Thursday, December 22, 2022
Alex left the Thorn Publishing office at 11:19 p.m.
The hallway lights dimmed automatically behind him.
Snow fell heavier now, thick flakes sticking to the glass doors as he stepped into the lobby.
The Mercedes waited at the curb.
Driver silent.
Alex slid into the back seat.
Told him:
"Home."
The car pulled away.
He opened his phone.
Checked the dashboard one last time.
Chronos Imperium still #1.
Power stones steady.
Comments still rolling in on the last chapter.
He closed the app.
Leaned back.
Closed his eyes.
The city lights slid past.
He felt the shift before he saw it.
The air inside the car turned colder.
Violet motes flickered in the corner of his vision.
DeVille was sitting in the seat opposite him.
Tailored black suit with crimson accents.
Silver eyes swirling with dark flecks.
All-teeth smile.
"Evening, wonderkid."
Alex opened his eyes.
Didn't flinch.
"You're late."
DeVille laughed low, amused.
