The doorbell's chime sliced through the vibrant hum of the party, discordant as a broken guitar string. My stomach knotted with dread, and Mom, her face pale, exchanged a worried glance with me. This wasn't a guest I'd planned for.Slowly, she opened the door. There stood Bentley Blackwood, taller than most, impeccably dressed, radiating an aura of power that dimmed the very room. Beside him, Liam, his brother, the embodiment of charming, calculated evil. Both of them, faces devoid of warmth, eyes scanning the gathering with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.The room fell silent, the music abruptly stopping like a record scratched. Conversations died mid-sentence, replaced by a collective intake of breath. The warmth and joy that had moments ago filled the air evaporated, replaced by a tension so thick it was almost tangible."Ben," Bentley started, his voice smooth as oil, yet laced with condescension. "A pleasant surprise to find you hosting such a… gathering."I met his gaze, my

Stepping out of the warehouse, I was greeted by the familiar, chaotic symphony of the city. The weight of the encounter with Apexia lingered, a complex knot of possibilities and risks tangled in my gut. Yet, a sliver of hope flickered amidst the apprehension. Perhaps, just perhaps, this alliance could be the key to dismantling the Elites' control, even if it meant playing a dangerous game.Reaching my apartment, I sank into the armchair, exhaustion tugging at my limbs. The remnants of the party seemed to mock me with their cheerful ghosts, a stark contrast to the heavy burden I now carried. Just as I began to drift into a restless sleep, a gentle knock on the door startled me awake.It was Maggie, her bright eyes and infectious smile a welcome sight. "Sorry to intrude," she chirped, holding up a plate of freshly baked cookies. "But the post-party silence was deafening. Thought you could use some company."The warmth of her friendship washed over me. Here, surrounded by the books, the

The Lamborghini screamed through the twilight streets, the cityscape blurring into a kaleidoscope of neon and concrete. It felt like an escape, a plunge into a world far removed from the dusty haven of the library's servers humming within the city grid. Finally, the car slowed, drawing to a stop before a sprawling estate that eclipsed even my wildest imaginings.Iron gates, polished to a mirror shine, swung open, revealing a sprawling mansion that could have housed a royal family. Its neoclassical facade glowed under the watchful gaze of floodlights, its manicured lawns stretching out like an emerald oasis in the urban jungle.A liveried attendant opened my door, bowing respectfully. The air hummed with the soft murmurs of unseen servants, a testament to the unseen machinery that kept this opulent world running. My initial apprehension morphed into a mix of awe and unease.Zephyr led me through grand double doors, the aroma of polished wood and fresh flowers greeting us. An opulent fo

The golden light streaming through the stained-glass windows bathed the sprawling table in a kaleidoscope of colours. Twelve figures sat around it, each radiating an aura of power and quiet intensity. Levi, his usual relaxed demeanour replaced by a hint of formality, introduced me."This is Benjamin," he declared, his voice echoing in the opulent chamber. "He's proven himself valuable, possessing unique talents that will aid our cause."A chorus of murmurs greeted my introduction. Curious gazes scanned me, assessing, analysing. It felt like being put under a microscope, each pair of eyes a portal into a hidden world.There was Caius, a stoic warrior with cybernetic enhancements glinting beneath his dark cloak. Anya, her fiery red hair mirroring the passion in her eyes, held a power over information networks. And Silas, the tech genius with gadgets strapped to his forearms, his fingers twitching in anticipation.These were the core members of Apexia, the leaders shaping the world from

The insistent trill of my phone on the bedside table shattered the fragile peace of the morning. My heart jolted, the aftershocks of the fragmented memories and Zephyr's unsettling kiss still reverberating within me. I reached for the receiver, curiosity battling apprehension."Hello?" I answered, my voice hoarse from sleep."Benjamin? Where are you?" Maggie's voice, sharp and laced with concern, filled my ear. "I thought you'd be at your apartment, but there was no answer. Did you sleep out last night?"Her words sent a jolt of panic through me. I hadn't meant to worry her. In the whirlwind of the previous day, following Zephyr and attending the core members' meeting, the simple act of locking the door had completely slipped my mind. What if someone had tried to enter? The fear sent icy tendrils down my spine."Maggie," I stammered, trying to control the tremor in my voice. "I, uh… had a late night working on a project. Lost track of time, you know how it gets."The explanation felt