Masks and Shadows

Three days had passed since the university incident. The campus remained closed for investigation, and classes had shifted to virtual learning. Meanwhile, in the shared apartment of Kael and Lyria, the two discussed their next move.

LYRIA: (crossing her arms) "Hey, Kael, you saved those girls, and according to one of their sisters, they promised to reward you. But so far, nothing. No calls, no messages. Don't you think they should have contacted you by now?"

KAEL: (smirking slightly) "Patience, Lyria. It seems that mortal body of yours is making you impatient. You're letting human impulses get the better of you."

Before Lyria could respond, Kael's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and answered calmly. It was Elena Blackmour.

ELENA: "Mr. Kael, this is Elena Blackmour. On behalf of my family, I want to thank you again for saving my sister. I'd like to invite you to an important event at our mansion tomorrow night. I hope you'll attend. I'll ensure you receive the reward you rightfully deserve for your bravery."

KAEL: (politely) "It would be an honor to attend, Miss Blackmour. Thank you for the invitation."

Kael ended the call and turned to Lyria with a triumphant look.

KAEL: "See? Told you. I've got my invitation."

LYRIA: (rolling her eyes) "Well, good for you. Sounds like it's just for you, though."

KAEL: "Wrong. You're coming too."

LYRIA: (raising an eyebrow) "And why would I go? The invitation was for you, not me. I doubt they'd want to see an extra guest."

KAEL: "You're my partner in everything. Besides, Adrian Veltran will likely be there. It's a perfect chance for you to connect with him. I don't want to leave you out of the loop again."

Lyria sighed, resigned, and nodded. The next day, they prepared for the event, choosing outfits that allowed them to stand out without being overly flashy. As night fell, the Blackmour mansion loomed ahead, a beacon of wealth and power.

The entrance was elegantly decorated, and the country's most influential families were in attendance. Among them were the Baumans, the Veltrans, and, of course, the Blackmours. Though Amelia and Selena Blackmour often referred to each other as sisters and were treated as such by their parents, they weren't blood relatives. Their families had united through economic and political alliances, considering themselves as one.

Kael and Lyria entered confidently, drawing curious gazes. Elena Blackmour approached them almost immediately.

ELENA: "Kael. I'm glad you could make it." (Glancing at Lyria) "And you must be his companion. I wasn't expecting him to bring someone."

KAEL: (smiling) "Lyria is my partner. We work together on everything, including our digital platform."

Elena raised an intrigued eyebrow.

ELENA: "Ah, yes. I did some research on you. The digital platform you've developed hasn't just revolutionized e-commerce in this country—it's reshaped it across the continent. Quite the achievement for such young entrepreneurs."

LYRIA: (with a light smile) "We appreciate the compliment, Miss Blackmour. We've worked hard to make it a success."

Elena studied them for a moment before offering a calculated smile.

ELENA: "I hope you enjoy the event. I'm sure you'll find many opportunities here tonight."

With that, she moved on to greet other guests. Kael and Lyria navigated the room, mingling effortlessly. Adrian Veltran, who had previously tried to charm Lyria at the university, approached them with a drink in hand and his usual charming grin.

ADRIAN: "Lyria, what a surprise to see you here. What brings you to this event? Stealing the spotlight again like you did at the university?"

LYRIA: (sarcastically) "I'm not here to steal anything, Adrian. I'm here with Kael. And you? Still trying to be the center of attention wherever you go?"

Adrian laughed, clearly unbothered.

ADRIAN: "Just trying to enjoy the evening. But I must say, your presence makes it far more interesting."

Lyria rolled her eyes and ignored him, while Kael subtly observed the room. Amelia and Selena were seated with their parents, Jacob and Margaret Bauman, who engaged in a serious conversation with Charles Blackmour and his wife, Alexandra Blackmour. Kael noticed the occasional glances they directed at him and Lyria, their expressions veiled but curious.

Elena returned, now holding a glass of wine.

ELENA: "Kael, I find your story fascinating. A groundbreaking digital platform, a heroic act at the university… What inspired you to create something so innovative?"

KAEL: (with a measured smile) "Necessity, Miss Blackmour. We saw a gap in the market and decided to fill it. The rest was hard work and dedication."

ELENA: (probing) "And what drove you to risk your life for my sister and her friend? Not everyone has that kind of courage."

KAEL: "When you see others' lives in danger, there's no time to think about risks. You just do what's right."

Lyria, who had been silently observing, chimed in with a small smile.

LYRIA: "Kael has always been like that. He can't help but step in, even if it means putting himself in harm's way."

Elena nodded, though her eyes betrayed her analytical nature. Meanwhile, Amelia and Selena approached hesitantly.

AMELIA: "Kael, I just wanted to thank you again for what you did. It's still hard to believe someone would risk so much for us."

SELENA: "Exactly. Not many would do what you did. Why?"

KAEL: (meeting their gazes) "Sometimes life puts you in situations where you must choose between looking away or taking action. I chose to act."

The two sisters exchanged a glance, visibly moved. Elena, who had been listening, sipped her wine thoughtfully before speaking again.

ELENA: "Kael, I'm not sure if it's your bravery or your intellect that impresses me more. But I have to admit, you and your partner are quite intriguing."

The evening continued with intense yet captivating conversations. Kael and Lyria navigated the social labyrinth skillfully, leaving a lasting impression. The cunning and suspicion of the Bauman and Blackmour families were palpable, yet neither Kael nor Lyria faltered.

As they prepared to leave, Elena intercepted them at the door, a faint smile on her lips.

ELENA: "Kael, don't forget your reward."

Kael paused, his expression unreadable, before nodding slightly.

With those words hanging in the air, the chapter ended, leaving an aura of intrigue and anticipation.