It’s been almost a month since Axel reunited with his grandfather. These past few weeks have been hectic for him, getting to know and understand the family’s business especially now that he is in charge of it, is not something he’d ever imagined himself to do.
He made up his mind to return to school today. Rumors have it that he was dead and he is well aware of who may have caused it and he’d make sure to keep it in mind that they pay for their mistakes. “Are you sure you won’t need any guards?” His grandfather asked for the one-hundredth time. Axel lets out a sigh dipping his hands into the pocket of his slacks. “Yes. I would like to keep a low profile in the meantime” His grandfather stared at him for a second skeptical whether or not to accept his proposition. “Very well then but I’ll have some undercover guards lurk around just to be on the safe side, I don’t want you almost killing yourself again” Axel growled at the end of his grandfather’s statement. He agrees he almost made the mistake of ending his life which is something he won’t dream of doing again, after all, he was compelled to. He did love Ashley, with all his heart. He didn’t imagine a life without her, he was willing to fight the world to get her every luxury she desires but all that is gone. She has turned his heart ice cold and he doesn’t seem to want to give love any chance. “It’s not necessary” Axel tries to protest but his grandfather beats him to it. “Young man, you’re not changing my mind on this, so you better get your head straight. Would you be needing a car?” “No. At least not yet” His grandfather shakes his head earning a chuckle from Axel. “I should be leaving now” Axel announces taking a quick glance at his wristwatch. “Sure. Damon will drop you off” He nods before making his way out, halfway out his grandfather stops him. “Whatever you do Axel, make sure to always have that ring on” he reminds. Axel may not know how much of important the item is, but it was. A ring that was passed down by their ancestors one that chooses its master for the great or good, and the wrong person that gets his hands on that, will cause absolute destruction. Axel nods before walking out letting out a sigh he didn’t know he was holding. His heart felt heavy for some reason, knowing that his personality had changed. Everything he thought he knew about himself was wrong, the discovery was going to be too hard to digest and live with but he knew he didn’t have a choice, especially with the way the ring cliches onto his ring finger as though bound to him for life. Even though it was it scares him that he was expected to do too much. “Young master” Damon greets with a bow to which Axel nods in response. He still wasn’t used to all this, it felt too odd and surreal. Settling into the car, they soon hit the road. Axel pulled out his wallet and stared at the black master card that contained not as much as the actual asset making a smirk grow on his lips. Who would have thought he’d have so much? Soon they arrive at the school. It was midnight, so not many people were out most students were in their dormitory using it as a perfect excuse to sneak in so as not to draw attention. He stepped out of the car that was parked a bit distant away from the hostels. Axel pulled his hoodie over his head and dipped his hands in the pocket marching to his location. As he slid open the door, he came in view with Collins and Asher conversing on god knows what. They didn’t seem to notice him so he cleared his throat announcing his presence. They stared at him as though they had seen a ghost, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief. "Axel?" Asher whispered, his voice trembling. "Is that...is that you?" Axel chuckled, pulling off his hoodie and revealing his messy hair. "Yeah," he said with a grin. Asher and Collins pounced on him, bombarding him with questions. "Where have you been?" "How did you survive?" "Everybody thought you died!" Axel held up his hands, chuckling. Of course, everyone thought he was dead. He thought to himself. Asher's eyes narrowed. "You've been gone for months, Axel. We thought we'd lost you forever. Rumors have it that you jumped off a cliff and died" It made Axel wince a bit, knowing that he was guilty of such an act, if not for his savior he’d be dead by now. Axel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know, I know. But I am not, I just needed some time away to clear off my head after what had happened." Collins's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Then where we’re you for goodness sake?" Axel hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I got help from a random stranger, let’s just say he helped me out my life back together." Asher's expression turned serious. "Axel, you can't just disappear like that. We were worried sick about you." Axel felt a pang of guilt. "I know, guys. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you." Collins's voice softened. "We're just glad you're back, and um.Ashley isn’t worth it man. Don’t let her get to you, okay?" Axel smiled a fake one, “Yeah” he said not wanting the conversation to hold anymore but he knew sooner or later they were going to figure things out and he would have to do a lot of explaining. “So what now are you going to report to the school board, because as far as any of us are concerned, they declared you dead and Darius made sure further investigation made upon you are stopped, it’s like he erased you from existence” Asher explains. Axel's hands balled into a fist his jawline clenching. That mother fucker knew how to play his cards right. He is way too smart than Axel deems him to be. As though stealing his woman wasn’t enough he had to go further and take away his life. “I don’t know man, but surely I will make him pay for the damage he has caused.” He states his teeth greeting in annoyance. “Don’t get yourself mingled with a Mickelson Axel, it’s a bad idea and we all know that. You did that a month ago and look where it had gotten you, so to—” Axel cuts Collins off with a hiss of annoyance even though he knows what Collins is saying is right but if you look at it on the bright side, you can tell that, Darius didn’t only push Axel to almost end his life but rather discovering his true identity which he’s sure that he’ll put everything back to place and teach every one of them a great lesson that will have them bow down to Axel for mercy. “Axel, just lay low for now. Ashley doesn’t deserve you and I don’t even know why you got yourself cut up with her. I mean, couldn’t you see that the girl is way out of your league, and even if it’s true or not that you too shared something, she was probably doing it for some selfish reason of her own?” Asher states. Axel’s heart rate began to hasten up in rage making the ring in his finger tighten, his nose flaring with pure rage. They were rubbing salts into his wounds but couldn’t sense that and as of that moment, If Axel didn’t keep control god knew what would go wrong. He lets out a deep breath trying to calm down his racing heart as he remembers the training phase on how to be in control came in handy. “I think you should just concentrate on graduating rather than getting yourself stuck into another mess that I’m sure won’t be funny next time. It’s clear you don’t stand a chance against him and I’m not saying this to discourage you but rather as a friend looking out for you” Collins states. Axel rubs on his temples letting out a sigh while his shoulder relaxes, “Yeah. You’re right. Thank you guys.” They patted him on the shoulder before each of them settled on their bed calling it a day. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, Axel could sense that as he tossed and turned on the bed but couldn’t find the sleep in his eyes, as thoughts rambled in his head at how he was going to make an appearance tomorrow. Darius is after his life and he knows that seeing him tomorrow would threaten his sanity and he won’t stop at nothing to see Axel buried six inches under the ground. But to hell with him. Axel Storm is back.Axel stood nervously outside the Head of Department's office, his heart racing with fear that nothing would go wrong. All calls came through that he needed to report to the HOD’s office. His recent appearance has left murmurs and rumors going around which is how the information reached the board and now he needs to clarify things and he hopes he does. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door and entered. "Ah, Mr Storm," the HOD said sternly, looking up from his desk. "You've been away for quite some time. Over a month, to be exact. We had the police investigate and they had concluded that you died off the cliff as they saw some of your items just before the death scene." "Yes, sir," Axel replied, his voice cold. "I know I've been away for a while, not dead just going through some family issue that had compelled me to be away for that long," Axel explains his voice dead and cold. The HOD shakes his head letting out a chuckle, “I am not stupid Mr Storm, I have your records and
Axel walked back into the classroom, his confidence and nonchalant manner drawing the attention of his classmates. They whispered and gazed at him with a mix of disgust and confusion. They heard about him being expelled then what on earth was he doing back here? He took his seat, his eyes fixed on the professor lecturing at the front of the class. Just then, the door burst open and the Head of Department rushed in, his face pale and sweaty. "Mr Storm, please, can I have a word with you?" he asked, his voice trembling. His sudden appearance has the whole class's attention drawn back to them. Axel raised an eyebrow, a smirk stealing its way to his lips. "What do you want, Professor?" he drawled, his tone dripping with irritation. He did warn him but he didn’t listen. They may have known him as the poor person he was but not anymore. He is more than that now. The HOD walked towards Axel's desk, his hands clasped together in a pleading gesture. "Mr Storm I know I s
Axel's eyes snapped open in the darkness, his mind racing with thoughts on how his first training was going to be. He hasn’t slept a wink. He lay still, listening intently, ensuring that his Asher and Collins were asleep. He wasn’t ready for yet another question session. He knew sooner or later that he’d have to tell them as they deserved to know. They’re the only people who have ever been nice and honest with him, they treated him well enough with no disrespect or disregard and that is why he’d never forsake them. The soft snores and gentle breathing told him that it was time he left. His eyes drew to the wall clock cheering the time. It’s 10min before his training begins and god knows what his grandfather will do to him if he ever finds out that he slipped any Axel threw off his covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed, his bare feet dangling in the air. He stood up, his tall frame towering in the dimly lit room, and padded silently to his closet. He pulled out
It had been a week since Axel began his intense martial arts training with Liam Chen. Every night, Axel would sneak out of his dorm room, careful not to disturb his roommates. He would make his way to the small, unassuming building on the outskirts of campus, where Liam would be waiting for him. The training sessions were grueling, pushing Axel's body and mind to their limits. He would return to his room in the early hours of the morning, his face covered in bruises, his muscles sore and aching. And the fucking ring that was supposed to be healing him was doing no fucking job. Despite the physical toll, Axel couldn't get enough of the training. He wanted to push through and prove to Liam that he wasn’t some weakling. Liam’s every word during the train is, “You’re Weak” The word riles Axel up and no matter how much he tries to prove himself and show that he wasn’t as he is classified to be, Liam always proves him wrong. He wanted to master the skills but it was as though th
Axel brushed past him, not even acknowledging his presence. He doesn’t want to get involved with him at the moment and this is why he chooses to pretend as though he didn’t see him but as always he doesn’t seem to get the message. Darius's eyes narrowed, his face reddening with anger. "Hey, watch where you're going, Axel!" Darius snarled, his voice low and menacing. Axel didn't even flinch. He kept walking, his eyes fixed on the door to the dormitory. Darius's anger boiled over. He reached out and grabbed Axel's arm, spinning him around. "You think you're too highly of yourself, don't you?" he sneered. trying to mess with Axel as he usually does. Axel's eyes flashed with annoyance, he wasn’t in the mood. "Get your hands off me, Darius," he growled, his voice low and even trying as hard as he could to maintain his cool. Darius sneered. "Or what? You'll cry to your daddy?" he mocked letting out a laugh. “You seem to have developed a lot of balls these days Axel Storm, who fuck do
Axel sat at the head of the boardroom table, his piercing gaze roaming the room as the team presented their new deals. His expression was stern, his jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed. Almost like it wasn’t his first meeting as the new CEO. He watched as they all presented listening to their point of view on how to make the company better and secure deals. He wasn’t use to this guy for some reason he could relate and comprehend the words they kept exchanging. His grandfather had filled him up on everything he needed to know and for some reason no information seem to have slipped from his mind. He could remember each and everyone of them. His brain is sharp and collective. He got up walking out with Collins tailing behind him. This takes him back to when he had dropped the bombshell at first it was almost unbelievable but it was too easy to convince them. Axel knew that they were happy for him, at least now he had the chance to experience the luxury of life. Axel had ma
Axel growls for the umpteenth time finding it so hard to convince Asher to be the grandson of Alexandra Storm. “See I just need you to take that position while we are in school. I can’t handle the scandal if they find out that I’m the rich one, at least till I figure things out. And don’t worry I will handle things at work and my name still stands there” he reasons. Asher's expression was incredulous. "You're crazy, Axel! If your grandfather finds out, he'll kill me!" Axel's annoyance increased. "He'll never know, I promise. And I'll owe you one, Asher. I just need you to do that for me in the meantime.” Asher tried to shake him off, but Axel held fast. "Axel, think about what you're asking. I can't just pretend to be you” he tries to fight back. Collins, who had been watching the exchange, chimed in. "Asher, it's not a bad idea. You're smart, capable, and charismatic. You could pull it off." Asher turned to Collins, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You're not serious, are you, Col
Axel growled at Liam as he fought to get a hit but to no avail. Liam was too good and calculating, no match for Axel yet he wanted to push through. Liam hovered on Axel launching him down with a thud causing a growl to escape from Axel's lips. A frustrating growl. "Rule number one, always stay focused your mind should be strictly on your opponent Axel" He warns with a chuckle. Axel hissed pushing him off with sweat strands whirling down. "What time is it?" He questions instead. He has a meeting with the stakeholders by 2 pm and he's very sure it's almost time and he didn't want to be late. He was strictly warned by his grandfather to make sure he attended. He canceled all his classes for today to catch up with the martial arts classes he had been missing for a few days due to the never-ending work that kept coming his way. "Twenty minutes to 2. Why?" He responds with a question too. Axel shakes his head as he gets up gathering his stuff. "How's that going?" Liam asked pointin
Axel stood in his penthouse, his eyes fixed on Liam. It was the weekend, and it's part of today's schedule to have training. Liam gazed at Axel with a critical eye. "You're getting better, Axel. Your strength is intensifying, and your movements are more precise." Axel nodded, his face set in doing the best he could. "I practice all the time. Too bad I haven't used my skills on anybody, but it's becoming very tempting, and I worry that sooner or later I will lose my cool." Liam smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Axel. You have potential—great potential. Sooner or later, your powers will be revealed, and you'll move into the academy. Before then, I suggest you keep your anger contained and not harm any civilians." Axel's eyes widened, his heart racing with excitement. "The academy? You mean... the Phoenix Academy?" Liam nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Axel. You have the makings of a great warrior. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use your gi
Raya sat in the corner of the dark room, her body wracked with sobs. Every inch of her ached, a reminder of the brutal hands that had dragged her here. The room was too dark and suffocating, making her feel like she was drawing in her nightmare even though she was. Slow and silent sobs escaped from her lips as she tried to adjust her sitting position, but she had to bite on her lower lip to stop the cry that threatened to slip. She couldn't see a glint of lightness, and the silence in the room was oppressive and scary; it made her heart skip every here and there. The only sound that was heard was her deep breaths.Her mind raced with the thought of Axel. She had tried so hard to warn him not to get involved with her uncle or Darius, along with his father; they are two dangerous men that one shouldn't dream of mingling with. She hoped that he had realized that, but he was too bullheaded for a poor person.He never listened, always so confident in his abilities, never realizing the d
Axel walked through the front door of his apartment, exhausted from the long day it had been. The martial arts session had completely drained the daylights out of him. He needed to get some rest, and part of him hoped that Raya was asleep, as he didn't have the energy to entertain any of her dramas, at least not today again. He knows she has so many unanswered questions, but when it is the right time, he will let her in on it, but for now, no. As he walked further into the house, his exhaustion quickly turned to shock. The room was in disarray—furniture overturned, vases shattered, and papers scattered everywhere. "Raya!" Axel called out, panic creeping into his voice. "Raya, where are you?" He rushed through the living room, eyes scanning the area for any sign of his wife. But she was nowhere to be found. His heart dropped as he let out a frustrating hiss, yelling out her name. "Raya, answer me!" Axel yelled, his panic turning to fear. He dashed into the bedroom, but it wa
Axel walked through the front door of his apartment, exhausted from the long day it had been. The martial arts session had completely drained the daylights out of him. He needed to get some rest, and part of him hoped that Raya was asleep, as he didn't have the energy to entertain any of her dramas, at least not today again.He knows she has so many unanswered questions, but when it is the right time, he will let her in on it, but for now, no.As he walked further into the house, his exhaustion quickly turned to shock. The room was in disarray—furniture overturned, vases shattered, and papers scattered everywhere."Raya!" Axel called out, panic creeping into his voice. "Raya, where are you?"He rushed through the living room, eyes scanning the area for any sign of his wife. But she was nowhere to be found.His heart dropped as he let out a frustrating hiss, yelling out her name."Raya, answer me!" Axel yelled, his panic turning to fear.He dashed into the bedroom, but it was in the
Axel stood in his penthouse, his eyes fixed on Liam. It was the weekend, and it's part of today's schedule to have training.Liam gazed at Axel with a critical eye. "You're getting better, Axel. Your strength is intensifying, and your movements are more precise."Axel nodded, his face set in doing the best he could. "I practice all the time. Too bad I haven't used my skills on anybody, but it's becoming very tempting, and I worry that sooner or later I will lose my cool."Liam smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Axel. You have potential—great potential. Sooner or later, your powers will be revealed, and you'll move into the academy. Before then, I suggest you keep your anger contained and not harm any civilians."Axel's eyes widened, his heart racing with excitement. "The academy? You mean... the Phoenix Academy?"Liam nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Axel. You have the makings of a great warrior. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use your gifts w
Axel trudged through the front door, exhausted from a long day of work. He expected to find Raya asleep, but instead, she sat in the parlor, her eyes blazing with anger."Where have you been?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing.Axel sighed, too stressed from dealing with Darius all day to engage in a fight. "I've been working, Raya. Where else would I be?"Raya's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie to me, Axel. I know you've been leaving early in the morning, before I wake up, and returning late at night, when I'm asleep. What are you doing?"Axel shrugged, trying to brush her off. "I'm just working, Raya. That's all." He responds, wanting the conversation to get over real quick.He didn't want to get involved in an argument, and he wouldn't tell her about working for Darius, but he knew he had to tell her about it, not just that it had to do with Darius.But Raya wasn't having it. She stood up, her eyes flashing with accusation. "You're cheating on me, aren't you? That's why you're neve
Axel's eyes narrowed as he waited in line at the cafe, his mind still reeling from the morning's events. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder, and his ex, Ashley, stood before him with a smug smile on her face."Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The poor, worthless Axel," she sneered, her voice dripping with venom.Axel ignored her, but Ashley wouldn't let up. "Hey, I'm talking to you. You're not too good to respond, are you?"Axel's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained silent."Oh, I see. You're still as mute as ever. No wonder you're stuck in a dead-end job, working for my sweetheart, Darius," Ashley taunted.Axel wanted so badly to ignore her, but no matter how much he wanted to resent her, she had been his first lover.He can still remember when he made things official with her and how she showed him what it meant to be loved.She made him believe in love; they had plans for each other, and he wanted to fight the world for them just so he could give them a decent li
Axel's eyes fluttered open, his gaze falling on Raya's peaceful face. She was lying on his chest, her body warm and soft against his. A chuckle slid out of his throat as he gazed at her, finding her adorable in her sleep.He gently placed a kiss on her forehead, not wanting to wake her. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open, but then closing again, her body relaxing into his.Axel smiled a guilty one, knowing that he was responsible for her current situation.He felt a sense of pride wash over him. want to protect her if it's the last thing he's been doing.But as he gazed at her, his smile faded, replaced by a scowl. He remembered where he was going and who he was working for. Darius.His anger palpitated, and his heart raced with resentment. He didn't want to work for Darius; he didn't want to be at his mercy. But he had no choice.With a heavy sigh, Axel carefully removed himself from Raya's embrace, not wanting to wake her. He disappeared into the bathroom, his mind alrea
Axel trudged through the front door, his feet heavy with defeat. He felt like he was surrendering, like he was losing himself. The thought of working for Darius and being at his mercy made him feel cold and numb.He went straight to the bedroom, seeking to clear his mind. As he walked into the room, he came into view of her lying on the bed, her eyes closed and her face pale. Axel's heart ached with what he couldn't fathom. He wanted to talk to her, to tell her everything, but he couldn't find the words.He stood there, frozen, his eyes fixed on her face. He wanted to say something, anything, but his voice was trapped in his throat. He felt like he was drowning, like he was losing his grip on reality.He watched here's split open, knowing that she was never asleep but was only pretending, and he didn't make any attempt to wake her up or anything. Their eyes clocked as she sat properly, her eyes roaming around his face, which had bruises that had already begun to heal due to the ring