The soft hum of the mansion's AI seemed to fade as Elsa finished adjusting her suit, the weight of her responsibilities snapping back into focus. The fleeting vulnerability she'd indulged in only moments before was now sealed tight, tucked away behind layers of control. She moved purposefully, her every step a declaration of dominance as she exited the wardrobe room and began her journey toward the next phase of her day.
The mansion's grand corridors opened before her, and with a subtle gesture, the doors to the outside world parted. Elsa stepped out into the cool morning air, the crisp wind of Arcadia Prime whispering through the towering spires of the city. The vast expanse of the skyline stretched before her—an unyielding testament to her reign. But today, like every day, she wasn't merely a figurehead of power. Today, she was the force that moved this city.
Her convoy awaited her, a formidable presence on the grounds of her estate.
A sleek, armored line of flying cars hovered in perfect formation, each one a dark, polished silhouette against the rising sun. The air buzzed with the low growl of their engines, weapons systems activated, ready to defend their charge from any threat. Elsa's personal vehicle, the Nebulon AeroX, floated at the center of the convoy, its streamlined, chrome-plated body catching the morning light as it stood out against the darkness of the escorting vehicles. It was a work of art—futuristic, powerful, and untouchable.
The AeroX's advanced shielding glowed softly beneath its surface, a silent promise of invulnerability. The vehicle was more than just a mode of transportation; it was a symbol of her position. The convoy moved like a well-oiled machine, each vehicle positioned perfectly to create an impenetrable barrier around the AeroX. Together, they were a show of authority, a testament to Elsa's power.
As Elsa approached her car, she gave a curt nod to the armored guards stationed at the perimeter, their helmets reflecting the city's neon glow as they stood in perfect attention. There was no need for words. In a world like this, respect was given where it was due. With practiced ease, she stepped into the AeroX, the door closing behind her with a soft hiss.
The interior was just as meticulously designed as the exterior—futuristic, sleek, and undeniably luxurious. The car hummed to life as Elsa settled into the seat, the soft, ambient lighting adjusting to her presence. Outside, the convoy took formation, positioning themselves in tight lines to shield her from any threat, both real and imagined. The AeroX glided upward, its engines whispering as the convoy followed in tow, cutting through the sprawling skies of Arcadia Prime.
The city below was a blur of neon lights and towering structures, but Elsa was unfazed. This was her domain, and no one—not even the towering spires of Arcadia—could overshadow her. As the convoy surged forward, the cityscape of Arcadia Prime unfolded like a well-curated display for her eyes only. The perfect showcase of the power she wielded.
Elsa felt the weight of the city beneath her, the cold, unyielding steel of the Nebulon AeroX humming as it soared through the skies. She had already left the sanctuary of her mansion and the quiet retreat of her personal space behind. Now, as the convoy shifted course, the sharp lines of Arcadia Prime's skyline came into sharper focus, reminding her that it was time to return to the grind of empire-building.
The first rays of light danced across the glass and chrome of Permafrost HQ in the distance. It was more than a building—it was an extension of Elsa herself, a towering symbol of her power. The once-distant monolith was now looming, swallowing up the horizon as she approached. This was where all the strings she pulled, all the lives affected by her decisions, converged. The heart of Permafrost was waiting for her, ready to be shaped by her next move.
The convoy descended toward Permafrost HQ, cutting through the haze of Arcadia Prime like a razor slicing through the air. Elsa's sleek Nebulon AeroX drifted smoothly into the top-floor executive garage, a space designed with both security and status in mind. The gleaming floor reflected the polished chrome of luxury vehicles lined up like silent sentinels.
With a practiced elegance, Elsa stepped out of her car. The sound of her steel reinforce boots booming against the reinforced floor echoed briefly before silence took over. Her bodyguard, an imposing figure clad in tactical gear, moved with quiet intensity, his presence both reassuring and a reminder of the dangers lurking in the world she dominated.
Together, they made their way toward the elevators. As Elsa walked, her eyes scanned the expansive garage, noting every detail. The building's perfection was a mirror to her own aspirations—each layer, each floor, a testament to her meticulous vision. They entered the elevator, the doors sliding shut with a smooth hiss. The hum of the lift and the faint buzz of drones filtering in from the lower levels were the only sounds accompanying them.
As the elevator ascended, Elsa allowed herself a moment of reflection.
The elevator doors slid shut, the soft hum of machinery vibrating in the air as Elsa leaned back slightly against the sleek wall, arms crossed. Her mind wandered, as it often did when she wasn't actively engaged in corporate warfare. It was a welcome escape, even if only for a few moments.
She couldn't help but think about that track— Violet Skies —the one that always got her pumped. The hauntingly beautiful mix of synths, bass, and soft vocals… It was like a piece of forgotten nostalgia from a time she'd never known but felt drawn to. Sci-fi music always had this allure, like it was written just for people who lived in the future. Or maybe it was because she'd never quite been able to shake that side of herself—the side that wasn't all business suits and icy determination.
And then there was The Chromatics —her favorite lady band. Their latest album had been a masterpiece, every track dripping with confidence and power. But the lead singer, Aria, damn , she had a nice face. It wasn't just the sculpted jawline or the sharp cheekbones—though, those certainly helped—it was the way she owned the stage. Like she was daring you to look away, even though you were already hooked. Elsa found herself briefly picturing her in her mind, grinning as she imagined the electric energy the woman exuded. Aria was all raw, unapologetic energy, and maybe… maybe Elsa would like to meet her one day. "Ha ha ha Isabela wouldn't like that though"
Her thoughts drifted back to more practical matters—if you could call it that. The Eternal Horizon sequel had better be in production. She couldn't fathom a universe where they didn't capitalize on that franchise. It had everything: artificial intelligence, interstellar war, political intrigue. Hell, she was practically invested in the idea of the sequels. If they weren't already making it, she'd be calling her contacts at Arcosolutions to make sure that they had someone working on it. They had the means. It would happen. It had to.
And, speaking of things that mattered—Isabela. What was she doing right now? Elsa imagined her, likely in one of her favorite spots in the garden, the faintest hint of a frown on her lips as she daydreamed. Or maybe she was at home, surrounded by the constant hum of her family's business, yet her mind would always drift back to Elsa. It was funny, she thought, how completely she had become obsessed with the woman. She wasn't naive enough to ignore it. Isabela had a fire that made her dangerous, but Elsa couldn't quite get enough.
She wondered if Isabela was already planning the next time they'd see each other. Elsa had a sneaking suspicion she was. That girl had a way of making sure her presence lingered even when she wasn't around. There was a part of Elsa—just a small part—that liked that. That felt wanted , in a way she hadn't experienced before.
The elevator dinged softly, bringing Elsa back to reality as the doors slid open. She shook her head, smirking at herself for losing track of time in thoughts that were completely unrelated to Permafrost's next big deal. But, it wasn't as if she could always be on , always thinking of corporate expansion or the next acquisition. Sometimes, her mind needed a little breather from the constant weight of being in control.
Maybe she'd grab a bite from that ramen shop in Asura Fangs territory today. The one that always had just the right level of spice to it, the perfect balance of meat and noodles. She couldn't remember the name of the shop, but it didn't matter. It was her favorite spot when she needed to get away from the glitz of Arcadia Prime, where the streets were lined with ferocious Asura fangs gang members and the undercurrent of danger was palpable. She didn't mind it, though. It had character.
Then, just as the thought of ramen hit her, The elevator stopped, and Elsa pushed the stray thoughts aside. Time to get to work. But, even as she stepped into the boardroom, she couldn't shake the quiet joy she felt at having the luxury to indulge in those random, messy thoughts. It wasn't often that she let herself.