The sun rose the next morning. Iris woke up in a bed that was far too large and soft. The blankets were made of a heavy, midnight-black silk that felt like cool water against her skin. She sat up, her heart throbbing in her throat as she surveyed her surroundings. This was her new cell within the obsidian glass walls of the mansion known as "The Obsidian." It was a beautiful room, filled with sleek silver furniture and high ceilings, but Iris felt like a rare bird trapped in a cage. It was lovely to look at, but there was no way out."Good morning, Iris," a smooth, toneless voice resonated through the room.Iris jumped, nearly tumbling off the edge of the mattress. She searched the corners of the room, but she was alone. Then, she remembered. It was Onyx, the artificial intelligence that lived in the marrow of the house. Onyx was the brain of Silas Vane’s empire."The internal temperature is exactly sixty-eight degrees," Onyx continued. "The windows are locked for the morning security
Last Updated : 2026-07-09 Read more