The top floor of Greystone Enterprises has a magnificent and frightening boardroom. The sleek, contemporary design shouted wealth and power, and floor-to-ceiling windows provided a panoramic view of the city skyline. With his golden eyes searching the room with practiced accuracy, Lucas Greystone sat at the head of the long, polished table. As a sign of the respect—and fear—he commanded, the most powerful members of his team waited for him to speak.
Lucas said calmly but firmly, "Ladies and gentlemen, the proposed merger with Arcadia Tech is not just an opportunity; it's a necessity." Their developments in renewable energy are exactly in line with our long-term objectives. Legacy is more important than profit in this situation.
Silent whispers filled the room as the board members looked at one another. Lucas sat back in his chair with a relaxed air of command. He let the silence linger, knowing that his next statement would confirm their agreement.
"Our rivals are already pursuing Arcadia," he added, his voice becoming more acerbic. "If we don't take action right away, we could lose the advantage we've worked so hard to establish. I hope everyone knows the stakes.
His implication-laden words hovered in the air. Slowly, one by one, the board members nodded, their faces displaying a mixture of deference and resolve. Lucas concealed a smile. And he had, as usual, won them over.
However, as the conversation turned to contracts and logistics, Lucas's thoughts turned to more urgent issues. There was a much darker reality underneath his corporate empire's gleaming front. The hunters' newfound boldness and their interest in Tessa Moonridge were not coincidence. He had been spending the past several nights sorting through rumors in the paranormal underworld, assembling pieces of a more extensive and nefarious scheme.
He cast a quick glance at Adrian, his Beta, who was seated close to the end of the table and was quietly watching the action. Adrian looked him in the eye, his silver-flecked hair gleaming. They had a strong unsaid understanding that they would need to speak as soon as this meeting ended.
"Lucas?" one of the board members asked warily, turning back to face the room. "Are you giving the transition team any special instructions?"
"Yeah," Lucas responded with ease, his thoughts immediately returning to attention. Put integration first. Make sure Arcadia's staff members feel appreciated and supported. We hope that this merger goes smoothly.
Soon after, the board members filed out, their faces ranging from impressed to relieved as the meeting came to an end. Adrian waited until everyone had departed before shutting the door behind them.
Adrian murmured, leaning against the table, "You seemed distracted." "The hunters, I suppose."
Lucas tightened his jaw and nodded. "Tessa is being pursued for a reason. I must discover its nature.
Adrian wore a contemplative look as he crossed his arms. Although we are aware that they have been pursuing supernaturals for years, this seems different. If Tessa's abilities are developing, they may perceive her as a danger or a weapon.
The brilliant eyes of Lucas grew gloomy. We can't give her to them in any case. She is more significant than she thinks.
Adrian furrowed his brow. "Important to you, or to the hunters?"
Lucas glared at him, but Adrian merely grinned. The Beta said to calm down. "Remember, you have me on your side."
Lucas remarked, "Then assist me in finding answers." It won't be long until the hunters' next move if the rogues are cooperating with them. I'll be ready when they do.
A constant flow of clients filled the flower store with conversation and the aroma of freshly cut flowers, making it a hive of activity. With her hands skillfully arranging a bouquet of eucalyptus and peonies, Tessa stood behind the counter. She feigned a grin as she gave the arrangement to an old woman, who gave her a heartfelt thank you before scurrying away.
Tessa looked at the lengthening line and said, "Next."
A man with an impatient look moved ahead, wearing a sharp suit. He said, "At last," and slapped a piece of paper on the counter. "I have until noon to complete this order. Absolutely no errors.
Tessa's grin wavered. "Obviously," she replied, accepting the order form. "It will be prepared promptly."
With contempt, the man scoffed as he looked around the store. "There is a need for significant improvements here. I'm not sure how you manage to stay in business.
Though she bit her tongue, Tessa felt a glimmer of annoyance. With quick movements, she turned to take a vase off the shelf. Leaning on the counter behind her, Landon, who had come to talk, narrowed his eyes at the exchange.
Tessa said, "Here you go," pressing the vase down a bit more forcefully than needed. The customer looked at his phone and raised an eyebrow without saying anything.
Tessa's fury was simmering beneath the surface as she labored to fulfill the request. The man's contemptuous demeanor irritated her, and every whispered remark fueled the flames. The air seemed to hum with vitality, but she tightened her jaw, concentrating on the flowers in her hands.
"Tess?" "Landon's voice was low." "You alright?"
Despite the implication in her tone, she yelled, "I'm fine."
The client gave an exaggerated sigh. "Will you please hurry? A few of us have actual jobs to return to.
Tessa felt a break inside. She was carrying a broken vase, and glass fragments were all over the counter. Tessa's heart was racing as she gazed at her shaking hands as the customer leaped back with a shocked curse.
Pushing glass from his clothing, the man asked, "What the hell was that?"
With her words hardly audible, Tessa stumbled, "I… I don't know." She looked at Landon, who was observing her cautiously and curiously.
Landon interrupted, saying hastily, "It's fine." "I'll tidy it up." Would you mind taking a break, Tess?
After giving a blank nod, Tessa withdrew to the rear chamber. Her mind racing, she leaned against the wall, her hands still shaking. The energy she had experienced before had not changed. It was the same power that had risen during the assault. However, what did it signify? And why was it out of her control?
Landon returned to the shop, his face contemplative as he scooped up the shattered glass. He hadn't overlooked the moment before the vase broke when Tessa's hands briefly illuminated. It was more than either of them could have imagined, whatever was happening to her.
The expansive gardens and stone turrets of the Greystone estate, which towered above the undulating hills, were a reminder of its long history and grandeur. With his boots resonating against the marble floor, Lucas entered the big hall. His father was definitely smoking a cigar, and the slight smell of it mixed with the smell of leather-bound books and ancient wood.
He discovered Alexander Greystone sitting close to the fireplace in a high-backed chair in the library. The elder Greystone was tall and broad-shouldered, his silver hair combed neatly, his keen blue eyes examining the world with a ferocity that had frightened lesser men. He was the epitome of elegant authority. He looked up as Lucas walked in, a small smile pulling at his mouth.
Alexander's deep, rumbling voice was heavy with expectation as he stated, "You're late."
"I didn't know this was a formal meeting," Lucas said with ease as he sat down across from him. "What are your thoughts?"
Alexander drew deeply from his cigar and put it down. Word gets around quickly, Lucas. You seem to be spending a lot of time in town recently, I hear.
Lucas looked up. "I need to attend to some business. Don't be surprised by that.
Alexander reiterated, "Business," in a doubtful tone. Or diversions?
Although Lucas's jaw tensed, he remained calm. "Paternal, just say what you have to say."
Alexander leaned forward and fixed Lucas with his sharp eyes. You are aware of the guidelines. Our world is not meant for human involvement. Both they and we are at risk.
Equitably, Lucas stated, "I understand the rules." "And I won't break them."
Alexander squinted his eyes. Not quite yet. But Lucas, you're playing a risky game. Humans are delicate. They are unable to bear the burden of who we are. And we always bear the consequences when they break.
Lucas added, "Tessa isn't just some human," before he could stop himself. The implicit significance of the words weighed heavily on the air.
Alexander's face became gloomy. He spoke carefully, as if he was trying to test the name, "Tessa." "So, someone is out there."
Despite Lucas's internalized curse, his father's keen intuition had already detected the error. Lucas said, "She's not what you think," with caution. "You shouldn't worry about her either."
With a stern voice, Alexander yelled, "I'm concerned about everything that impacts this family." Lucas, don't forget who you are. You have an obligation to our legacy and this pack. Don't allow emotion to influence your decisions.
With his golden eyes sparkling, Lucas stood up. His voice was low and menacing as he declared, "I know exactly who I am." "And a lecture about my responsibilities is not necessary."
For a long time, Alexander studied him, his face unreadable. At last, with a slight gleam of approval in his eyes, he nodded. "Just exercise caution, Lucas. You may not realize how narrow the line is between strength and irresponsibility.
That morning, there was a rare silence in the flower shop, the normal bustle of customers gone. The sound of the bell above the door caused Tessa to look up from her work sorting through an order of fresh tulips behind the counter.
A delivery man entered with a little, shabby box in his hands. "Tessa Moonridge?" he suggested, extending a clipboard.
After placing the tulips aside and signing for the delivery, she remarked, "That's me." With a nod, the man departed, leaving her alone with the intriguing package. Even though it was wrapped in simple brown paper, she stopped when she smelled the subtle lavender and cedar scents coming from it.
Out of sight, she brought the box to the back room and placed it on the table. Over the string, her fingers paused, a weird feeling of expectancy tingling at the corners of her consciousness. At last, she untied it, removing the paper to unveil a wooden box that was carved and decorated with elaborate symbols.
An unidentified glimmer of recognition jolted through her at the sight of it. A tiny pendant was nestled inside, and her hands shook as she opened the lid. Inlaid with a glittering blue stone that appeared to gleam softly in the dark light, the pendant had the shape of a crescent moon.
A rush of broken images followed a flood of warmth that swept through her as her fingers touched the pendant. A fire that burns fiercely. The melodious, sweet voice of a woman calling her name. a sense of security and inclusion. And then the memories were gone as fast as they had appeared, leaving her confused and out of breath.
With a tight grip on the pendant, Tessa fell into a chair. She felt tears well up in her eyes, but she was unable to articulate why. The heirloom had a familiar quality that sparked a deep-seated desire in her feelings.
Landon was standing at the doorway when she looked up, and footsteps brought her back to the present. His brow furrowed as he observed her look, he murmured, "Hey." "You alright?"
She said, "I... I don't know," while displaying the pendant. This arrived just now. I believe it's related to my family.
Landon took a step forward the jewelry, staring at it. He remarked, "It's beautiful," but in a hesitant tone. "Are you aware who sent it?"
She shook her head, Tessa. "No." There was nothing to indicate its origin, no remark.
After a moment of hesitation, he touched her shoulder. Perhaps it's a good thing. Something from your past is returning to you.
Even though she still felt uneasy in her chest, she muttered, "Maybe." She had a feeling the jewelry was more than a mere family relic. She wasn't prepared to confront the fact that it was a key to something greater.