The world outside felt colder than usual that morning. Alaric stood at the window of his apartment above the café, watching as the city slowly came to life beneath a gray, overcast sky. The streets buzzed with the sounds of commuters, the hum of cars, and the distant calls of street vendors. Yet, in the quiet of his apartment, Alaric felt a sense of distance that had nothing to do with the weather.
The conversation with Celeste from the night before still lingered in his mind. He could feel the emotional weight of it pressing on him, and though he’d tried to bury the discomfort, it was impossible to ignore. She was right to question him. She was right to feel distant, to wonder whether he was still the man she married—or if he had become someone else entirely.
A knock at the door pulled Alaric from his thoughts. He didn’t need to check who it was; the knock was too deliberate to be anyone else. Balen Creed stepped into the room, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp, as always.
“I trust I’m not interrupting?” Balen asked, his voice low but filled with underlying tension.
“Not at all,” Alaric replied, motioning for him to sit. “What’s the latest?”
Balen sat across from him, eyes scanning the room as he placed a file on the table. “The Kendrick family has made their move. It’s subtle for now, but it’s clear that they’re trying to take control of the underground networks we’ve been building. They’ve been quietly pulling strings behind the scenes, using their influence to secure key positions in the city’s financial and political systems.”
Alaric leaned forward, eyes narrowing. “And you think they’re doing this to force my hand?”
“Exactly,” Balen replied. “They want you to make a move. To show your hand, so they can calculate how to play the next part of the game. They’ve been waiting for you to take action, but now they’re pushing you to make the first move.”
Alaric thought for a moment, his mind racing through strategies, calculating his next step. Balen was right—this was a power play. And if he responded too quickly, it would reveal his plans, giving the Kendrick family the upper hand. But if he waited too long, he risked losing momentum and initiative.
“Then we’ll keep them waiting,” Alaric said, his tone measured. “But not for long. We need to start building more alliances, especially with the Hollow Society factions that are still unaligned. It’s time to move.”
That evening, Alaric found himself once again standing in front of the Astoria Hotel, a familiar tension gnawing at him. The city had grown colder, and the glow of the hotel’s lights seemed to mock him as he walked through the front entrance.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
He had called in a favor with Balen Creed, the General Manager of the hotel, a man who had proven himself to be a useful ally despite his cold demeanor. They had met several times before, but tonight, their conversation would be different. Alaric had more than just business to discuss.
As Alaric made his way to the private elevator, Balen appeared from the shadows, his usual calm demeanor replaced with a flicker of urgency.
“My lord,” he said, his voice low and respectful. “I’ve gathered the men you requested. They’re ready for the next phase.”
Alaric nodded, acknowledging his ally’s efforts. “Good. We’ll need them soon. The Kendrick family is making their move, and when they do, I’ll need every resource at my disposal.”
As they stepped into the elevator, Balen glanced over at Alaric, his expression unreadable. “Are you sure this is the right time to act? The Hollow Society is still making its own moves, and your exposure is growing.”
“I know,” Alaric said quietly, his eyes fixed on the elevator doors. “But I can’t hide forever. They’re forcing my hand. I need to show them that I’m not just a name. That I’m more than just a shadow of the past.”
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing the private lounge where Alaric had met with Balen before. The room was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from a series of candles arranged in intricate patterns across the floor. Balen gestured for Alaric to sit, and he did so without hesitation.
“Thank you for this, Balen,” Alaric said, his voice low. “I know it wasn’t easy to put together.”
“You’re not just some client, Alaric,” Balen replied, his tone sincere. “You’re someone who understands the weight of the game we’re all playing. I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing this because I believe in what you’re building.”
Alaric sat in silence for a moment, the weight of Balen’s words sinking in. There was no mistaking it. Balen was loyal. But the loyalty he had shown was a rare thing in a world full of shifting allegiances.
“You’re right,” Alaric finally said. “This isn’t just about power. It’s about something much bigger. It’s about restoring what was lost. And protecting those who need it most.”
Later that evening, after Alaric had finished his meeting with Balen, he returned to his apartment, his mind buzzing with plans and possibilities. He had made the decision to confront the Kendrick family head-on, but that meant he would need to gather his forces and make sure his allies were ready for what was to come.
As he entered the apartment, he was met with the familiar sound of Celeste’s voice, calm and steady as she spoke to someone on the phone.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you,” Alaric said, his voice low as he placed his coat over the back of a chair.
Celeste looked up, her eyes softening as she hung up the phone. “You didn’t disturb me. How was your meeting?”
“Informative,” Alaric replied, his expression neutral. “But I need to prepare for what’s coming. The Kendrick family is going to make a move soon, and when they do, I’ll need every resource at my disposal.”
Celeste nodded, though there was a flicker of concern in her eyes. “You’re starting to get more involved. I don’t know how I feel about it.”
Alaric stepped closer, reaching for her hand. “I know it’s difficult. But I can’t just sit by and wait. I have to act.”
“I understand,” she said softly. “Just... be careful.”
