World—a big concept that holds the meaning of every existence in place. It is considered a home to most and a part of themselves to all.
Some wish to conquer it, while others wish to protect it. Everyone has a role that connects them to it. The world is big, resourceful, and strong, yet it never complains or says anything when it is violated.
And Cassian wanted to help this world by conquering it. Because there is always a reason to obtain something bigger and better. Cassian always thinks that if he truly wants to help this world, he needs to rule it. After all, that's what he has seen growing up behind his grandfather's and father's regime.
Being the grandson and son of AU's head for two generations made him realize many things in this world. And later, when he fled and created his own life, he found some more things needed to take the world over.
And one thing he found most crucial was connection, and not just business but emotional connections.
"Say, Nia, how important do you think the slums are?" he asked as he mindlessly looked out the car window. He and Nia were heading for Velthoria to meet with the common gang there. The meeting was set yesterday after they replied to Shade's letter.
"They are important because they are in great numbers and easy to sway," Nia responded in the basic textbook explanation.
"Hmm," Shade agreed and continued, "then this will be a very helpful alliance to grow TEC."
"I don't get it." Nia tilted her head as he said, "How does aligning with a gang help us?"
A small chuckle left Shade's mouth as he looked at Nia, who was driving. He lifted his hand and flicked her head.
"Oww! What was that for?" Nia protested, shooting him an annoyed glance before returning her focus to the road.
"You said it yourself; they have great numbers, which we lack." Shade nodded towards the slum, seeing the grayness of it filled with rubble and death. "For now, this will be an alliance. Later, we will absorb them and make their men our men, hence increasing our force."
"That makes sense." She nodded and turned right onto a heavily trafficked road. The place was lined with thugs and smoke.
After a few more minutes, a building appeared in front of them. Nia parked smoothly and hopped out of the car. Shade fixed his mask and clothes before exiting the car himself. It was only the two of them who came to this place—the Hopeful Enclave headquarters.
The rising gang in the slums of Velthoria, contrary to its name, is a very violent gang ruled by power rather than reason. And its head, Razeon, was an imposing and strong figure. No one dares to cross him in the slums, and if someone raises even a slight objection, it's like they will be writing their own death sentence.
'He is very dangerous.'
Both of them walked inside the modern building, a rarity in the slums.
Their footsteps echoed through the sleek, steel-lined lobby—a display of the Hopeful Enclave's wealth and power, something rare in the impoverished area.
Inside, they were met by the wary gazes of Enclave members, each sizing up the newcomers. It was clear the place was ruled with an iron grip, not unlike its leader, Razeon, a figure as feared as he was respected.
'This guy's pretty ruthless,' Cassian thought to himself, 'Razeon… He'd built his gang through pure intimidation. Things might be difficult... but not a challenge.'
Shade and Nia exchanged glances, both fully aware of the potential volatility of their upcoming meeting. But this was no ordinary gang alliance—it was a strategic move for TEC to tap into Velthoria's strength, a foothold they needed to expand their influence into the slums.
The stakes were high, and Shade's tone was set, calm and unreadable behind the mask, as he prepared to face Razeon.
A door opened, and the imposing figure of Razeon appeared, signaling for them to follow. Shade inclined his head, motioning to Nia as they stepped further into the headquarters of the Hopeful Enclave, ready to make their move.
Shade observed his new ally with a discreet eye. His frame was muscular, his arms thick and covered in scars, each a story of battles fought and won. His skin was sun-kissed and weathered.
His face was intense, with a strong jawline and piercing, almost predatory honey eyes that observed everything with unsettling sharpness. A series of tattoos crawled up his neck and over his hands, marking him with ruthlessness, while his dark hair was cropped close.
'Just as I imagined him to be.'
They entered what seemed to be an office and took their places in empty seats. Shade and Razeon sat face to face while Nia and Razeon's men stood behind their respective leaders.
As Shade and Razeon sized each other up in the dimly lit room, things became intense. Razeon leaned back, arms crossed, scrutinizing the masked figure before him.
Shade began, his voice low, "Razeon, your group rules these slums, but without purpose you're wasting away. TEC can offer you more than just territory—resources, stability, and influence outside these walls."
Razeon raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, saying, "And why would I bow to your so-called alliance? I've carved this place myself. My men answer to me alone."
Shade tilted his head and said, "An alliance doesn't mean submission, but it does mean elevation. The slums deserve more than scraps… We can secure that… We have the means to supply and support you, and you have numbers we need. Your influence with our resources could benefit both sides."
Razeon's expression hardened as he said, "You're saying TEC has control over the resources to make such promises?"
Shade's eyes gleamed behind his mask. "Without question. This offer is a partnership, not an ultimatum. Accept it, and things would change. Refuse…" Shade's gaze lingered before continuing, "…and TEC will still grow, with or without the Hopeful Enclave."
Razeon smirked, leaning forward. "You make bold claims, Shade. But if TEC can deliver, we'll talk. I don't promise loyalty, but I'll give you a chance to prove your worth."
Shade nodded, satisfied. "Then we have a start."
Both leaders smiled as they took a step further to discuss things needed to form a pact with each other. Shade had shown bravery as he came alone, while Razeon had shown respect as he listened to Shade without fighting.
After all, it's rare for a wolf to listen when it only heeds power.
The meeting ended in success and a handshake.
As Shade and Nia walked away from the meeting place, the weight of the agreement settled between them. They saw Enclave men giving them a farewell with gunfire as they drove out of the building.
The night air was cool, carrying the scent of smoke. Nia glanced at Shade for a moment, her eyes reflecting the faint glow of the moon.
"Are you really confident about this?" she asked, her voice soft yet tinged with concern. "You took a significant risk by meeting Razeon alone."
Shade paused, considering her words.
"It was necessary. Things can only be built in the open, even among wolves who usually thrive on power." His expression was serious; he had shed his mask and was changing his clothes as well, the uncertainty hidden behind a mask of resolve. "Besides, if we want to challenge the darkness ahead, we need allies, not enemies."
Nia nodded, though the furrow in her brow remained. "I just hope Razeon understands the implications of our pact. His loyalty is as volatile as the wind. We cannot afford to be betrayed, not now."
Cassian knew better than her about this. But they needed risks to aim for what they dreamed. The world was made after a lot of distribution.
"True," Cassian replied, continuing their talk like Nia's concern was unnecessary. "But sometimes, you have to gamble to gain something worthwhile. If he proves to be as honorable as he claims, this could change everything for us."
As they approached the edge of the slum forest, Cassian suddenly sat up straight, turning to face her.
"Nia, promise me you'll stay vigilant. I can handle myself, but I need you to watch my back. I need to make sure you're kept safe till the end."
'It would be bad if she got under any bad influence,' he thought.
She met his gaze, the sincerity in his eyes warming her heart.
"I promise," she said. "We're in this together, no matter what."
With determination, they stepped out from the shadows and into the moonlit street of the capital, ready to face whatever awaited them on their journey ahead.
The pact they had forged might have been fragile, but it was a start.
Cassian thought of everything over once again as he got down from the car near his apartment and made his way home.
'Next is Libra…'