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Guild Headquarters – Mission Department
In the dimly lit conference room, two figures sat across from each other, the atmosphere tense. Drake, a sharp-featured man with an air of authority, leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed on the table in front of him. Opposite him, Bianca, a woman with flowing auburn hair and an unusually calm demeanor, looked equally concerned. The two had been in the middle of an intense discussion when the door creaked open.
A lady dressed in a tailored black corporate jacket and skirt stepped in hesitantly, her heels clicking against the marble floor. Her presence interrupted the charged silence, and both Drake and Bianca turned their attention to her.
Drake's icy gaze locked onto her as he spoke, his tone cold and commanding. "What is it?"
The woman hesitated, her fingers twitching as she held a tablet close to her chest. "There's still no report from Mister Silver or his team," she finally managed, her voice faltering under the weight of the news.
Drake's brow furrowed as he leaned forward, disbelief flashing across his face. "What do you mean?" Bianca interjected, worry evident in her tone.
The woman hesitated again, her stance wavering. "Mister Silver hasn't checked into the Guild's Database for the last 24 hours, nor has he reported to the Mission Department."
The air in the room grew heavier. Drake's jaw tightened as he stood, towering over the woman. "Understood. And remember…" He paused, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "This stays between us. Not a word to anyone else in the Guild."
The woman's face turned pale, her knees almost buckling under his intimidating glare. "Y-Yes, sir," she stammered before scurrying out of the room.
Bianca waited until the door closed before voicing her concerns. "You think something's happened to him?"
Drake crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Silver isn't the type to go down easily. But this mission… it's unlike anything we've handled before." He turned to face the window, his voice carrying a hint of doubt. "We'll wait for now. But if we don't hear from him soon, we'll need to take action."
Bianca nodded, though the worry in her eyes remained. The weight of uncertainty lingered in the room, casting long shadows over their thoughts.
---
At the Academy
Meanwhile, Darian sat at his usual seat in the lecture hall, his mind drifting to the events of the previous night. Everything felt surreal, as though he had stepped into a dream he couldn't wake from. His hands rested idly on his desk, his eyes staring blankly at the chalkboard ahead.
Zara, seated just behind him, noticed his distant demeanor. Without a word, she reached out and placed her cold, slender hand on his. The sudden touch jolted Darian back to reality. His eyes darted to hers, catching her neutral expression as she continued jotting notes into her book, seemingly unbothered by the interaction.
Darian felt his cheeks flush. He barely knew her, yet he felt an inexplicable connection. Was this what having a girlfriend felt like? The thought made his heart race, though he quickly brushed it aside. Her hand lingered on his for a few moments before she withdrew it, returning to her notes as though nothing had happened.
At the end of the lecture, Darian gathered his belongings, ready to head home. But as he stepped out into the courtyard, a familiar hand grabbed his arm. He turned to see Zara, her icy demeanor giving way to faint curiosity.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her tone softer than usual.
Darian blinked, confused by her question. "Home?"
Zara sighed and motioned for him to follow. "Come with me," she said simply, leading him toward the city gates. Parked nearby was a sleek, luxurious car that seemed out of place in the bustling academy grounds. Zara climbed into the backseat and glanced at Darian, who remained rooted in place.
"Well? Get in," she commanded, her voice a blend of authority and warmth.
Reluctantly, Darian slid into the seat beside her. The doors closed automatically, and the car hummed to life.
"Good day, Lady Noelle," came a voice from the driver's seat. Darian glanced forward to see a middle-aged man dressed in a crisp uniform.
"Where to, my lady?" the driver asked, glancing at Zara through the rearview mirror.
"Home," she replied curtly, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside.
Darian's mind raced with questions. Lady Noelle? Home? What's going on? He decided to stay quiet, choosing instead to observe and piece together the mystery.
---
The car eventually slowed, parking in front of a sprawling mansion. The white-painted building loomed large, surrounded by manicured gardens and a central fountain that glistened under the sun. Darian stepped out, his mouth agape as he took in the grandeur.
"This… is your house?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Zara didn't respond. She ascended the marble steps leading to the front door, which opened before she reached it. A woman in a maid's uniform emerged, bowing deeply.
"Welcome, my lady. Allow me to take your bags," the maid said, her tone respectful yet practiced.
Zara handed over her belongings before gesturing toward Darian. "He's my special guest. Prepare my quarters for him," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument.
The maid's eyes flicked to Darian, scanning him from head to toe. Though her expression remained neutral, her gaze carried a hint of curiosity. "As you wish, my lady." She turned to Darian, offering a polite smile. "Welcome, sir. Please, follow me."
Still overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, Darian obeyed. He followed the maid through the grand foyer, his eyes darting around the opulent interior. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and ornate tapestries adorned every corner. It was a far cry from the modest apartment he called home.
The maid led him up a grand staircase, her movements fluid and precise. "You are the one Lady Noelle spoke of, aren't you?" she murmured, though she didn't wait for a response. Reaching the top of the stairs, she gestured toward a set of double doors. "Lady Noelle's quarters."
Darian hesitated at the threshold, his hand hovering over the door handle. Questions swirled in his mind. Who is Zara? Why is she treating me like this? And what does she want from me? He took a deep breath and stepped inside, determined to uncover the truth.
Inside, Zara sat by a large window, her gaze distant as she watched the sunset. She turned her head slightly as Darian entered, her expression unreadable.
"Welcome to my world, Darian," she said, her voice soft yet enigmatic. "I think it's time we talked."
Darian's heart pounded as he shut the door behind him, bracing himself for the revelations to come.