Pale Flesh

Chapter 8 8

Aiden swept into Patrick's exclusive tailoring shop on Savile Row. Patrick's eyes widened at the sight of his billionaire client, now transformed into a specimen of physical perfection.

"Good lord, Aiden!" Patrick exclaimed. "You look decades younger, muscles chiseled from marble. What miracle have you undergone?"

Aiden smiled knowingly. "Let's just say I acquired one of those elusive super-soldier formulas. You've heard the rumors?"

Patrick nodded eagerly. "The ones that give immortality, strength and beauty beyond compare? Of course!"

"Well then." Aiden shrugged casually. "Consider my new physique... a lucky break."

Patrick shook his head in wonder. "I never dreamed I'd have the honor of creating bespoke garments for a real-life superhuman. The expense is no object, of course?"

Aiden chuckled. "For transforming my wardrobe to match this physique? Money is no issue, Patrick. Spare no cost."

Patrick bowed deeply. "It will be my finest work. Your suits will exude power, grace and danger beneath a veil of civility."

A customers entering the shop gasped at the sight of Aiden - tall, muscular and impossibly handsome. Aiden smiled kindly at the stunned onlookers.

"A celebrity of some sort?" One whispered.

"More like a god," another murmured in awe.

Aiden's smile widened, satisfied. His new body commanded instant respect, his billions ensured his sharpest image.

Aiden stood patiently as Patrick wrapped the measuring tape around his waist, arms and shoulders. Patrick's eyes widened in disbelief at Aiden's incredible physique.

"Astonishing," Patrick murmured. "The breadth of your shoulders, your trim waist. The fit of your suits will be divinely proportional."

Aiden smirked. "Divinity had little to do with acquiring this form. But I appreciate your skill in doing it justice."

Patrick bowed his head deferentially. "It will be my privilege, sir."

Stepping onto the podium, Aiden surveyed the spectrum of fabrics available. His gaze drifted to the deep crimson swatches.

"That one," Aiden pointed. "The blood red."

Patrick's eyes lit up in recognition. "A bold choice, sir. The color will complement your dark hair and pale skin."

Aiden nodded slowly. "Blood red...to match what flows beneath the surface."

Patrick paused, considering Aiden warily. Then he smiled politely. "Indeed, sir. The color will help you...command a room."

Aiden smiled back, satisfied. Physical perfection, wealth to match - now a suit the color of spilled life's blood to complete his fearsome presence. Each would help mask the monster within he was slowly becoming.

Patrick got to work, yards of blood red fabric engulfing Aiden's formidable new form. As the suit began to take shape, Aiden felt a surge of dark excitement. Soon he would step out into the world anew, his outer appearance finally in harmony with the monster within.