Liam's cabin was cramped, with only the bare essentials—two narrow bunks, a small table, and a single flickering lamp. Dorothy Vanderbilt and her cousin Mary sat on one of the bunks, both oddly subdued after hearing Liam recount his past. The shadows from the lamp danced across his face, emphasizing the weariness in his eyes as he finished his story.
"...and that's how it happened."
Liam said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
"Parents gone. Just me now."
His voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable edge of bitterness beneath the surface.
Dorothy's eyes were wide, her usual exuberance momentarily replaced with something resembling genuine empathy.
"Wow," she said, leaning forward, her hands clasped together.
"That's… a very compelling backstory! I mean, tragic, of course. Absolutely tragic. But also very, uh, Enthralling!"
Liam blinked, trying to process the whirlwind of declarations coming from Dorothy. His confusion deepened as he glanced at her outstretched hand, then back at her wide, confident grin.
"Uh… Enthralling?"
He echoed, his brows furrowing.
"She means like… your story."
Mary clarified, her voice softer but tinged with resignation, as though she'd explained this many times before. She gestured to herself.
"Oh right, we forgot to introduce ourselves to you. I'm Mary Vanderbilt. This is Dorothy Vanderbilt. We're from the Vanderbilt family, it's old, rich, and powerful."
Dorothy nodded emphatically, her eyes gleaming with pride, springing to her feet.
"Exactly! And now, with your tragic and compelling history, you'll make a perfect addition to my entourage. I mean, look at us—we're like two pieces of a puzzle. You're the brooding loner with a haunted past, and I'm the brilliant, charismatic visionary destined for greatness."
"Together, we'll rewrite the stars, rise above everyone else, and I'll prove to the world that I am the true Chosen One!"
Liam tilted his head slightly, his dark blue eyes narrowing as he tried to figure out if she was being serious or simply delusional.
"I… don't think that's how being the Chosen One works."
He said carefully.
"... and I don't think I signed up for—"
"You're in!"
Dorothy interrupted, grabbing his hand and shaking it enthusiastically.
"This is fate! It's written in the stars or something... Probably?"
Mary, sitting quietly next to her, sighed and offered Liam an apologetic look, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
"She's kind of like this with everyone she meets."
She explained apologetically.
"If it helps, you probably won't be the only one she declares an ally or foe by the end of the day. Once she's decided something, there's no convincing her otherwise."
Liam chuckled dryly.
"I'm noticing that now."
"Oh, come on, Mary!"
Dorothy said, spinning around to face her cousin.
"Tell me you don't see the potential here. With Liam's tragic backstory and my unparalleled genius, and you're...? We'll be unstoppable!"
Mary hesitated, then shrugged.
"I mean… I guess it's not the worst idea you've, had since you tried to steal a dragon."
"See? Even Mary agrees! That settles it!"
Dorothy grinned, planting her hands on her hips.
"Liam, from this day forward, you're officially part of Team Vanderbilt. And don't worry, I'll come up with a better name for us later."
Liam sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"This wasn't exactly what I had in mind when I shared my story…"
Dorothy waved a dismissive hand.
"Details, details. The important thing is that we're allies now! Together, we'll conquer whatever challenges come our way. You'll see."
Liam looked between Dorothy's unshakable enthusiasm and Mary's resigned shrug. Despite himself, he felt a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
He crossed his arms, his mouth twitching as he fought the urge to smirk.
"So let me get this straight. You're offering me… what? A spot in your grand team to, uh, become the Chosen One?"
"Exactly!"
Dorothy said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"And don't worry, I'm very generous with titles. You can even be my 'Shadow Strategist' or 'Brooding Protector.' I haven't decided yet, but it'll be something appropriately dramatic."
"I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be flattered or concerned."
Liam muttered.
"Both!"
Dorothy beamed.
"Now, shake on it and swear your loyalty."
Liam hesitated, glancing at Mary, who gave him a helpless shrug. Then, with a resigned sigh, he extended his hand and gave Dorothy an obliging shake.
"Fine. But if I'm doing this, I'm not calling you boss or the Chosen One unless you actually earn it."
Dorothy grinned triumphantly.
"Oh, don't worry. By the time we're done, everyone will know I'm the Chosen One."
"Acceptable."
He said.
"But if this turns into a disaster, I'm using you as a meatshield."
"Deal! That's what Mary is for, anyway."
Dorothy said, holding out her hand once more.
Liam took it, shaking his head but smiling faintly.
"You're something else, Vanderbilt."
"I know."
She said brightly.
"Now, let's start planning our world domination, shall we?"
-An hour later-
The cramped cabin filled with an odd sense of camaraderie as Dorothy, brimming with unshakable confidence, began pacing back and forth like a general plotting a campaign. Liam leaned against the wall, his smirk fading as he folded his arms, watching her with equal parts amusement and wariness. Mary sat quietly on the bunk, her hands clasped in her lap, occasionally shooting Liam an apologetic glance for her cousin's exuberance.
"First things first."
Dorothy announced, tapping her chin in thought.
"We need a name for our group. Something bold, something unforgettable. Team Vanderbilt has a nice ring to it, but we need to include you, Liam. You're the brooding anchor of our ensemble!"
Liam snorted.
"Brooding anchor? Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"Of course!"
Dorothy shot back without missing a beat.
"Every great team needs someone mysterious and brooding. It adds depth. Gravitas. You're basically the heart of this operation."
"Right..."
Liam said dryly.
"Because nothing says 'heart' like a tragic backstory."
"Exactly!"
Dorothy said, missing the sarcasm entirely.
"You're catching on already. I knew I picked well."
Mary sighed, finally speaking up.
"Dorothy, don't you think you're getting a little ahead of yourself? We don't even know what Liam can do."
Dorothy waved her hand dismissively.
"Details. If he survived what he's been through, he's clearly capable of greatness. Besides, we'll figure out his strengths as we go. That's what great leaders do—adapt and inspire."
Liam raised an eyebrow.
"And what exactly makes you the leader of this... whatever this is?"
Dorothy turned to him, her expression a mix of mock offense and genuine determination.
"Because, dear Liam, I am Dorothy Vanderbilt. Genius, visionary, and soon-to-be Chosen One. It's practically my destiny."
Mary muttered under her breath.
"She's been saying that since she was five."
Dorothy ignored her.
"Now, back to our strategy. Liam, do you have any enemies? Anyone we need to crush on your behalf? A tragic backstory like yours usually comes with at least one arch-nemesis."
Liam blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
"Uh… not really. Just a lot of bad luck, and people who are already six feet under, or are dead to me."
Dorothy frowned, clearly dissatisfied.
"Hmm. We'll have to work on that. Every hero needs a rival. But no matter! We'll create a legacy so grand that your enemies will come out of the woodwork just to challenge us."
"Great."
Liam said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Something to look forward to."
Mary, unable to hide her amusement any longer, chuckled softly.
"You know, you might actually survive Dorothy's schemes, Liam. You seem pretty good at keeping up."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Liam said, his smirk returning.
Dorothy clapped her hands together, grinning from ear to ear.
"Excellent! With you two by my side, there's nothing we can't achieve. Now, let's move out and begin our journey to destiny!"
Liam sighed, pushing off the wall.
"This is going to be a long ride, isn't it?"
"Absolutely,"
Mary said, standing and patting his shoulder.
"Welcome to the Vanderbilt experience."
With Dorothy leading the way, practically glowing with excitement, Liam and Mary exchanged knowing glances before following her out of the cabin. Whatever lay ahead, one thing was certain—it was bound to be anything but ordinary.