BloomnGleam

In the dystopian city of Rylos, where the government dictates love through a behavioral score-based lottery, Nico Knight is a man who’s always gotten what he wants. A nightclub tycoon with a reputation, he’s never had to answer to anyone until the lottery pairs him with Odalis, a quiet librarian with an air of calm that feels almost too controlled.

To Nico, Odalis is a puzzle of a woman too ordinary, too unremarkable to pique his interest. But there’s something about her stillness that begins to intrigue him. Beneath the surface, he senses a storm she’s carefully hiding. Nico finds himself questioning whether he really knows what he wants or if his true challenge lies in the mystery of Odalis herself.


(Sneak peak scene)
Nico slouched on the couch, drunk, eyes fixed on Odalis as she read, the quiet hum of the room wrapping around them like a soft cocoon.

Nico:
You know, I never imagined a woman like you would be in my life. Quiet, composed... not my taste.

Odalis (without looking up):
And what did you imagine?

Nico:
Someone like me. Loud. Reckless.

Odalis:
Sorry for the disappointment.

He blinked, his eyelids heavy, the pull of sleep growing stronger.

Nico:
“You’re like... an angel, in the wrong place.”

His head dropped back, surrendering to sleep.

Odalis glanced at him, a faint smile playing at her lips.

Odalis (whispering):
“You’re wrong, Nico Knight.
Maybe the wrong place is exactly where I need to be.”

She tucked him in, the soft rustle of fabric the only sound, and returned to her book. The silence between them now felt strangely comfortable.

Rays of Us

Odalis woke up in her small one-bedroom apartment, the soft light of Saturday morning streaming through the window. She stretched, feeling the calm of the weekend. After a moment, she got up and headed to the kitchen for a glass of water, taking a slow sip to start her day.

Just as she set the glass down on the counter, the doorbell rang. She glanced around, slightly puzzled, before heading toward the door, wondering who could be visiting her so early. Odalis walked to the door, curious about the unexpected visitor. She looked at the small screen by the door and saw two people in uniform standing outside. They looked official, and their presence felt unusual. Her hand hesitated on the doorknob as she wondered who they could be. Odalis opened the door, and the two individuals in uniform introduced themselves. We are representatives of the Union Protocol. Our role is to deliver the chosen individuals' envelopes, notifying them of their selection for the lottery." We have something for you." They held out an official looking envelope. Odalis frowned, confused. "What is this about?" she asked, looking at the envelope in their hands. "Why are you here?" The seriousness of their demeanor only made her more uneasy. The two individuals from Union Protocol looked at her seriously. "You've been chosen in the lottery," one of them explained. "You're part of the selection for the Union Protocol. This envelope contains important details regarding your match." They handed her the envelope, leaving her stunned and uncertain. Odalis stood there, still confused, holding the envelope in her hands. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice slightly shaken. "Do I have to open this?"

One of the individuals nodded, his expression serious. "Yes. Open it."

Hesitantly, Odalis tore open the envelope and pulled out the contents, still unsure of what to expect. As Odalis unfolded the paper inside, one of the individuals spoke again. "Inside this envelope, you'll find your match's lottery number and the meeting point. This is part of the Union Protocol lottery process."

Odalis looked at the paper, her eyes scanning the words. The number was clearly written at the top, along with an address for the meeting point. She felt a wave of confusion and anxiety wash over her. "A match?" she repeated, still trying to make sense of it all. "What does this mean?"

"Yes, a match," one of the Union Protocol representatives repeated, their tone firm. "This is the person you are being paired with as part of the lottery. You will meet them at the designated location to finalize the process."

Odalis felt her heart race, the reality of the situation sinking in. "I don't understand," she murmured. "Why me?"

The representative didn't answer directly. "It's all part of the Union Protocol. The match is made based on behavior scores, and you're chosen among one of 100. Your meeting is scheduled. You must go."

With that, they stepped back, awaiting her response, as if everything was completely normal. Odalis' frustration boiled over. "Why would I even do this?" she snapped, clutching the envelope tightly in her hands. "I don't even know this person! This isn't right."

The Union Protocol representatives remained calm, their expressions unchanged. "You must comply. Refusal to follow the instructions will result in severe consequences," one of them said coldly, his tone unwavering.

Her heart raced with anger and confusion, but she knew that arguing further might only make things worse. They stood there, waiting for her to respond. The two Union Protocol representatives gave one last glance at Odalis, their faces impassive. "Our mission is complete. We are leaving now," one of them stated before turning and going back. Her anger bubbled up, and she slammed the door behind them, frustration and confusion taking her thoughts. "What am I supposed to do now?" she muttered, staring at the envelope in her hand.

Chapter 7 (Unwelcome News)