51: Table Talk

Vorian’s POVThe beach house dining room glows warm under the low chandelier. The long oak table sits full tonight. White linen covers it. Silver candlesticks flicker soft light. The ocean breeze drifts in through open windows. It carries salt and the faint smell of rosemary from the roast chicken. Lillian sits at the head. She wears a light blue dress. Her hair is neat. Cassian stands to carve the meat. His sleeves roll up. Elena pours red wine into glasses. The liquid shines dark. Dorian already holds his second glass. He leans back in his chair. Lila swings her legs under the table. Her pink dress brushes the floor. Peas steam in a bowl in front of her.Cassian slices the chicken. “Art gallery opens next week,” he says. “You should come, Vorian. Bring fresh eyes.”Elena smiles. “Lila has a school play too,” she adds. “She is a tree. Very important role.”Lila giggles. “I have three lines,” she says. “I say ‘Grow, little seed!’”Dorian raises his glass. “To trees and art,” he says.

Last Updated : 2025-11-19

52: Brew & Bean

Zephyr’s POVI can’t remember the last time I came to Brew and Bean.Was it Selene’s birthday two years ago when we split that giant cinnamon roll and laughed until our sides hurt? Or the day I got the HoltTech job offer and danced around the tables like a fool? Maybe it was the rainy afternoon we skipped class in college and hid here with cheap lattes.But here I am again. The little brass bell above the door jingles as I step inside. Warm light spills from old hanging lamps. Mismatched wooden chairs sit around small round tables. Local art hangs crooked on brick walls.The air smells of fresh espresso, warm cinnamon rolls, and a hint of rain. A barista with purple hair hums soft jazz behind the counter. Rain taps gentle on the big windows.Saturday night feels quiet. Perfect.Selene waves from our usual corner booth. She sits with her legs crossed under the table. Two mugs wait in front of her. Steam curls up like lazy smoke. She wears a green sweater that makes her eyes look bright

Last Updated : 2025-11-30

53: Aegis

Vorian’s POVToday is the beginning of a new week. I walk into my office, settling down.I can see that Zephyr has been in here judging on how the room look.It was different from how I left it, the files on the shelf are arranged alphabetically, only Zephyr can do that.Silas is not someone to arrange things this way.There is also a cup of coffee on my table. Typical Zephyr but the problem is I am not in the mood for anything.I only came to the company because I have to. If I have it my way, I would be in my bed, cuddling under my duvet with my pillow.While I am still in my thoughts, the door opens.I look up wondering who that is. Zephyr or Silas?Only those two open my door like it is their bedroom door.Zephyr steps in and closes the door behind him with a soft click.I look towards the glass walls, the city skyline shines bright through the glass walls. Monday morning light pours in.“Good morning.” Zephyr says.“Good morning,” I reply him.“You did not reply my text.”“You se

Last Updated : 2025-11-30

54: Hallway Truth

Zephyr’s POVI slip out of Vorian’s lair and draw the door until it snaps shut behind me, hushed enough that he will not catch it from the inside.The hallway feels colder than the room, probably because the air conditioning is always set to arctic on the executive floor.My shoes make almost no sound on the polished floor.I am midway to the lift when I spot Silas propped against the wall, arms folded, one leg draped over the other, appearing like he has been lurking for me the entire time.He straightens as soon as our eyes meet.“Hey,” he says, his voice low so it does not carry through the glass walls.“What is wrong with Vorian?”I stop a few steps away and shove my hands into my pockets because I suddenly do not know what to do with them.“I do not know,” I answer, and the words feel heavier than I expected.Silas tilts his head and gives me that look he always gives when he thinks someone is holding back.“You do not know?” he repeats, gentle but doubtful.I shake my head.“He

Last Updated : 2025-12-06

55: Safe Harbor

Vorian’s POVThe rain lashes against the penthouse panes like it demands to come inside.I slump on the shadowed obsidian sofa with only one ember on, the city fire smeared into streaks of amber and red outside the barrier.My phone rests face down on the coffee table. I have not touched it in hours.The quiet feels heavy, the same way it did after dinner at the beach house.Lila’s little voice keeps looping in my head: Why do you not smile, Uncle Vor?But I do smile though.The intercom buzzes.I frown, glance at the clock, almost ten.I walk to the panel and press the button. The doorman’s voice crackles through. “Mr. Cole want to see you, sir. He is… quite wet.”I close my eyes for a second. Relief rushes in so fast it almost hurts.“Send him up.”Half a minute after, the exclusive elevator parts and Zephyr strides out soaked from head to toe.Rainwater pours down his hair, down his jacket, pooling a growing puddle on the polished stone.His translucent shirt hugs to his chest. He