Conor awoke to a strange buzzing. He rolled over and his hand found the lamp. As he clicked on the light, he didn’t recognize the room he was in. A red light blinked next to a toggle. He clicked it and a familiar voice filled the room through a speaker.
“Well, where is he? Jess said that turd worked here.”
“Yes, Mr. Brantley works here but it's early sir. I don’t believe anyone else is in yet.”
“Come along, Kerrigan, Dear,” sneered Prima Zadok Sudeas, the newly appointed high priest of the Dragon Thunder. Kerrigan Lokir slogged along in his wake, glowering at his tone. Before his ascension three years ago, Kerrigan was favored by all of the servants and monks any time she was in the temple of Abrasax. Somehow, this prick of a man had wormed his way to the top of all dragon worship from the dregs of Pinon Province of all places. Kerrigan cringed at the memories of Zadok all the way back when he was still a lowly priest, and she, just a small girl, orphaned at six. As Conor finished up his shift on Tuesday at Jackson’s furniture, he stopped in to see Mr. Matthews. “Sir, do you have a minute?” “Of course, Conor. Come on in. Are you in a tight spot again? Need another advance?” Conor chucked, “No, but I want to thank you for doing that for me. Actually, several of my long-term plans are starting to pan out. So, if it is alright with you, I will likely stay with just partRejected Billionaire 56: Shine brighter
When Tuesday night spice and salsa night rolled around, Conor found himself in a chipper mood as he placed the salsas on the table. “Well, there is a smile I haven’t seen before,” came a cheerful greeting from Peter as he walked hand in hand with Cara. Conor chuckled, “Well it's been one hell of a week and it's only Tuesday.” “Last we saw you it was the end of the world. How did we get from that to this che
After Anna left, Conor sealed himself in his room. “Celia. Any advice you care to share.” ‘Don’t feel like you are going mad anymore by talking to me?’ “Well, I may be mad, but you seem to still offer solid advice, even if I am talking to myself.”  
Targu Province - Kerrigan's POV Kerrigan stormed her way through the temple complex. “What the hell does that blasphemer want with Celia anyway? If she doesn’t choose him, he will never be able to do anything more than wear the medallion.” A deep growling male voice retorted ‘He is a coward who seeks power. He falsely thinks possession grants the wielder power and might. He does not understand the true meaning of the power Celia grants to those she has blessed.” Conor dressed in his Jackson’s uniform shirt and prepared to head out when a gentle purr greeted him from the bed. “You are still going to work at Jackson’s?” Anna asked from beneath the sheets. “We have things in hand here, you shouldn’t have to labor like that anymore.” “The exercise is good for me, and for now call it a cover. People love to underestimate someone doing such work. For me, it continues to be an opportunity to meet new people and to view them in a unique light. How they treat the floor sRejected Billionaire 60: Franchise
Conor arrived at the Spice Emporium to find the shop bustling with customers, the air thick with the rich aromas of exotic spices. He barely had time to take in the familiar surroundings before spotting Cara and Peter approaching, their faces alight with excitement.“Well, you two look pleased with yourselves. What’s going on?” Conor asked, raising an eyebrow at their enthusiastic expressions.Cara's face practically glowed as she glanced up at Peter, who smiled down at her. “Peter has asked me to go with him on a trip to Targu Province.”“Targu? What’s taking you there?” Conor asked, genuinely curious. The province was known for its historical sites, but it wasn’t the typical destination for a romantic getaway.Peter stepped in to explain, “I’ve got an opportunity to visit the Temple of Abrasax. There are some incredible spots for photography out there, and it’s a great chance to expand AperturePhoto. Plus, we might find some new angles for the brand.”Conor nodded thoughtfully but co
When the evening wrapped up, Conor headed for his SUV parked around back. As he reached to open the door, a shadow loomed over him. “Hand over the pendant, Roviin Felkir,” a gruff hand tightened on his shoulder. Conor panicked, but images of his short training with Celia flooded his mind. He ducked and spun, trying to process the odd words the man had spoken. “What do you want? And what did you call me?” Conor backed toward the Spice Emporium hoping to draw attention. Four more figures appeared, one was