in the control room of Cube, Hecate leaned back in her chair, the glow of the notifications casting faint light onto her face. Her deep blue-purplish eyes glimmered as she scanned the new acquisitions with an amused smirk.
"Finally, something worthwhile," she murmured, her voice resonating in the quiet of the control room.
She read through the rewards, each one reflecting her recent actions and conquests. Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the armrest, the faint echo a backdrop to her thoughts.
---
New Skills and Cards Overview
Skills Unlocked
1. Killing Intent
Your aura now carries a deadly edge. Lesser foes may tremble before your presence.
2. Cold Heart
In the heat of battle, fear cannot touch you. Your decisions are sharp, your resolve unyielding.
3. A King's Grace
Your words now carry a regal weight. Others, especially the weak-minded, will lean toward your suggestions.
4. Dragonic Favorability
Dragons of all kinds are instinctively drawn to you. Their trust is easier to gain.
5. Hive Mind
With dragons under your rule, you share a mental link. Command and understand them as one might an extension of themselves.
---
Skills
1. Color Flag
Change the color of parts of your body at will.
2. Death Song
Your singing can manipulate the minds of others. Each note enhances your melodic prowess.
3. Plant Affinity
Nature is your ally; plants thrive in your presence.
---
X-Playing Cards:
1. Calorie's High
Burn stored energy to heal your body rapidly.
2. Sky Dancer
the sky is your stage.
3. Faceless
Transform into anyone you've encountered. Gain access to their associated player card.
4. Time Mime
Manipulate the age of living beings or objects. Reverse or accelerate their timeline.
5. Green Green
Control and accelerate the growth of plants with precision.
6. San Galgano
Summon a knight's armor and a large sword, imbued with holy energy.
---
"Not bad for a few weeks' work," she chuckled, her voice laced with satisfaction. The rewards from her efforts were not just tools—they were signs of the empire she was steadily building.
"Now," Hecate muttered, her fingers brushing over Nyx's soft fur as the cat curled on her lap, "it's time to see which of these will shake the world next."
Her gaze drifted to the darkened room, where shadows stretched and twisted like loyal subjects awaiting their queen's command.
---------
The bustling skyscraper was a hive of activity as employees whispered and speculated about the identity of their company's enigmatic owner. The company, known for its vast resources and influence, had thrived under a mysterious figure no one had ever met. Today, however, that was about to change.
Snippets of Conversations Among Employees
Near the reception desk, a young assistant leaned closer to her colleague.
"Do you think the owner is actually showing up today? Or is this just another rumor?" she whispered, her voice tinged with excitement.
The colleague, a middle-aged man with glasses, adjusted his tie nervously. "I heard it's true this time. Even Jacob looked panicked this morning, and you know he only gets like that when something big is happening."
In the break room, another pair of employees exchanged their thoughts.
"Maybe the owner is some old guy who doesn't want the public to know he's running things," one of them said.
The other shook her head. "No way. I heard the owner is a young woman. Apparently, she's a genius or something. There's no way someone this powerful would be boring."
Meanwhile, in the open office space, the tension was palpable. People straightened their desks, adjusted their outfits, and kept their ears perked for any sign of unusual activity.
---
Outside, a sleek black car pulled up to the entrance, and out stepped Hecate, now in her adult form. The temporary aging potion she had brewed earlier worked perfectly, elongating her figure and sharpening her already striking features. She had taken the potion with ease, treating the transformation as nothing more than a means to an end. Her real goal lay ahead, and she intended to achieve it without distractions.
Her choice of attire was immaculate. She wore a form-fitting, high-end black dress that seemed to shimmer under the sunlight. The fabric clung to her figure in all the right ways, accentuating her regal posture and her air of authority. Around her neck and wrists were pieces of jewelry crafted to match her unique, deep blue-violet eyes, each gem catching the light with a brilliance that seemed almost supernatural. Her wide-brimmed hat added an air of mystery, shadowing her delicate, porcelain-like features.
As Hecate strode into the lobby, heads turned. Employees who had been busy with their tasks stopped to take a second look, their eyes widening at the sight of her. She moved with confidence, her heels clicking against the marble floor in a rhythm that seemed to command attention. There was an undeniable elegance to her demeanor, a grace that surpassed even the most polished of models.
Behind the desk, the receptionist was caught off guard. "Good morning," she stammered, trying to compose herself under Hecate's piercing gaze. "How can I help you, madam?"
Hecate gave her a small, enigmatic smile. "Tell Jacob that Selena is here," she said, her voice smooth and authoritative.
The receptionist blinked, momentarily stunned. "You—you mean the director ?"
"Yes," Hecate replied simply, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
As if on cue, a man in his forties came rushing out of the elevator, his face flushed and his tie slightly askew. It was Jacob, the aforementioned director. His normally composed demeanor was replaced by one of barely concealed panic.
"Madam!" Jacob exclaimed, bowing he reached her. "I deeply apologize for not being here to greet you personally. Please, this way." He gestured towards the elevator, motioning for her to follow him.
Hecate gave a small nod, her expression unreadable. As she followed Jacob through the sea of desks, the employees' whispers grew louder.
"Did you see that?" one of them whispered. "Jacob looks like he's about to grovel."
"That has to be her," another replied, staring after Hecate's retreating figure. "Who else would he act like that for?"
"She's stunning," a third chimed in. "Like, unreal. I can't believe someone like her owns this place."
---
Upstairs in the Executive Wing
The elevator ride to the top floor was swift, but the tension in the air was palpable. Jacob continued to apologize profusely for the lack of reception, but Hecate paid him little mind. She was focused on the task at hand, her sharp eyes scanning the polished interior of the executive floor as the elevator doors slid open.
"This way, madam," Jacob said, leading her towards the corner office that had been reserved for her. The large glass walls of the office offered a breathtaking view of the city, but Hecate barely glanced at it. She had bigger plans than admiring the skyline.
As she took her seat, Jacob stood at attention, waiting for her instructions. Hecate leaned back in the chair, her expression calm and calculating.
---
"So, did you do what I sent you?" Hecate asked, her voice calm but carrying a weight that demanded precision.
"Yes, of course," Jacob replied, swallowing hard. "We've been investigating the top companies and rising ones in the area. We analyzed their movements, tracked their meetings, and combed through security footage. There's one recurring event that caught our attention."
"Go on," Hecate prompted, leaning slightly forward, her fingers steepled under her chin.
"Every month, companies D, C, E, and F hold a gathering on a private yacht. These aren't ordinary business meetings—they're extravagant parties. They invite models, dancers, and other entertainers. But here's where it gets strange: after these parties, a few attendees go missing, completely disappearing from people's memories. CCTV footage of those nights vanishes, and even law enforcement seems to turn a blind eye."
Hecate's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Oh, really? How intriguing."
Jacob hesitated before continuing. "Madam, there's another party tomorrow night. We managed to infiltrate the event by placing one of our people as a singer. It was the only position left open."
"Excellent," Hecate said, her voice laced with anticipation. "I'll take his place."
"Wait—what?" Jacob blurted, the color draining from his face. "Madam, with all due respect, it's far too dangerous. If these people are behind the disappearances—"
"Exactly," Hecate interjected, her tone icy and resolute. "Your concern is noted, Jacob, but do as you're told."
Jacob opened his mouth to argue but quickly shut it, bowing his head. "Understood, madam."
---
Two Nights Later
The soft crash of waves against the hull provided a serene backdrop to the opulence aboard the yacht. The vessel was massive, its decks gleaming under strings of golden lights. Guests in tailored suits and shimmering gowns mingled, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of a string quartet playing in the corner.
Hecate stood near the railing, her figure framed by the endless ocean and starlit sky. She wore a gown that clung to her curves, the midnight-blue fabric shimmering as if it were woven from the night itself. A plunging neckline and an open back added a daring edge to the elegance, while her choice of accessories—delicate diamonds and sapphires—perfectly complemented her deep violet-blue eyes. Her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded over one shoulder, giving her an air of effortless sophistication.
She held a champagne flute in one hand, though she barely sipped it, her attention focused on the partygoers. From this vantage point, she observed everything—the subtle glances exchanged between certain guests, the way some individuals seemed almost too graceful in their movements, and the faint air of tension that lingered beneath the revelry.
Her performance was scheduled for 11 p.m., giving her plenty of time to gather information. She leaned casually against the railing, appearing to admire the stars while her sharp mind cataloged every detail.
---
Inside, the yacht was a decadent display of wealth and power. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over polished wood and marble. A live jazz band played softly in one corner, providing a sophisticated ambiance. Waitstaff glided through the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres, their smiles practiced and polite.
At one table, two men in tailored suits engaged in a hushed conversation.
"Do you think she's here yet?" one asked, his voice barely audible over the music.
"She's the talk of the party already," the other replied. "That singer—did you see her when she walked in? She doesn't just look the part; she is the part."
By the bar, a group of women exchanged whispers, their eyes occasionally darting towards Hecate.
"She's too gorgeous to be just a singer," one murmured, her voice tinged with jealousy.
"Who cares who she is?" another said, her tone dismissive. "She'll be gone after tonight, just like the rest."
---
Hecate's lips curved into a faint smirk as she caught snippets of the conversations around her. She could feel their eyes on her, their curiosity and surprisingly or not, their bloodlust , but none of it mattered. Her purpose here went far beyond appearances.
As she took another glance at the crowd, her gaze locked onto a man standing near the bar. He was tall, with an ageless quality that immediately set him apart. His movements were fluid, his presence commanding, and there was an unmistakable glint of crimson in his eyes when the light hit them just right.
Found you, Hecate thought, her smirk deepening.
The night was still young, and she had a performance to give. But already, the hunt had begun.
---
The low hum of conversation and the soft clinking of glasses filled the air as Hecate sat down at the bar, her elegant gown flowing gracefully as she crossed her legs. Next to her sat a man who appeared strikingly out of place amidst the yacht's decadence. His posture was casual, almost lazy, as he swirled the crimson liquid in his glass. His sharp features carried an air of indifference, but his eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light, betrayed a dangerous curiosity.
Hecate sipped her champagne, her every movement deliberate, as if savoring the calm before the storm. They sat in silence for a while, listening to the current performer—a guitarist playing a soulful melody that resonated through the luxurious deck.
Finally, Hecate glanced at the man beside her, her gaze lingering for a moment longer than polite. She could tell he wasn't as uninterested as he pretended to be; his aura was too predatory, his focus too deliberate. As if on cue, the man turned his head, catching her in the act.
"Bored, are you~?" Hecate's voice was light, almost teasing, yet her eyes held an edge that suggested she was anything but casual.
The man raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a faint smirk. "Hmm? Ah, yes, very," he replied, his tone matching her feigned indifference. "I'm just here for the...activities of this event."
"Oh?" Hecate tilted her head slightly, her curiosity genuine but carefully masked with a playful demeanor. "Must be something worth the wait, then."
He leaned back in his seat, swirling his drink once more as if contemplating her words. "You could say that. Actually, the activities will begin while you're doing your performance." He shifted his gaze to her, his smile sharpening like the edge of a blade. "It makes me look forward to it."
Hecate chuckled softly, the sound like velvet. "Haha, my performance...or what comes along with it?"
The man's eyes gleamed as he leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Hmm, what do you think? Why don't you guess?"
The challenge in his words was unmistakable, but Hecate didn't rise to it. Instead, she stood gracefully, her movements drawing the attention of nearby guests. The other musician had finished their set, and now it was her turn.
As she turned to leave, she leaned down towards him, placing a cool hand against his cheek. Her fingers were soft, yet her touch carried an icy undercurrent, as though she were issuing an unspoken warning. His smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but she caught it.
"Well," Hecate murmured, her eyes cold despite the warm smile she wore, "you should enjoy both—as if it's your last."
The man's smirk returned, but his eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity about her deepening. He watched her as she walked towards the stage, her confident strides commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
---
On the Stage
The lights dimmed as Hecate stepped onto the stage, the room falling silent in anticipation. Her gown shimmered like liquid starlight under the spotlight, her presence utterly magnetic. The microphone in her hand seemed almost unnecessary, as her very aura demanded attention.
She cast a final glance towards the man at the bar, her smile now one of subtle triumph, before beginning her performance.
The room fell into a hushed silence as the violin's haunting melody sliced through the air, its chilling resonance pulling everyone's attention to the stage. The sound was otherworldly, both mournful and enchanting, as if it carried the weight of untold stories and unshed tears.
Hecate, illuminated by a single spotlight, stood poised with an elegance that seemed almost ethereal. Her gaze swept across the room, lingering briefly on the man at the bar, who now sat straighter, his earlier casual demeanor replaced with focused intrigue.
As she opened her mouth, her voice flowed like liquid silk, lazy yet utterly captivating. The haunting cadence of her words wrapped around the audience like a spell, each lyric painting vivid, surreal images in their minds:
[skill : death Song]
---[ Jake danniels / pinky promise]
"Wake up, I can't feel a thing
I wonder if this is a dream
Look over, I hear a scream
I wonder if that was from me."
---
The audience shifted uneasily, their expressions a mix of fascination and discomfort. Her voice, sultry and hypnotic, drew them in even as the eerie lyrics sent chills down their spines.
One of the younger men near the stage whispered to his companion, "Is it just me, or does it feel like she's singing directly to us?"
"Shut up," the other replied, his wide eyes fixed on her. "Just listen."
---
"Voices inside of my head, please get out
Okay, let's see what's outside of my house
Carousel horses and kids all about
What are they singing? It isn't too loud."
---
The violin swelled, its melancholic notes underscoring the surreal, dreamlike quality of her lyrics. Hecate's voice dipped into a darker tone as she delivered the chorus, her words laced with a dangerous edge:
---
"Pinky promise (promise)
That you'll keep all of your secrets locked away
In Lucifer's locket (locket)
We'll give you the key and you won't say a thing."
---
Her voice was both a caress and a warning, each word pulling her audience deeper into the story she wove. At the bar, the man with the sharp features leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he analyzed every note, every inflection.
Meanwhile, murmurs rippled through the room.
"She's incredible," one woman whispered, her glass of wine forgotten in her hand. "I feel like I'm dreaming."
"Or trapped in a nightmare," her companion muttered, unable to look away.
---
"Blood on my shirt and my hands
I can't remember where I am
Is this the same dream that I had?
Oh, no, here we go, not again."
---
As Hecate sang, her voice took on a raw, almost vulnerable quality, as if she were confessing a sin too heavy to bear. Her hand reached out, grasping the microphone as if it anchored her to the stage.
In the crowd, a woman shivered visibly. "What's happening? Why does this feel so… real?"
"Shh," someone hissed. "Listen to the words. There's a message here."
---
"Simulation got me going insane
Is this all real or is it in my brain?
Please, someone wake me, I swear I'll behave
Here come the kids, can you hear what they're saying?"
---
Her voice swelled again as she delivered the chorus, this time with an intensity that reverberated through the room:
---
"Pinky promise (promise)
That you'll keep all of your secrets locked away
In Lucifer's locket (locket)
We'll give you the key and you won't say a thing.
---
Her gaze flickered briefly towards the man at the bar, and their eyes locked. For a fleeting moment, her cold smile returned, and the faintest flicker of unease crossed his otherwise stoic face.
---
"Pinky promise (promise)
That all of our sins will be treated the same
In Lucifer's locket (locket)
Don't open the front or he might escape."
---
The violin's haunting melody built to a crescendo, carrying the audience into a dark, otherworldly climax. Hecate's voice remained steady, commanding the room as the final verse echoed like a promise—or a threat:
---
"Pinky promise (promise)
That you'll keep all your secrets locked away
In Lucifer's locket (locket)
We'll give you the key and you won't say a thing."
---
As the last note faded into silence, the room seemed to hold its breath. For a moment, no one moved or spoke, their gazes fixed on her as if they were still under her spell.
Then, slowly, a wave of applause began, hesitant at first but quickly swelling into a thunderous ovation. Some clapped enthusiastically, while others looked dazed, as though waking from a trance.
At the bar, the man tilted his head, his expression unreadable. He raised his glass in a silent toast, his sharp eyes never leaving her as she stepped down from the stage.
The violin's haunting melody began once more, the sound resonating with an even deeper intensity than before. Hecate's presence on stage became all-encompassing, her every move exuding confidence and a mysterious allure that captivated the audience even further. Her goal was clear: to distract and entrance the vampires on the yacht while subtly preparing to transport the entire vessel into her sub-dimension, where she could deal with them on her own terms.
The first song had left the audience dazed, their senses dulled by her hypnotic performance. Now, as she began her second song, she amplified her allure, her voice weaving a spell that not only kept the vampires entranced but also subdued their bloodlust, preventing them from preying on the humans on board.
The violin set the tone once more, its mournful notes filling the air like a siren's call. Hecate's voice rose above it, smoky and raw, dripping with an unspoken promise of both danger and beauty.
---
"Early this morning
When you knocked upon my door
Early this morning
When you knocked upon my door
And I say, 'Hello Satan, I
I believe it is time to go.'"
---
Her eyes swept across the crowd. The vampires among them had begun to stir earlier, their predatory instincts aroused by the proximity of so much human prey. Now, however, their movements stilled as her voice reached them, carrying a weight of authority and command that they could not ignore.
From her vantage point, Hecate could see subtle reactions. A particularly sharp-eyed vampire narrowed his gaze as though he sensed something amiss, but even he remained rooted to his spot, unable to break free from the spell of her performance.
---
"Me and the devil walkin' side by side
Me and the devil walkin' side by side
And I'm gonna see my man
Until I get satisfied."
---
Hecate's reason for singing went beyond simple distraction. Music, with its emotional resonance and ability to captivate the soul, was a tool she wielded masterfully. It allowed her to maintain control of the room, bending even the most defiant wills to her purpose. More than that, it was a way to mask the subtle magical shifts taking place.
Beside her, the faint glow of an ancient, leather-bound book began to pulse in rhythm with her song. To the untrained eye, it might have appeared as an ornamental prop, but to those who paid closer attention, the energy radiating from it was unmistakable.
---
"See, see, you don't see why
And you would dog me 'round
Say, don't see why
People dog me around
It must be that old evil spirit
So deep down in your ground."
---
A shimmering circle of light began to form beneath the yacht, its glow growing stronger with each verse. The humans on board remained blissfully unaware, too entranced by her performance to notice the subtle changes in the air. Some swayed to the music, their eyes half-closed, while others stared at her with expressions of pure awe.
The vampires, too, seemed lost in her voice, their usual predatory instincts dulled. One particularly bold vampire, seated near the front, tilted his head as if attempting to resist, but his efforts were futile. Hecate's song was not just entertainment—it was a weapon, a carefully crafted spell meant to lull and ensnare.
---
"You may bury my body
Down by the highway side
You may bury my body
Down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit
Can Greyhound bus that ride."
---
As she neared the end of her song, the glowing circle beneath the yacht reached its peak brightness. With a final, powerful note, the shimmering light expanded, enveloping the entire vessel in its radiance.
---
"So my old evil spirit."
---
The transition was seamless, almost imperceptible to those caught in the spell of her music. One moment, the yacht floated peacefully on the ocean under the stars; the next, it had vanished from the sea, reappearing in a strange and unearthly landscape. The water here was darker, almost black, and the sky was a deep crimson, lit by an eerie, unnatural light.
The vampires, though still dazed, began to stir as they sensed the change. A few sharp-eyed individuals noticed the glowing book by Hecate's side, their gazes narrowing in suspicion. However, her calculated timing left them no opportunity to act; by the time they realized what was happening, they were already trapped.
The humans on board remained oblivious, their minds still fogged by her song. Only now did a few begin to murmur in confusion, their senses slowly returning as they realized the scenery around them had shifted.
Hecate, still standing on the stage, let a small, satisfied smirk play on her lips. The hard part was over. She had them exactly where she wanted them, and now it was time to deal with the intruders in her own domain.
Turning to face the crowd, she gave a slight, mocking bow before addressing them, her voice dripping with cold amusement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my world. I do hope you enjoy your stay… however brief it may be."