(co-written by O)
Casseus sat at his desk as his wife, Melissa, stood over him examining his face and made sure her husband's illusion was well maintained. They were watching a news interview filmed only a few hours after Tom and Yuriko's attempt to scan his mind. Casseus had called his wife just a short while after the incident and told her to call the news and police to get the story they wanted out into the public.
"Once again, if you're just joining us, New Horizon CEO, Dustin Casseus was assaulted yesterday in the parking garage of his company while heading heading to his car." The news anchor woman explained as the news segment then went to an interview with Casseus who simulated a beating that looked believable to the public.
"It is just despicable what some people in this city will do, you know? All I do is run a business during the day and go home to my wife at night. I've never had to worry about getting beaten up by anyone before, but I guess it happens to everyone eventually at some point." Casseus said in his interview.
"Mr. Casseus's wife, Melissa Fuller-Casseus, spoke out against her husband's attack." The interviewer said as it now switched over to Melissa and her interview.
"I just....I can't believe someone would try and do this, my husband has done nothing in his life but try and help people out there in the world in many different resources. I can't imagine what would have happened if.....if I had gotten the call from the police that my husband had been...had been killed." Melissa said as her eyes looked swollen from trying not to cry.
"Mister and Missus Casseus have decided to increase security at New Horizon now in light of the assault.Unfortunately camera footage of the incident was lost and Mr. Casseus says that his attackers were obscured by their clothes." The news anchor said as they went to another segment and Melissa and Casseus switched off their TV screen.
"My beloved wife, you are quite the actress, you managed to sell that performance very well." Casseus complimented his wife as she sat down in his lap.
"Oh, thank you. It comes from years of experience. You know the old saying, 'all the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players'." Melissa said with a smirk as she rubbed her husband's chin.
"Yes indeed, but in this case: we are the ones controlling the players. It will be hard for Mr. Harris to come near me again with increased security, plus we do have Dark Garden on our side should we need them." Casseus smirked as he gently caressed his wife's cheek.
"Yes indeed, if they find themselves coming back onto our grounds, you might capture them and open them inside to see what makes them tick. Oh, Dustin you are a devious bastard....and I love you for it." Melissa complimented as the two leaned in and kissed each other.
"Tonight, you and I...are going hard." Casseus promised as they broke away from the kiss.
Melissa purred leaning closer, her hot breath tickling Casseus skin.
"You certainly know how to get a girl excited."
"Of course dear," Casseus smirked. "But first, I need to show you something." Melissa nodded, watching as Casseus now powered up his laptop. With a few key strokes, Melissa watched as a series of documents now appeared on screen as well as a video model of a DNA strand.
"What is this?" she asked.
"Yuriko Harris's DNA." Casseus stated.
Melissa paused, raising an eyebrow as Casseus explained himself. Years ago, he performed experiments on the girl, studying her genetic makeup and her connection to the supernatural. As he continued, Melissa paled slightly.
"You experimented on an infant?!"
"I did," Casseus replied, a malicious grin forming on his face. "It took some time but I was eventually able to discover the genetic markers that indicated her connection to the mystical realm." Casseus now gestured towards a series of formulas and genetic markers.
Melissa squinted, trying to make sense of the numbers and letters. Science was never her strong point, yet she was still intrigued by Casseus's work.
"I wish I understood it more," she said softly. "But it does appear impressive."
"It is," Casseus stated, his voice menacing. The light of the laptop now bathed his handsome features in an eerie light, making Casseus appear monstrous. "During my experiments I was able to identify and isolate the possible genes associated with Yuriko's magical abilities."
"What does that mean?"
"It means her children will not inherit her magic."
Melissa gawked, shocked to hear Casseus confession.
"How?!"
"Science and sorcery," Casseus chuckled. "However, I was unable to complete my work. At the time I was close to proving my theory."
"And what theory is that?"
"I believe I can strip the Harris family of their magic," Casseus grinned. "And take their powers for ourselves."
Melissa was speechless. Steal magic and use it? It seemed impossible.
"What do you think dear?" Casseus asked. "Have ever thought about being a sorceress?"
Melissa giggled girlish, planting a passionate kiss on her husband's face. She already dreamed of what having magic would be like.