The sky over Cloudbridge was dark, but the city below glowed like gold.Rael leaned on the balcony of the Syndicate tower, the chip from Selene still in his pocket.
"You shouldn't get too close to her," Ash muttered in his ear. "She's still dangerous."
"I know," Rael replied. "But maybe... so am I."
Scene 1: A Jealous Flame
Inside the tower lounge, Selene stood by the window, sipping wine. She had changed—softer clothes, gentler eyes—but Rael noticed the tension in her shoulders.
Then the elevator chimed.
A girl walked out, tall and fierce in a red dress with gold patterns. Her heels clicked like thunder. Her black hair was tied high, and her lips curled into a smirk as her eyes locked on Rael.
"Rael Veyron?" she asked boldly.
Selene turned. Her grip on the glass tightened.
"Who's asking?" Rael said, cool but alert.
The girl stepped closer.
"Nova Lin. Heir of the Lin Corporation. And possibly your new problem."
Scene 2: The Second Flame
Ash beeped in panic.
ALERT: Nova Lin — 5-Star Tier Investor, Shadow-Rated Operative. Danger Level: High System Sync Potential: Compatible [New Route Possible: Romantic Entanglement Detected]
Selene raised an eyebrow. "Investor? You're late to the party."
Nova chuckled. "I'm not here for your party. I'm here for him. The boy with the system."
Rael crossed his arms. "You know about the system?"
Nova smirked. "Let's just say… I want in. And I always get what I want."
Selene's eyes narrowed. "He's not for sale."
Nova walked past her, close to Rael. "Then I'll just have to earn him."
Selene clenched her fist.
Rael blinked. Two dangerous women. One goal: him.
Scene 3: Lines in the Dust
Selene grabbed her coat. "I have things to do."
"Running?" Nova teased.
Selene stopped at the door. "Just drawing a line. Be careful not to cross it."
As she left, Nova sat down beside Rael and placed a sleek tablet in front of him.
"Want to see what I can offer? Let's just say… I have missions too. Bigger ones. More dangerous. But worth ten times the rewards."
[Nova's Mission Offer Unlocked] Title: "Steal the Titan's Vault Key" Risk: Ultra High Reward: Access to Lin Family's Black Card System Side Effect: 20% Affection boost from Nova if successful.
Rael smiled faintly.
So this was the game now?
He looked between the path Selene offered—and the one Nova promised.
Two roads.Both lined with shadows.And hearts full of fire.