The city hummed with life, neon lights flickering in the rain-slicked streets, the distant sound of sirens cutting through the night. Silvergate was always awake, always moving, but tonight, Celeste Vaughn was focused on something far darker than the city's restless energy.
She stood outside Blackwood Industries, staring up at the towering skyscraper with its sleek glass exterior and the unmistakable feeling that something was watching her from inside.
Her fingers tightened around the strap of her leather satchel. The deeper she dug into the strange disappearances plaguing Silvergate, the more this company's name kept appearing in her research. Blackwood Industries was connected—she knew it. And if there was one thing Celeste hated, it was unanswered questions.
Pushing down the uneasy feeling curling in her stomach, she squared her shoulders and stepped inside.
The Meeting That Shouldn't Have Happened
The lobby was too quiet for a building this size. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the moonlight, casting long shadows across the polished marble floors. The receptionist barely spared her a glance as she checked in. Blackwood Industries didn't get many visitors.
By the time she reached the executive floor, the unease in her gut had deepened. Everything about this place felt… off.
The massive oak doors to Elias Blackwood's office loomed ahead. Taking a steadying breath, Celeste knocked once.
"Enter."
The voice was deep, commanding—sending a ripple of something she refused to name down her spine.
She stepped inside.
Elias Blackwood stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to her, silhouetted against the night skyline. His suit was impeccably tailored, hugging broad shoulders and a form that radiated power.
But that wasn't what unsettled her.
It was the stillness. The way he stood like a predator waiting for its prey to make the first move.
And then he turned.
Their eyes met.
Celeste's breath caught in her throat.
Silver.
His irises were the color of molten silver, almost glowing in the dim lighting. The intensity in his gaze was unnatural, something primal and ancient lurking beneath his composed exterior.
For the first time since she started this investigation, Celeste felt like prey.
But she didn't look away.
Instead, she raised her chin and said, "I want answers, Mr. Blackwood."
A slow, knowing smirk curled at the corner of his lips. Dangerous. Amused.
"Do you?"
His voice was like dark velvet, smooth yet laced with something sharp.
He took a step toward her, and the air in the room shifted, growing heavy. Celeste's pulse quickened, but she held her ground.
"I suggest you be careful, Miss Vaughn."
"Why?" she challenged. "Because I might not like what I find?"
"No." His silver eyes darkened. "Because once you start down this path, there's no turning back."
And deep down, Celeste already knew.
She had just stepped into something far bigger than she could ever imagine.