2025-02-21 01:56:29Ethan woke to the sensation of a jackhammer pounding inside his skull. He groaned, squinting against the weak light filtering through the cracked blinds in his apartment. The smell of rain-soaked clothes and stale whiskey filled the air, making his stomach churn.
‘Never drinking again,’ he thought bitterly, though he’d made the same promise to himself countless times before. He pushed himself up from the couch, his muscles protesting. The events of the previous night were hazy, like fragments of a dream he couldn’t piece together. Something about an old woman . . . thugs . . . and a necklace. His fingers brushed against his chest, and he froze. There it was. The jade necklace. The smooth, cool pendant rested against his skin, its intricate design gleaming faintly in the dim light of the room. Ethan’s brow furrowed. He didn’t remember putting it on. He grabbed the chain and pulled, trying to lift it over his head. It didn’t budge. “What the hell?” he muttered. He tried again, tugging harder this time, but the necklace seemed fused to his skin. There was no clasp to undo, no way to slip it off. It just stayed there, unyielding. A flicker of panic crept into his chest. “Come on,” he grumbled, pulling at the chain with both hands. The metal didn’t even strain under the pressure. It was as if it wasn’t a chain at all but something far stronger. Suddenly, a flash of light filled his vision, blinding him. Ethan gasped, his hands falling away from the necklace as strange images burst into his mind. He saw shadows moving across ancient stone walls, their faces obscured but their voices clear—murmuring in a language he didn’t understand. He saw the jade necklace glowing brightly, held aloft by hands that didn’t belong to him. And then he saw fire, spreading across a battlefield, consuming everything in its path. Ethan stumbled back, his breath coming in sharp gasps. His heart raced as the images faded, leaving him dizzy and unsteady. “What . . . what was that?” he whispered. The necklace felt heavier now, as if it carried some invisible weight. Ethan stared down at it, his pulse pounding in his ears. He shook his head, trying to clear the lingering fog. ‘You’re just hungover,’ he told himself. ‘It’s all in your head.’ Ignoring the unsettling visions, Ethan staggered to his feet and stumbled into the tiny bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face, gripping the edges of the sink as he stared at his reflection. His bloodshot eyes and pale skin stared back at him, but the jade necklace was impossible to ignore. It glinted mockingly against his chest, a reminder of the strange events that made his headache worse. He sighed and turned away. There was no time to dwell on whatever was happening. Rent was overdue, and if he skipped another shift, his manager would fire him without a second thought. Ethan grabbed the least wrinkled shirt from the pile on the floor and shoved his arms through it. He stuffed his feet into worn sneakers, pocketed his phone, and grabbed his keys. The rain from the night before had stopped, but the streets were still slick and gray as he trudged to work. The air smelled faintly of wet asphalt and exhaust, the usual perfume of the city’s poorer neighborhoods. The rundown supermarket was already buzzing with activity when Ethan arrived. The bright, flickering "Discount Groceries" sign hummed faintly as he pushed through the glass doors. “Wilder,” his manager barked from across the store. “You’re late.” Ethan gritted his teeth and muttered an apology. He grabbed the faded uniform apron from the backroom and tied it around his waist, ignoring the ache in his chest. As he stocked shelves and rang up customers, he tried not to think about the necklace or the visions—or the fact that, no matter how hard he pulled, it wouldn’t come off. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was different. Something had shifted. And though he couldn’t explain it, deep down, Ethan had a nagging feeling that his life was about to change forever.
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Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 4: Sire
Ethan dragged the overflowing trash bag out the back door of the supermarket, the stench of rotting produce hitting him like a slap. He gagged, holding his breath as he hauled it toward the dumpster in the alley. It was a thankless part of the job, but then again, so was everything else.The jade necklace was still heavy around his neck, a constant, nagging presence that he couldn’t ignore no matter how hard he tried. Every time it brushed against his skin, he was reminded of the strange visions from that morning—shadows, fire, and whispers in a language he couldn’t understand.He shook his head, tossing the bag into the dumpster with a grunt. ‘Don’t think about it,’ he told himself for the hundredth time.The sound of tires screeching to a stop made him pause. Turning toward the street, Ethan squinted as a sleek black car rolled to a halt in front of the alley. The windows were tinted so dark he couldn’t see inside, but the polished exterior gleamed under the flickering streetlights.
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 5: The Revelation
Ethan sat stiffly in the backseat, his fingers tapping anxiously against his knee as the sleek black car sped through the quiet streets. The polished setting of the interior felt oppressive, amplifying every small sound—the faint vibration of the engine, the soft rustle of his clothes, and the rhythmic tap of rain against the windows.A clear, reinforced glass wall separated the backseat from the front, cutting him off from the two men who had brought him here. Their voices were muffled as they spoke quietly, the driver keeping his focus on the road while the passenger occasionally glanced at Ethan in the rearview mirror.Ethan’s chest tightened. The partition wasn’t just a barrier—it was a reminder that he had no control in this situation.“Where are we going?” he finally called out, his voice slightly hoarse.The passenger turned his head slightly but didn’t meet Ethan’s eyes. “You’ll find out soon, Sire,” he said, his tone still polite and yet firm.Ethan shifted uncomfortably, his
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 6: A New Reality
Ethan’s throat tightened as he stared at the woman. Her words hung in the air, heavy and surreal. The Jade Society? The necklace? Him—a leader? It felt impossible, like some twisted dream he couldn’t wake from.“This has to be a joke,” he said finally, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief. “You can’t seriously expect me to believe any of this.”The woman’s expression didn’t waver. “I don’t expect you to believe. I expect you to see.”She gestured toward the smooth wall to her left, and as if responding to her command, the surface shifted. Ethan flinched as the white walls dissolved into glowing panels, displaying an intricate web of information.His eyes widened.Dozens of financial statements appeared, their numbers so staggering they didn’t seem real. Untraceable accounts with balances that had more zeroes than he could keep up with flowed through companies he’d vaguely heard of—energy conglomerates, tech empires, pharmaceutical giants. Beneath those were lists of i
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 7: Rising to the Challenge
Ethan stood in the center of what could only be described as the most high-tech training facility he’d ever seen—or imagined. The space stretched endlessly in every direction, a stark contrast to the sterile white room he’d woken up in. The walls shifted between glass and holographic displays, while sleek machinery hummed faintly in the background.He turned slowly, taking in the rows of equipment, glowing control panels, and an enormous dome overhead that projected a perfect replica of the sky. If he hadn’t known better, he’d have thought he was outside.“This . . . this is absolutely insane,” Ethan muttered, more to himself than anyone else.A sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Focus, Wilder. You’re not here to gawk.”Ethan spun around, his eyes landing on a tall man with a lean frame. He was dressed in a tailored black uniform, his face sharp and stern, framed by neatly combed dark hair. A cane rested in his right hand, though he didn’t seem to need it as he strode forwa
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 8: First Test of Power
Ethan stepped into the gleaming conference room, his nerves buzzing as the doors slid shut behind him. The walls were lined with sleek, interactive displays showing stock market updates, industry analytics, and lists of global assets under the Jade Society’s control. It was all so overwhelming, so surreal, yet somehow, the necklace resting against his chest made him feel . . . ready.Marcus stood at the head of the long glass table, his cane resting against the chair beside him. His ever-present no-nonsense expression softened slightly as he gestured toward the three women seated nearby.“Wilder,” Marcus began, “meet your personal team. They’ll report directly to you and assist with your day-to-day responsibilities as the leader of the Jade Society.”Ethan blinked, glancing at the three women who turned their sharp, intelligent gazes toward him. Each of them radiated confidence and poise, though their styles and demeanors couldn’t have been more different.“This is Anna,” Marcus said,
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 9: The Transformation
Ethan stood in front of the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the man staring back at him. The tailored black suit fit perfectly, accentuating his broadening shoulders and lean frame. His reflection exuded power, the kind that commanded attention without needing to say a word.It hadn’t happened overnight.Weeks of grueling training had sculpted his body, sharpening his features and instilling a confidence he’d never thought possible. Gone were the hunched shoulders and tired eyes of the overworked convenience store clerk. In their place was a man who moved with purpose, his every step deliberate, his every word calculated.“Not bad,” Victoria said from behind him, a sly smile playing on her lips. “You actually look like you belong in the room now.”Ethan turned, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”“It is,” she said with a shrug, stepping forward to adjust his tie. “You’re starting to carry yourself like a leader. People notice that.”He glanced down at the jade
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 10: A Return to the Past
The gleaming black SUV rolled to a smooth stop in front of the small supermarket, its polished exterior catching the sunlight and reflecting it like a mirror. The vehicle looked completely out of place in the rundown neighborhood, its presence alone turning heads.Inside the shop, Mr. Harris, the store manager, sat behind the counter, sorting through receipts. He glanced up at the security feed and froze. His wrinkled hands trembled as he rewound the footage to get a closer look at the SUV.“Who . . .?” he muttered, his chest tightening with unease. The last time strangers in fancy cars had come looking for someone here, they’d taken Ethan.The driver’s door opened, and a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped out. Dressed in a tailored gray suit, his shoes gleaming as brightly as the car, the man exuded an air of authority that filled the street like a ripple of power.Mr. Harris squinted at the screen, his stomach flipping when two other men in dark suits emerged from the SUV and stood
Ethan Wilder Rise to Power Chapter 11: Strengthening Connections
Ethan stood in the grand hall of one of the Jade Society’s private estates, a sprawling mansion perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The evening sun poured through the tall windows, casting the room in a warm golden glow.This wasn’t just a meeting—it was a test.Dozens of influential figures from the Jade Society had gathered, their tailored suits and sparkling jewelry reflecting the wealth and power they commanded. These were the movers and shakers of industries, the hidden players behind governments and corporations.And they were all here for him.“Mr. Wilder,” Marcus said quietly, stepping up beside him. “Remember, this isn’t just about shaking hands. You need to show them you belong here. They may be loyal to the society, but they’re not loyal to you—yet.”Ethan nodded, his jaw tightening. He adjusted the cuffs of his suit, the jade necklace resting heavily beneath his shirt. “Got it.”“Good,” Marcus said, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. “Your team is here to support
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Chapter 42: Her Upgrade
“Are you sure you want me to come with you?” Ethan asked as he slipped into the driver’s seat of the Lamborghini, glancing over at Joy.She was already buckling up. “Yes. You practically changed my entire life overnight. The least you can do is back me up when your people freeze my account.”Ethan frowned. “My people?”Joy held up her phone, flashing the bank’s message. “Bank of Dominion. They froze my account over ‘suspicious activity.’ Said I had to come in for verification.”Ethan cursed under his breath and pulled out of the hotel lot. “Didn’t even cross my mind they might do that. I should’ve warned you.”“Guess they weren’t used to seeing seven zeros pop up out of nowhere,” she said, smirking.The ride was smooth, quiet except for the occasional buzz of the city outside. But Ethan’s mind wasn’t. He was thinking about Clandestine, Marcus, the Society, the Jade necklace that had a voice now, and somehow, even Joy.Joy kept stealing glances at him, still trying to wrap her head aro
Chapter 41: Act the Fool
"You're dreaming, you fool. Wake up, Ethan . . . wake up, you fool. Wake up!"Ethan’s eyes flew open.For a moment, everything was hazy. The ceiling above him slowly came into focus. The warmth under the sheets, the soft weight beside him—it all felt too familiar. He turned his head and saw Joy sleeping soundly. And just like in his dream, she was very much naked beneath the covers.But something was off.The room wasn't quiet.No, it was filled.Elite Jade Soldiers lined the perimeter of the room, their weapons lowered but at the ready. Marcus leaned on his cane by the far wall. And in the chair directly in front of Ethan’s bed sat Clandestine Wood, her posture relaxed, but her stare sharp.“What the . . .” Ethan blinked, sitting up slowly.And then he heard it.A voice, male, clear, but coming from nowhere."It's me, you fool."Ethan’s eyes scanned the room again. No one had spoken. At least, no one visibly.Clandestine’s voice cut in, amused. “Had fun last night?”But Ethan ignored
Chapter 40: A Million For Your Time
“Say what now?” Ethan blinked, staring at her.Chloe’s older sister smirked, calm and unbothered, her eyes showing she was nothing like her sister. She reached under the counter, pulled out a near-empty bottle of whiskey. “Yeah. Serves her right. She was a brat. Always thought the world owed her a fairy tale.”Ethan raised a brow. “Oh, really?”She caught his expression and laughed. “Don’t look at me like that. I know my family are terrible people, trust me.”Ethan tilted his head, amused. “Is that why you ran overseas?”“You bet.”Ethan chuckled. “You’re not exactly what I expected,” he said, still trying to wrap his head around it.“I get that a lot.” She poured him another shot. “Name’s Joy, by the way.”He raised his glass. “Joy. That fits. So . . . what’s your story?”She leaned on the bar, arms crossed, eyes steady. “Hmm, my story?” she said, then smiled. “Nothing interesting, to be honest.”“I get the feeling I might find it interesting.”She laughed. “Doubt it,” she said, then
Chapter 39: Her Obsession
When Ethan left the office, he found Isabella sitting quietly on a bench outside. As soon as she saw him, her expression turned expectant—like she wanted him to talk to her or thank her for sending the Unknown.He walked over and sat beside her."You didn’t have to do it. So why?"She gave a nervous smile. "When I was told I’d be marrying the leader of the Jade Society, I cried all night. Refused to eat—right up to the engagement party. But then I saw you. You were warm to me, despite the hatred you had for my brother and the Order. You spoke kindly. You made me laugh. You tried to make it bearable, even though I was marrying a man I didn’t know."She fell silent. Ethan wasn’t sure how to follow up, and the space between them grew awkward."I like you, Ethan," she said at last. "And I know what this engagement means. I know what you were to the Society—a life-force to extend the lives of its real leaders. But when we left the engagement hall, something in me shifted. The feeling was b
Chapter 38: The Three Orders
Through a phone call with Elena, Ethan got to learn that the prestigious Blackwell University served as the front for the Obsidian Order headquarters. It was a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, its name etched in gold across the main hall.Ethan drove through the iron gates, his presence turning a few heads as he stepped out of a limited-edition Lamborghini. The campus buzzed with activity, students in tailored uniforms walking across the pristine courtyard, completely unaware of the dark power that lurked beneath their feet.He was a stranger in enemy territory, yet he carried himself with the same effortless authority that had defined his rule over the Jade Society. But he wasn’t here to make a statement—he was here for answers.Waiting at the entrance was Isabella, his fiancée. Dressed immaculately, she exuded an air of elegance, yet her eyes were gentle and welcoming despite Ethan's unexpected visit."To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked, her smooth voice laced with some hi
Chapter 37: The Conspiracy
Ethan stared at the screen, his fingers curling into fists. Each image Elena pulled up sent a fresh wave of unease through him. The past twenty leaders of the Jade Society, each with their own era, their own rule—and beside every single one of them was Marcus, unchanged, still looking as he was now, in his mid forties.But it was the oldest photo that sent a chill down Ethan’s spine.Clandestine Wood standing next to a leader from 120 years back.She was exactly as she looked now, in her seventies. She had the same calculating eyes, the same severe expression. A woman who should have been dust by now, frozen in time, spanning over a century.Elena turned to him, her voice unsteady. "Ethan, what the hell is this?"He didn't answer. He couldn't.They had discovered something they were never meant to know.Ethan forced himself to breathe. "Delete everything. Wipe it all. Now.""Are you serious?""Elena, listen to me." His voice was sharp, urgent. "Delete it all. Forget what you saw. Forg
Chapter 36: Beyond the Glory
Ethan barely slept. The weight of the message he had received the night before pressed against his mind like an unshakable force. By morning, he wasn’t interested in breakfast or morning greetings. He needed answers. That was why he found himself knocking on Elena’s door before anyone else was even awake.She opened it, her hair still slightly disheveled, but her sharp eyes locked onto him immediately. "You look like hell.""I need you to do something for me. And it has to stay between us."She raised a brow but stepped aside, letting him in. "What is it?"Ethan hesitated for a second, then said, "Look into the past leaders of the Jade Society. See what you can find."Elena frowned. "Why?"He sighed. "On the night I saved you, I'd been returning from a gala. And at the gala, this asshole Felix challenged me and said something that’s been bothering me ever since. He claimed he'd seen leaders rise and fall over decades in the Society. But here’s the thing—Clandestine has been the only l
Chapter 35: The Unknown Messenger
Ethan woke to the sharp blare of the alarm.His eyes snapped open. A second later, he was out of bed, feet hitting the cold floor. He barely registered that he was still in his pajama pants as he grabbed the pistol from his nightstand and bolted out of his room.The chill night air hit him as he stepped outside. Shouts rang through the estate. Guards were in pursuit of a masked man dressed in all black, their voices sharp with urgency.“Stop right there!”Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. The masked intruder moved with eerie precision, evading the guards like a shadow slipping through cracks.From the opposite corridor, Marcus and Jade emerged, drawn by the commotion. Their expressions were grim, eyes locking on Ethan before shifting to the masked man.The intruder wasn’t running away. Not anymore. The moment he sighted Ethan, he ran straight toward him."Get away from the Sire!"Ethan’s grip tightened around his gun. His stance shifted instinctively, shoulders squared,
Chapter 34: Romantic Intrigues
The wedding was set for the following year.The engagement party had been a success—on the surface, at least. The truce was intact. The demands had been negotiated. The power struggle had played out in polite, measured words instead of bloodshed.But Ethan felt no victory.Now, standing by the floor-to-ceiling window of his penthouse, he looked out at the sprawling city below. The skyline stretched endlessly, glowing under the moon’s quiet light. Yet, for all its vastness, he felt trapped.A pawn in a game too large for him to control.His reflection stared back at him in the glass, jaw tense, mind restless.Clandestine Woods.The real power behind the Jade Society. The woman who moved the pieces while he played the role of the grandmaster.His leadership? A front.His decisions? Guided.His life? Not his own.A soft rustle behind him. Then, warmth.Anna’s arms wrapped around his torso from behind, her bare skin pressing into his. He could feel her breasts against his back, the heat o
