NXT_MARVEL

In a city where shadows hold more power than light, Detective Marcus Trent is drawn into a web of deceit, manipulation, and a chilling game that threatens to unravel everything he knows. When he receives an anonymous message promising disaster, Marcus finds himself chasing a series of cryptic clues that lead him to a mysterious figure known only as The Shadow—a mastermind pulling the strings from behind the scenes.

The clues are sinister: coordinates, encrypted messages, and cryptic warnings, all leading Marcus to a chilling truth—someone is always one step ahead. As the puzzle pieces fall into place, Marcus discovers that the game is more than just about tracking a criminal. It’s a countdown to a terrifying revelation—the endgame has already begun.

As the stakes rise and more lives are threatened, Marcus is forced to confront his own demons and question the trust he places in his colleagues. With no allies, no clear path forward, and the shadow of the mastermind looming closer, Marcus must navigate a treacherous maze of false identities, hidden motives, and twisted alliances.

The question is no longer just who is behind the chaos, but how far will they go before Marcus becomes the next pawn in a game where no one wins?

The Silent Veil: Code of Shadows

Stone crumbled as shadows tore through the room like a hurricane. Marcus moved faster than thought, his body a blur of motion and power. The air cracked with each step he took, and the darkness obeyed him — lashing out, striking with brutal precision.

Vale sidestepped the first attack, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. A spear of shadow grazed his cheek, slicing a thin line of crimson. For the first time, Marcus saw something flicker across the man's face — surprise.

"You're finally interesting," Vale murmured.

"Shut up!" Marcus's voice was a snarl. The rage inside him burned hot and wild, and he let it consume him. He struck again, faster and harder — his fists wreathed in black fire, his thoughts a storm.

The older man twisted, his coat billowing as he countered with a wave of his hand. The air rippled. A wall of force smashed into Marcus, sending him skidding back. But he didn't fall. He didn't even stumble.

"Is that it?" Marcus taunted, his voice a dangerous edge. "I expected more from you."

He raised one hand — and the room shifted.

The walls folded inward, twisting impossibly. The air grew heavier, colder. Marcus felt the weight of reality itself start to crack, and for a split second, his vision blurred.

But the darkness inside him surged forward.

Marcus's body moved on instinct. He launched himself at Vale, the shadows obeying his every thought. Spikes of darkness erupted from the floor, chains snapped toward his enemy — but Vale danced through them like a ghost.

"You think power is enough?" Vale's voice was almost gentle. "You think rage makes you strong?"

Marcus's fist crashed into Vale's jaw, and the sound was like thunder. The man staggered back, blood dripping from his mouth. Marcus pressed forward, his attacks relentless — but then Vale's hand snapped out.

Marcus's body froze, the air thick as tar.

"You've grown," Vale admitted. "But you're still a child playing with fire."

The pressure increased. Marcus fell to his knees, his vision swimming. The darkness inside him writhed, but it couldn't break free.

"Do you feel it?" Vale whispered. "The cost of your power? The shadows take as much as they give."

Emily's voice cut through the haze.

His head snapped up. She was struggling to stand, her face pale and stricken. But her eyes… her eyes were filled with fear.

"No," Marcus whispered. "No, I… I'm doing this for you."

"Then why do you look like a monster?" Emily's voice cracked.

The words hit harder than any blow.

Marcus's hands trembled. He looked down — and his breath caught.

The shadows coiled around his arms like serpents, his fingers elongated into claws. His reflection in the broken stone showed eyes that glowed an unnatural, burning gold.

"Don't listen to her," the voice inside hissed. "She's weak. You're the only one who can save her. You're the only one strong enough."

"No," Marcus said again, but this time his voice wavered.

"You see it, don't you?" the man murmured. "The truth. You're not here to save anyone. You're here because you want this power. You want to win."

Marcus shook his head — but the words lodged deep.

"Marcus, please," Emily whispered. "Come back."

The darkness recoiled. The power drained from his limbs, the cold fading into a hollow emptiness. And when his eyes opened, they were his own again.

"NO!" Marcus lunged — but the blade had already struck.

Emily gasped, her body jerking as blood bloomed across her shirt.

The Unseen Price