Reading Light Department Novels & Stories

The lights are quite dim which makes you wanna lie down and read a book for a while. "This is amazing," Stella said mesmerizing the place. As she roams her eyes an old lady is smiling at the counter, few people are reading books and some are newspapers and a group who are chowing down the delicious meal prepared for them. "Hi" a man who is in her 50's greeted. His white hair is mixed with dark brown hair making a unique combination. "Welcome to Pragma" he smiled gleefully. Stella and Justine walk towards the counter and smile.

We didn't let the darkness win. END OF VOLUME ONE

He doesn't get it at all. The station was already busy even though it was only seven in the morning, everyone was at edge since everyday, the kill counts were climbing up at an alarming rate. Light Yozas have started worrying for their safety and most of them were starting to just stay at home. Camden had never seen the City of Light so dull and lifeless, now that most of its inhabitants are either dead or staying at their houses. "Hey, lovely morning isn't it?" Arielle teasingly said as he entered their office, Camden just scowled at her and removed his coat. Arielle knew how much he hated the rainy and winter season, being friends with her since they were in the academy.

They’ve reached the ninth floor already. They find themselves in a warm-impressed room. A light yellow wall, colorful piled floor, and big windows gone through by that blue Lune illumination, yet the room isn’t illuminated by that blue illumination. The room is like illuminated by LED ones like in a department store. The windows might have been enchanted that any light that goes through it will be converted into a white one that they illuminate the room with white light.

This time, she reached out and — with a swift, almost casual motion — pulled the blindfold off. The light was blinding. Not bright light — dim, fluorescent, the kind of flat institutional lighting you find in parking garages and storage facilities. But after the absolute darkness, even dim light was agony. I squinted, my eyes watering, and it took several seconds for the room to resolve into focus.

“Actually, there is something that you can do for me. If you get time tonight, will you look through some of the files in these boxes and see if you can find anything that is described as red balls of light? Max and I encountered those this morning, and they were new to everyone.” Lindsay paused before she continued. “Also, if you have any questions about anything with this department or working in law enforcement, will you please ask someone? If it is something that you are embarrassed to ask one of the other deputies, you are always welcome to ask me. You will never get in trouble for asking a question,” Lindsay told her.

The lights in Alexander’s office had been dimmed to a low, amber glow—the kind meant for long nights when clarity mattered more than presentation. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city in scattered constellations of light, traffic far below moving like veins under skin. It was well past midnight. Too late for rational decisions. Late enough for truths to loosen.

I open my laptop and pull up the master deck which I angle toward him. I start my presentation by clicking to the first slide and saying, “The product is called ‘Lumen Pulse’ smart ambient lighting system that syncs with your circadian rhythm, mood data from wearables, and voice input. The lights of the system operate in color-changing mode. The system creates an experience which simulates the space exhaling its air through every breath which you take.” Ethan leans in, already focused. "So it’s more wellness than home décor?"

I nodded in response and strolled, approaching the door. I peeked into the slightly open gap, but I did not see anyone outside. I also do not feel the energy of any person out so I violently opened the door and immediately exited. I saw nothing, not even a single person. I immediately turned around and went inside. "Minister, I saw nothing... " My eyes widened as I looked at the woman in front of the Minister. They are both pointing their swords at one other. In just a few seconds, the woman spontaneously lowered her sword, but the Minister's sword remained around her neck.

I tilted my head back and stared up at the piercing light in the living room. What was hiding behind that thing? From the very first loop, I'd felt that this light was off. No matter if it was day or night, the lighting in this place was an unnaturally harsh white. And that was the only real difference between this room and my original one. Why would such a ridiculously bright light be installed for no reason? It was obviously so that the "audience" could see every bit of the scene clearly.