12:45 AM — Black Tower Archives, Sub-Level 3
Dim lights. Dust-covered boxes. Files no one but Damon touched.
He pulled one labeled "E. Black – Confidential" and opened it to reveal photos. Rent receipts. A worn-down ID of his mother — Eleanor Black. Disowned. Hidden. Erased by the family name.
She'd died quietly.
But now, Virelli had dragged her back into the war.
And Damon?
Was about to show the world what happened when you disrespected the dead.
System Update – Bloodline Legacy Thread Unlocked
→ A special storyline detailing your mother's exile and secrets she died protecting
Bonus Passive Activated: "Descendant's Wrath"
→ You gain 25% enhanced perception, tactical clarity, and combat instinct whenever your bloodline is targeted
St. Monarch Campus — Training Arena (Evening)
Arielle Vaughn leaned against a padded wall, arms crossed.
"You didn't text back."
Damon kicked a training ball against the wall. Barefoot. Shirtless. Glowing sweat. Silent.
She stepped closer.
"I'm not some crush, Damon."
He stopped.
"You're not."
"So what am I?"
He turned, eyes calm, voice low:
"You're one of the few people I can't control."
"And that's what makes you dangerous."
She swallowed.
Then dropped the ball in front of him.
"One-on-one. First to five. Winner gets answers."
They played.
Hard. Aggressive. Close.
By point three, she was breathing heavy. Not from exhaustion — from something else.
By point four, she slipped.
He caught her.
Face inches from his.
Romance Flag Update: Arielle Vaughn
– Physical Tension: 92%
– Emotional Pull: 51%
– Loyalty: Pending Impact Decision
She looked up. "You're going to ruin me, aren't you?"
He whispered back:
"No.
I'm going to remake you."
Elsewhere — Vera Santiago's Estate (Elite Tower, Downtown)
She sat with her legal advisors.
"If he doesn't sign, we drop the alliance offer and focus on his enemies."
"He's too powerful to remain neutral."
She stared at a photo of Damon speaking at the gala. Crown pin on his chest. Black suit, fire behind his eyes.
She whispered, "Choose carefully, King. Or I'll choose for you."
Final Scene — Campus Café, Monday Morning
A new student walked into Damon's political economics class.
Golden skin. Fitted uniform. Perfect smile. Law books in one hand.
She took the open seat beside Damon. Stuck out her hand.
"Hi. I'm Sasha. Transfer from Geneva."
"You must be Damon Black."
He shook her hand.
Didn't notice the subtle wire in her bag.
Didn't see the second ID in her sleeve.
Didn't hear Dorsey's voice in her earpiece:
"Keep him close. Keep him talking. And whatever you do—don't fall for the Phantom."