Chapter 34: A Step into the Shadows

Jackim stared at the black card in his hand, his fingers running over its smooth surface. The phoenix emblem gleamed faintly under the dim streetlights, as if mocking him.

This was it.

A choice.

He could keep living like this, struggling against a system that had already decided his place. Or… he could step into the unknown and take what was his.

His jaw tightened.

Jackim pulled out his phone, his thumb hovering over the number imprinted on the back of the card.

A deep breath.

Then, he called.

The line rang once.

Twice.

Then a voice, smooth and controlled, answered.

"You finally decided."

Jackim's grip on the phone tightened. "Who are you?"

A soft chuckle.

"Names are unimportant, Mr. Jackson. What matters is that you're ready to listen."

Jackim's heartbeat quickened. "You said I had a debt to pay. I don't owe anyone anything."

A pause.

"Ah, but you do. And soon, you'll understand why."

Jackim's mind raced. "What do you want from me?"

"Come to The Velvet Room. Midnight. Alone."

Before Jackim could ask more, the line went dead.

The Velvet Room.

A place whispered about in hushed tones. A club where only the elite gathered. A den of power, secrets, and danger.

Jackim exhaled.

This was a mistake.

And yet, his feet were already moving.

---

By the time Jackim arrived, it was nearly midnight.

The entrance to The Velvet Room was nothing like he expected. No flashing lights, no lines of people waiting to get in. Just a single, unmarked steel door at the end of a quiet alleyway.

A man in a black suit stood guard, his expression unreadable.

Jackim stepped forward.

The guard's eyes scanned him, lingering for a moment as if searching for something. Then, without a word, he pushed the door open.

Jackim hesitated only for a second before stepping inside.

Darkness swallowed him whole.

---

Soft, haunting music played in the background as Jackim moved through the dimly lit space.

The Velvet Room was unlike anything he had ever seen.

Red velvet drapes hung from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows. Chandeliers flickered above, their golden glow barely cutting through the darkness.

And the people—powerful people—sat in silence, their gazes cold and assessing.

Jackim felt their eyes on him as he walked further in.

Then, a voice called out.

"You came."

A woman sat at the far end of the room, legs crossed, a cigarette held delicately between her fingers.

Madam X.

Her crimson dress clung to her form, her presence commanding. She exhaled a slow stream of smoke before giving him a smile.

"Welcome to the real world, Mr. Jackson."

Jackim's fists clenched.

"What do you want from me?"

Madam X chuckled.

"Oh, Jackim… this isn't about what I want. It's about what you want. And whether you have the courage to take it."

She gestured to the seat across from her.

"Sit."

Jackim didn't move. "Why am I here?"

Madam X leaned forward, her eyes gleaming.

"Because you don't belong in the world of the weak, Jackim. You never did."

Silence fell between them.

Jackim could feel the weight of every gaze in the room. Watching. Judging. Waiting.

Then, slowly, he took a seat.

And the game began.