THE PAST UNFURLED like an ancient scroll. Memories that were long dormant in the recesses of her mind came to life with vivid clarity. A gentle breeze whispered through the night, and she felt the warmth of a loved one's presence behind her. The sensation of a loving embrace enveloped her as a whisper from her lover guided her vastness of mind into a labyrinth of memories. Standing on the grassy hill, under a star-studded sky, she stretches her arms up high as if trying to reach the heavens. "You're so adorable doing that," Jupiter whispers to Aerith's ear and gives a peck on her cheeks while still hugging her from behind. Aerith sighs as she removes Jupiter's hand and turns around to see her lover's face. Reaching for Jupiter's face, she caresses it and lightly pinches it. "It sucks to be with me, right, Jupiter?" Brows arched, Jupiter clicks her tongue and softly flicks Aerith's forehead. "You silly! If it is about your father, worry not, I won't force yo

STARING AT the records spread before him, the General's laughter echoed in the dimly lit room, a bitter and angry sound. The glass in his hand felt like a fragile vessel for his frustration, its surface showing subtle signs of strain. His mission, born from the feigned ambush of the Emersons, had unfolded seamlessly. Hiding Lucien, a once-simple task, now revealed unforeseen complexities. When had the tide turned against him? When had each step led him astray? Eradicating his brother has been a straightforward task. The General knew he could triumph over the former General by employing some underhanded tactics. After all, his brother had married into a legacy—that he couldn't afford but to get envious. "Just pull the strings, play the cards in your favour," the General muttered to himself, the amber liquid flowing into his glass. Victory, he believed, was within reach—total and absolute! The General downed the liquor in one swift motion, emitting a low groa

STRETCHING her neck and exhaling a sigh of relief at her success, she scoffed and leaned back in the car seat. The mission she had been assigned was now completed, which meant that she would soon receive her payment. "Mission accomplished, General. Just as you requested, your daughter is dead," she said, glancing at the rearview mirror where the General sat, seemingly pleased. "As expected of you, my dear agent," the General smiled, looking as if he had just won the lottery. "Now, all that remains is to ensure that she is truly gone and that the media covers her 'accident'." He added, his tone calculating. As she started the car and drove away, thoughts swirled in her mind. Despite the General's satisfaction, a sense of unease crept over her. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this mission than met the eye. Meanwhile, as Venus paced back and forth in the dimly lit living room where Alexis was, her anxiety grew with

THE UNIVERSITY campus bustled as students hurried to their classes, they were in their fourth year completing their undergraduate degrees. Lucien stepped out of her car, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. She glanced around, her eyes searching for a familiar face. With a graceful flick, she flipped her hair over her shoulders as she walked gracefully along the pathway. Astrid emerged from the crowd, a smile lighting up her face as she spotted Lucien. She walked over, falling into step beside her. "Good morning, Lucien," Astrid greeted, her voice warm. "Morning, Astrid," Lucien replied, returning the smile and reaching out for Astrid's hand and holding it as they continued walking. "Thanks for walking with me." "Of course," Astrid said, falling into step with Lucien as they made their way towards the main building. "How was your weekend?" Lucien shrugged. "Same old, same old. Just lots of family stuff." Astri

BORN WITH an empty spoon, scraping by in a place they reluctantly called home, their lives a testament to misfortune and destitution. These children are the product of unwanted circumstances, carried into a world where scarcity and hardship are their daily companions. Their lineage has been known for violence - they are the clans hired by influential individuals who prefer to wield power through intimidation and force. The Innokenti lineage had been known to be the family of killers and assassins. They are for hire; however, even if influential people hire them, they are not able to provide a suitable lifestyle which forces the younger generation to live in poverty and filth. Staring out of the floor-to-ceiling window of his hotel room, Nikolai's gaze was unfocused, lost in memories of his sister's betrayal. He held a glass of whiskey, swirling it absently as he stood with one hand in his pocket. With a bitter chuckle, he muttered to himself, "Ah