CHAINS OF THE HEART

As the last wisps of winter's chill clung to the city, February in China brought a mix of grey skies and biting winds. The streets of Beijing were blanketed with a layer of fine dust, a reminder of the Gobi Desert's distant whispers. People bundled up in thick coats, scarves wrapped tightly around their faces, as they navigated the crowded alleys of the old town and the bustling streets of the city centre. The smell of roasting chestnuts and sizzling street food wafted through the air, a comforting respite from the cold.

In the north, the snow-capped mountains stood sentinel, their peaks shrouded in mist. The air was crisp and clean, with a hint of wood smoke from the villages below. In the south, the skies were a deeper grey, heavy with the promise of rain. The scent of wet earth and ozone hung in the air, a harbinger of the spring to come. As the days slowly lengthened, the sun struggled to break through the clouds, casting long shadows across the city. People huddled together in tea houses, sipping hot jasmine tea and swapping stories of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The sound of firecrackers still echoed in the distance, a reminder of the festive spirit that lingered in the air. Despite the chill, life bustled in the markets, where vendors sold everything from fresh produce to intricately crafted handicrafts. The colors of the stalls – red lanterns, golden silks, and emerald green jade – added a splash of vibrancy to the monochromatic landscape. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the city came alive with twinkling lights, and the cold February night was filled with the warmth of a thousand small fires.

The luxurious bar, "The Velvet Lounge," was dimly lit, with only a few wealthy patrons scattered about. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cigars and whiskey. Alexander, the first Pillar of the manor and the eldest of the five pillars of the Manor, sat at a private table with his brothers, Ezekiel, Khalid and Baron, along with Kolton, Miles and Karan. Alexander stood at around 6'2" with a chiseled, athletic build that commanded attention. His black hair was cut short, revealing a strong, angular face with sharp cheekbones and a determined jawline. His eyes were a deep, piercing brown that seemed to bore into those he met. His nose was straight and proportional to his other facial features, giving him a distinctive, aristocratic look. Alexander's skin had a warm, golden undertone, a testament to his mixed heritage of both black American and Chinese.

While his immediate younger brother, Ezekiel and the 2nd Pillar of the manor was slightly taller than Alexander standing at around 6'3" with a lean muscular build that spoke to his rugged outdoorsy lifestyle. His black hair was barbed and gelled with style .His face was strong and angular with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline that gave him a resolute unyielding look. His eyes were a bright piercing brown that seemed to gleam with an inner light. Zeke's skin had a warm sun-kissed glow, a testament to his love of nature. Alexander's scent was sophisticated and refined evoking the aroma of a luxurious leather armchair. Notes of bergamot and cedarwood mingled with a hint of smoky tobacco giving off an air of elegance and refinement. His cologne was subtle yet distinctive leaving a lasting impression on those around him.

In contrast Ezekiel's scent of pine and eucalyptus mingled with wood smoke gave off an air of adventure and the great outdoors fresh and invigorating. The news of Ember's release from prison has come to their notice. Alexander had said something about It, his voice low and even. "I don't understand why she was released so early" he added seeking clarity. Ezekiel shrugged his expression unreadable offering no insight Miles leaned forward his eyes sparkling with interest, "I heard she was involved with Tatiana, the right-hand person to the head of The Owls he said his tone hinting at intrigue In the velvet lounge's private booth. Alexander, Ezekiel, Khalid, and Baron, all Black Americans who grew up in China exuded a unique blend of cultural influences Each had light chocolate skin a warm and inviting complexion.