Time to Kill, Part 1.

This is a film filled with controversy, politics, and countless decisive elements open to interpretation. One of those interpretations was the way certain states opposed racial integration, supporting the notion that men of color should have fewer opportunities and rights. It was how people distanced themselves, rejecting one another.

Curiously, Billy didn't arrive hand in hand with Monica. As soon as the cameras spotted him, they did their job. Billy had arrived two hours early—he needed to finalize some business with John, who was set to become the next major signing for Toor Books. He was the one who would boost book sales, his works always finding their way into the hands of unsuspecting readers. His books would always be in demand—sometimes soaring in popularity, sometimes lying dormant, waiting for their moment.

Unexpectedly, an uninvited guest appeared.

-Miss Rowling, it's a pleasure to have you visit me. I must say, this is quite a surprise. - Billy remarked, shaking hands with the woman walking arm-in-arm with Steve Parks.

-I was told you wanted to see me—the author of the major film project you're planning for next season, they said. - Joanna replied.

Poised and composed, her flushed cheeks betrayed her nerves, a contrast of crimson against the depth of her blue eyes.

-Have you seen my animated films? The ones from Pixar and Lux Nation? - - Billy asked, leading her toward Johnny Griesman, who was waiting with a cup of coffee in hand. - Forgive me—this is John, and Joanna… Joanna is a young adult fantasy writer, and John is our next big signing for Toor Books. He specializes in noir fiction, crime novels, and contemporary fiction. -

-Pleasure to meet you. Now we're colleagues. If you ever need anything from me, don't hesitate to reach out. - Johnny Griesman said.

-Thank you, that's very kind. - Joanna replied.

-Then, speaking frankly, I feel confident in saying that Joanna has created one of the greatest fantasy series of this decade, one that will be remembered for generations by her fans. - Billy added.

-Sounds like you're an incredible writer. - Johnny commented.

-I just try to do my best. -

-So, as we discussed, Johnny, we've spoken with the publishers and acquired your works. You're now officially part of Toor Books. All we ask is that you continue making waves—your stories are remarkable. - Billy said, handing him a report on the sales statistics of his novels. - You should consider writing a trilogy, just as a trial run. Expanding your writing beyond its current limits can sometimes lead to unexpected rewards. -

With one great author on board, the rest would follow. Pairing his work with the resurgence of dungeon and dragon-inspired books, it was only a matter of time before Warhammer would ignite a new wave of interest.

…

Half an hour later, Billy was deep in conversation with Joanna about her future and what he envisioned for her series.

-I don't think you've fully realized it yet, but you've created an entire world—a world filled with signs, history, plot, expansion, and charisma. People won't just see Harry—they'll see the magical world itself. - Billy told her.

She didn't believe him, though. She had only sold 40,000 copies so far, and that had been enough for her to consider her work done.

-You don't believe me? Fine, let's leave it at that. I just want you to keep writing. My idea is for us to develop a close working relationship. When the time is right, I'd love to create a comic adaptation of each book, illustrating the moments that can't simply be imagined. - Billy continued.

Joanne nodded. She had already seen Real, a work commissioned by Steve Parks. To her, it was the most impressive artwork she had ever come across. She watched in fascination as Billy's talent unfolded before her.

Billy placed five comics on the table. Joanna picked one up carefully.

-Are these yours? - She asked, captivated by the book. Every stroke was vivid, the colors striking, each story a fantasy in its own right. - Oh! I recognize this—Van Gogh! How interesting. -

-I like this one.- Joanna finally said, pointing to Hunter x Hunter, which blended Impressionism with Realism, wrapped in a cyberpunk aesthetic of the era. The backgrounds bore Impressionist tones, while the characters were rendered in sharp realism—childlike, yet seamlessly integrated into the cyberpunk genre. A style both reminiscent of Akira and yet uniquely distinct.

-We'll use that as the foundation for the Harry Potter comics. Since I'll be the one illustrating them, they'll sell like never before. We'll print so many copies that our first run will have to be 10 million per volume. - Billy said. - We'll split the profits 70/30. -

Then, they would move on to the story of the Founders, a parallel tale about Merlin—the architect of the modern rune system—and a film about Herpo. The idea was to expand the Harry Potter universe through animated films and, later, animated series. Fantastic Beasts would be restructured, condensed into earlier decades, with the sole purpose of keeping the wizarding world alive with magic.

-That sounds fair, but what do you mean by taking on more challenges? - Joanne asked.

-Simply doing what must be done. It's about adding one plus one—expanding the scope of storytelling. Sometimes it pushes beyond limits, sometimes it doesn't. That's just how it works. -

…

Monica arrived at six, as captivating as ever. She wore a dress that left her shoulders bare, her sleek black hair perfectly styled, and a bold red lipstick that stood out against the deep burgundy of her manicured nails. She was breathtaking.

The film was set to begin in an hour, and cameras surrounded them from all sides. Billy's allure was becoming something else entirely—drawing people in, compelling them to follow him.

-I suppose you'll all have to wait. I haven't seen the film yet, but if Billy had a hand in it, I'm sure it's been done masterfully. - Monica said, excusing herself as she navigated the sea of flashing cameras, each step leaving a trail of light that shimmered against the fabric of her gown. She was a vision—composed, poised, and unwavering. A face of stone, yet with an undeniable presence that commanded attention.

-I don't like it when you make me wait. - Monica whispered, wrapping her arms around Billy, who had promised to pick her up.

-It's impossible to see anything with this crowd. Things have been crazier than I expected. - Billy replied, pulling her close, one arm wrapped around her waist. With her heels on, they were perfectly level in height. The red was striking against her sheer black stockings.

-You look stunning. -

...