serious expression, Mayara thought, already guessing the content of the friendly conversation: Santiago. He was the subject to be discussed by the prince, who sat down at the table, snorting, looking her coldly in the eye and ordering coffee.

Mayara put her hand to her chin, thinking. Ever since Santiago publicly announced his treasure hunt challenge, people have been unable to think straight: 25% of Santiago's estimated fortune was transcribed into precious jewels hidden in the most unusual places, leaving people unable to decipher his plan, what this fortune hunt proposed by Santiago really represents

"Let me tell you something else", Arthur shouted " nobody knows the secrets, the stories about his "treasure". Apart from you! You're alike in everything.... you knew that, and it's disappointing, Mayara."

"You don't know anything or what Arthur says! I didn't betray you or anyone else! I just offered Santiago a shoulder to lean on! In exchange for that, I've been used by all of you in these insane games all these months."

Both of their moods were altered, and Mayara knew that her options were few because of her close relationship with Santiago and being his confidant in days gone by. Regarding the challenge proposed by Santiago, some were already planning what to do or say about how they would get or spend the money, and the truth was that this would ruin "diplomatic" relations even more.

Santiago was an eccentric multimillionaire, but this mask hid the facet of a criminal sociopath, and she didn't agree with that.

Arthur slammed his coffee cup down on the table, annoyed. the girl he had secretly been in love with for a long time was no longer the same girl he had met at the boarding school where he had studied. something had changed, but her naivety was evident. And she was hiding secrets, omitting the truth about the questions he was asking. He could no longer trust her like that, so he decided to confront her to get the truth out. He wasn't impressed by her nervousness, knowing the risks of her situation.

"What about it? "

Mayara took a deep breath with a spark of anger in her voice and then retorted:

" Look, I've been parachuted into this situation, okay? in the middle of it all, and you can't just accuse me... of anything."

A scandalous noise was soon heard, along with the chaos that broke out in the cafeteria and interrupted them, as people screamed and tried to protect themselves from the rain of shattered glass spreading everywhere. Mayara and Arthur quickly looked at each other and turned in the direction of the sound, looking back as black SUVs and armored sports cars approached, speeding up the enclosure.

From inside one of them, smiling very maliciously, Santiago Diaz emerged with guns and subordinates pointing randomly at people, causing the girl to freeze as she stood up. Santiago greets her:

" Mayara Angelina, Prince Arthur, good afternoon. I see your coffee was fun. I'm afraid I haven't introduced myself properly - Santiago made a feigned bow to them: " I'm Santiago Diaz, the bored creator of this fun treasure hunt. I'll explain what this challenge is all about..."

"the start of the race is very simple: you are already aware of the jewels scattered all over the country with random pieces of maps scattered in every corner. we will select from all the guests in this deadly situation only 6 people qualified to decipher. a beep and a screen were projected. " Some respectable local politicians have horrendous connections with the mafia. No one wants to be found out, right? it's up to you. whoever survives the twenty-one days of the treasure hunt without injury or accident takes it all. It's a risky but tempting game. The lives of your family depend on it. I advise you not to back out. There will be a contract soon after."

Mayara and Arthur looked at each other and swallowed.

"Santiago!", said Mayara . "This treasure hunt shouldn't have even begun..."

"It's just started, my beauty , I've already told you that when I go for something, I go all the way! Whether you like it or not, everyone is taking part..."

Santiago advanced in a threatening manner, causing Arthur and Mayara to back away;

" Everyone wants the money, Mayara. Everyone wants something. And me, I want something different". Santiago approaches Mayara, touches her hair. "I'm looking for entertainment, and above all.... revenge."

Both Arthur and Mayara froze under Santiago's gun, who was having fun studying their psyches.

" I see that you're quiet because of what I've said. But there's more; only one of you will go on to the next stage of the challenge: 250 million is good money. I know you think I'm crazy, but my craziness is going to make someone rich" . Santiago had a lunatic grin on his face ." who's going to win?"

Gripping the handle of the gun tightly, he saw Mayara make a brave reaction. She came at him while Arthur remained passive in the situation, when Santiago turned the gun on both of them and fired.

What's next?

Arthur falls to the ground in pain. Mayara advances on Santiago with red in her eyes, and is pushed by him, who laughs and turns back waving his hand.

'' All in good time. Your deadline will pass. What do you want to do?"

He wiggled his fingers and Mayara ran to try to help Arthur. He needed hospital, and she had to go after Santiago. Arthur asks her to call his father, while he is in Mayara's arms. Santiago laughs and gets into the car and drives off.

The police arrived shortly afterwards with the ambulance, already aware of what had happened. While they were being taken away, Mayara wondered what had led to all this, what was really going to stop Santiago.

When it was bad, the situation could get even worse. Nothing worse than a mafia family member being dangerous. All of that was in question. And it had started with other people's mistakes eighteen years ago.  How was that possible, Mayara told herself. It wasn't possible! Eighteen years before so much unthinking trouble. A war started by people's bad choices.  Santiago's gaze terrified her intensely, as if he had waited so long to put an end to it all... in the most vile and senseless of ways.

" Within a mafia family or clan, Mayara, we make vows and alliances and swear to keep secrets. You know that. Diego knew."

Mayara saw Arthur turn pale and confused at this. She felt no fear in the face of the foolish threats that man was making. It would never get to her.

For Mayara, that treasure hunt was the fruit of a mind sick with revenge for an evil perpetrated so many years ago. deadly situation are hard to  come  back.