Masuk"Amir"Third Person's POV Loving someone was first a feeling, then it becomes a choice. Maraleona had made the choice to continue loving Dimitri a long time ago. Through it all her choice never wavered. Not when he pushed her away, not when he left home, not even when she knew he couldn't reciprocate her affection, unless she wanted her back to be an open, well-sought after target. The first time she felt the feeling– when child like companionship took a romantic turn– she couldn't quite recall. It had happened slowly, a smooth transition that had felt natural. But if she had to pin the first time, it would have to he that particular moment. It was the first stray puppy Dimitri had taken care of that started it all. He was young, hurt with a tender heart, that he so desperately wanted to hide away. It was quite contrary to how the house had raised him. They wanted him a warrior, devoid of emotion and ready to follow orders. And they almost had that, his father had almost succeeded
“Man Hunt”Third Person’s POVThe world had shifted. It was subtle, small changes that didn’t call for attention but would eventually cause mayhem for a lot of people. Hidden within the boundaries of the east, was a politically neutral zone that men tended to avoid. It was a place where anything would go. Whatever happened in the neutral zone, stayed in the neutral zone. Deep in the heart was a small, unmarked warehouse, three figures stood round a black table. The thing about this zone was, yes, it was where temporary alliances were made, but it was also where people died without a trace of who was responsible. The three figures’ eyes one another, eyes filled with distrust and malice. But they kept their emotions in check. They hated each other, but the memory of the alleged resurrected king was enough for them to swallow their prides. Madame Gao, the quiet, lethal representative of the fractured Yakuza, Silas, he scarred chieftain of the Iron Vei, and Virion, the voice of the uni
“Expansion”Jace’s POV Lucian pulled away, his breath hot and heavy against my face, and I was sure mine fanned his face too. I looked into his eyes and he had the same look. It was a look that held so much, a possessive glint underlined by deep, raw fear. He leaned his head on my shoulder and took a deep breath. “I miss you,” he breathed out. It was odd. We were practically stuck to the hip, doing everything together, but his words made sense. We hadn’t been allowed to simply be. He was often by my side, but our minds were constantly raced with thoughts of a war. “I miss you too.” I sighed, wrapping my hands around his back. His grip on my waist tightened. It felt like we hadn’t been this… intimate in forever. And to be honest, I wasn’t sure when the next time would be. ~“We’ll be landing here, sirs.” The pilot, Hanz, a man who had worked for Lucian for years, spoke over the intercom. I looked outside the window and, sure enough, from south to east, everything was covered in sno
“Network In Motion”Maraleona’s POVThe air in the secure room was cold, as it always was. The thermostat did couldn’t suddenly make the place a beach in the muddle of summer, so I bore through it. It was a space designed for total privacy, soundproofed and shielded. Across the table from me sat Cypher, that wasn’t his real name, but it was the only one I ever used. He was one of the secret pieces in my game, the ghost who had helped me mimic Dimitri’s coding signature. “Cypher…” I started, keeping my voice levelled, smooth and cold. He shifted in is seat momentarily, his eyes not meeting mine. “We had a breach. The broadcast. Someone else copied my work, right after I sent it. You helped create the digital mask. Did you let anyone see the face beneath?” His eyes danced around the room, finding interest in every piece of imperfection the room held. When he finally looked me in the eyes, I didn’t see any trace of fear, just a highly calculating gaze that thought more that it could se
StrayThird Person’s POVThe academy had been a cause of pride. It stood tall and proud, as did its students, but it was a dark place. Its main halls were polished marble and soaring glass, designed to project an image of ruthless, modern excellence. Dimitri was eighteen, a truly dangerous age. His mind had grown far beyond childish ignorance. It had fully moulded into an instrument of strategic calculation, and his body had hardened into a strengthened extension of his will. He stood tall, striking fear in anyone who dared to look at him for too long. His time in the academy had moulded him to the man his father would have wanted him to be. It had removed every weakness, every vestige of soft emotion, and he had mastered the art of emotional negation. He was the perfect weapon in the eyes of many around him.Except one thing, something no one knew. The dog. He found the creature nearly a year ago. It was barely half the size it was now. It was a small ball of fur that shivered ag
“Rooted Pressure”Jace’s POVWe had moved to the safe estate in Barcelona after the courier had delivered the letter. It was clear we were being watched closely; our location had been far too easy to find out, and we didn’t put it above our enemy to exploit that. Lucian suggested the move. He held my hand tightly, his worry and possessiveness showing blatantly. “It would be best if we went somewhere safer, Jace.” He had said, his voice but a whisper, as though he was scared of someone listening in on our conversation. “That’d be good.” I replied, my own delight with the idea being very difficult to hide, I didn’t even need any time to think about it, I simply wrapped my other hand over his own and shook it with a smile on my face. We were sitting in one of the rooms. It was dimly lit, with an additional lamp where we were, warm air that barely flowed and walls that looked like they would use a makeover. On the table, we had previous works books. Journals, letters, even small trinke







