The dark truth

While Arnik and his friends reveled in their evening of laughter and celebration, another part of the world moved in calculated silence.The atmosphere shifted abruptly to the cold, sterile corridors of a government building, where every detail screamed authority and control. Ornate walls adorned with classical paintings and intricate tapestries whispered tales of power stretching back generations. The sharp click of polished shoes against marble floors reverberated through the otherwise silent hallways, each step purposeful and commanding.Satsujin strode briskly, the tailored lines of his suit emphasizing his precision and stature. In his gloved hands, he held a sheaf of documents—papers so significant that his every movement seemed infused with deliberate care. His sharp gaze flicked ahead, betraying nothing of his thoughts.At a wide intersection, two figures appeared, their professional attire reflecting the same air of importance. One, a woman with striking features and a composed demeanor, stepped forward, her polite smile practiced to perfection."Good evening, Mr. Satsujin," she greeted, her voice smooth, exuding poise. "Burning the midnight oil again?"Satsujin inclined his head slightly. "Miss Callaway. The work never ceases, does it? And you? Still juggling your latest project?"Her lips curled faintly into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "As always. But tonight, we have matters far more pressing."Before Satsujin could respond, her companion, a younger man with deferential manners, glanced at his watch and spoke softly. "Miss Callaway, we're expected in two minutes."She nodded briskly, turning back to Satsujin. "Perhaps next time, we can properly catch up. It has been far too long."Satsujin's response was curt and polite. "Of course. Until then."As the pair moved on, their polished shoes fading into the distance, the faint warmth of the interaction disappeared, leaving Satsujin to his cold resolve. His posture stiffened as he adjusted the grip on the documents, resuming his march with an intensity that filled the empty corridor.The grand double doors of his destination loomed ahead, their dark wood imposing against the ornate surroundings. With a firm push, Satsujin entered the room—a vast chamber of authority.Bookshelves towered to the ceiling, lined with leather-bound tomes that seemed to emanate the weight of centuries of knowledge. A massive window dominated the far wall, framing a panoramic view of the city below. Neon lights from hover trains streaked across the skyline, their fleeting brilliance casting fractured reflections on the glossy floor and rich furnishings.Standing by the window, silhouetted against the shimmering cityscape, was President Lionel. His hands were clasped behind his back, his stance rigid and commanding. Without turning, he spoke, his voice low and resonant."What do you have for me, Satsujin?"Satsujin approached the massive desk, placing the documents on its surface with meticulous care. His tone was steady, almost mechanical, as he began. "Lord Lionel, I've identified the individual who poses the greatest threat to our plans."Slowly, Lionel turned, his sharp gaze locking onto the stack of papers like a hawk sizing up its prey. He picked up the top page, scanning it with practiced efficiency. The room seemed to grow heavier with each passing second, the tension almost palpable.And then, a smile began to spread across Lionel's face. Dark, sinister, and tinged with a madness that only deepened as he delved further into the documents. Finally, the silence was broken by his laughter—low, guttural, and unsettling. It filled the chamber, reverberating off the walls like the prelude to a storm."I've been waiting for this," Lionel said, his tone a twisted mix of triumph and glee. With a dramatic flourish, he flung the documents into the air, their pages scattering like leaves in a storm.One photograph fluttered to the ground, landing face up. It was a family portrait of demi-wolves, their crimson eyes defiant even in the still image. Beneath the picture, bold letters spelled out: Sentryon Family Line.Lionel's breath hitched as he stared at the photograph, his hands trembling slightly. A flush crept over his face, and his lips parted in a shiver of exhilaration. "Oh... this is perfection. Absolute perfection," he murmured, almost reverent. "It's like witnessing the dawn of a new age."His fingers traced the edges of the photograph, his eyes gleaming with an unhinged fervor. "It's time," he declared, his voice sharp and commanding. "The second coming is upon us. Our moment has arrived."Behind him, Satsujin shifted uncomfortably, clearing his throat. "Sir, there's still the matter of the first mutant ability. We've yet to locate it. And..." He hesitated, his tone cautious. "Handerfall has been making moves. He's been traveling frequently across the solar system, meeting with the Sovereigns. There are whispers—"Lionel's smile vanished, his expression hardening into something cold and calculating. His voice dropped, dangerously low. "I see," he said, each syllable weighted. "We've been compromised."For a moment, the room was silent, the tension suffocating. Then Lionel's expression shifted again, this time to one of maniacal determination. Throwing his arms wide, he roared with fervor, "It's settled! We attack now!"Back at Arnik's house, the mood was as lively as ever. The cozy, modest living room quickly filled with laughter and the familiar scent of cooking. Rose was sprawled across the couch, her arms stretched dramatically over her head."This is the life," she declared, grinning. "No rules, no stress, just good food and better company.""Rose, take off your shoes," Kai said with a sigh, his tone laced with exasperation. "You're not a wild animal."Rose stuck her tongue out at him, kicking off her shoes with zero grace. One of them landed with a loud thud, making Kai flinch. "Relax, Mr. Neat Freak. It's not like I'm tracking in mud.""Not yet," Kai muttered, adjusting his glasses as he side-eyed her.Before the banter could escalate, Arnik clapped his hands together, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, before we start cooking, let's go over the most important rule in this house."The group answered in perfect unison, grinning as they said, "Don't let Markus cook!"Markus threw his hands up in mock indignation, his tail flicking in mild frustration. "Seriously? I burn a few things—""Burnt water," Kai corrected, his deadpan delivery earning laughs from the group."And now I'm banned for life?" Markus finished, shaking his head as he tried to hide a smile."It's for everyone's safety," Arnik teased, tossing Markus an apron anyway. "You can chop onions. Just... keep away from the stove."The kitchen came alive with activity as everyone found their roles. Aika, still half-asleep, shuffled to the counter, groggily measuring ingredients while letting out the occasional yawn. Rose grabbed a pair of tongs, only to fumble them to the floor with a dramatic sigh. Arnik flipped takoyaki balls with practiced ease, his confident flair drawing mock applause from his friends.Even Kai, who typically avoided anything messy, was chopping green onions with a precision that could rival a professional chef. "Efficiency is key," he mumbled, entirely focused on his task.Just as the first batch of takoyaki neared completion, Markus's phone buzzed on the counter. He picked it up, his ears twitching slightly as he read the message. His expression shifted, the earlier warmth dimming into quiet regret."Guys," he began, his voice tinged with apology. "I have to go. My mom's expecting me for a family dinner."Rose groaned, slumping onto the counter. "Seriously? Tonight?""I know," Markus said, scratching the back of his neck, his crimson eyes soft with regret. "She's been planning it for a while. I can't say no."Kai gave a small nod, his tone even. "Family comes first. Don't feel bad about it."Rose huffed dramatically but eventually waved him off with a playful smirk. "Fine. But you owe us big time."Markus chuckled, clasping hands with Arnik in a firm handshake. "Looks like our rematch will have to wait."Arnik grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Markus. I'll still be here to kick your butt anytime."With a quick wave, Markus left, stepping out into the cool night air. The streets were quieter now, the neon glow of the city casting soft reflections on the damp pavement. As the train carried him through the illuminated skyline, Markus gazed out at the passing lights, his thoughts swirling.How much has changed, he wondered, and how much more will?.