Kael Vorinn – The Burden of Bloodline
The office reeked of old whiskey and polished leather. Dim lights from the high-rise windows barely illuminated the room, casting long shadows over towering shelves packed with files and contracts. Behind a massive oak desk sat Hadrek Vorinn, a man whose presence alone could suffocate a room. His cold, calculated gaze was fixed on the documents before him, as if Kael wasn't even there. This wasn't a man who raised a son—this was a man who built an empire.
Kael sat across from him, fingers tapping against the chair's armrest. He had been summoned here, but he didn't know why yet. One thing was certain—nothing good ever came from a conversation with his father.
Hadrek finally spoke, his voice sharp and emotionless.
"You need to understand something, Kael." He didn't look up from his papers. "The world isn't built on peace. It's built on control."
Kael leaned back, crossing his arms. "And I assume we're the ones doing the controlling?"
He had heard this speech before—many times, in fact. The usual "power is everything" lecture.
Kael sighed dramatically. "Damn, Dad. You gave me a heart attack. I thought I did something wrong."
He meant it as a joke, but Hadrek's gaze snapped up, cold and unreadable.
"You think this is funny?" His tone was sharper now. "You are the heir to everything I've built, Kael. The future of our wealth. That's why I called you here."
Kael straightened, his smirk fading. "I don't want it."
Hadrek's brows furrowed.
Kael continued, firm. "I don't want your companies. I don't want your wealth. I'm not interested in being the next 'Hadrek Vorinn.'"
His father's stare hardened.
"And who else should inherit this empire? Your uncle?" Hadrek scoffed. "That alcoholic, gambling bastard would burn it all on women and drink in a week."
Kael clenched his jaw. "Then give it to Siya or Ram."
Hadrek's expression twisted in disgust.
"Siya? She's a woman. The moment she marries, my fortune belongs to another man." His voice dripped with contempt.
Kael's fingers curled into fists, but Hadrek wasn't done.
"And Ram?" He shook his head. "That boy can't even stand, Kael. You expect me to entrust him with this empire when he can barely keep himself alive?"
Silence.
Then Hadrek muttered under his breath, voice laced with frustration. "I wish Ram wasn't born so weak. And now you reject your duty?"
Kael stood up, his blood boiling. "I don't want a damn thing from you."
Hadrek's eyes darkened. "Then get the fuck out of my sight."
The words hit harder than Kael expected. A thick file landed in his lap, thrown with force. His father wasn't just angry—he was disgusted.
Kael didn't waste another second. He turned and walked out, shutting the door on Hadrek's disappointment.
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Siya Vorinn – The Perfect Heir
As Kael stormed out of the office, he nearly collided with his older sister, Siya Vorinn.
"Watch where you're going, Kael." Her voice was sharp, but there was no real malice—just indifference.
She folded her arms, glancing at the office door behind him. "Let me guess. You pissed off Dad again?"
Kael scoffed. "When does he ever not hate me?"
Siya exhaled, shaking her head. "You never even try to understand him. Father built everything we have from nothing. You could at least respect that."
Kael looked at her, frustration bubbling. "Respect? He just called Ram a mistake. That's the man you idolize?"
Siya's expression faltered for a split second. She loved Ram too.
But then, just as quickly, her cold demeanor returned. "You're just a child throwing a tantrum. If you don't want to take responsibility, step aside. I would've done it in a heartbeat if I were a man."
Kael clenched his fists. "Maybe if you were in charge, this family wouldn't be so screwed up."
Siya didn't respond. She just walked past him, entering their father's office.
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Lara Vorinn – The Quiet Strength
Kael made his way to his mother's private quarters. Lara Vorinn was the only warmth in this suffocating house. She always understood him, even when she didn't always agree.
She was waiting for him, as if she knew this moment would come.
"He lashed out again, didn't he?" Lara's voice was soft, gentle.
Kael slumped onto the couch, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Same shit, different day."
She sighed, sitting beside him. "Your father is not an easy man, Kael. But he carries more burdens than you realize."
Kael scoffed. "Burden? You mean wealth and power? Must be exhausting."
Lara shook her head. "Not that. Since Ram's accident, he's never been the same. He's exhausted. Frustrated. It doesn't excuse his behavior, but try to understand—he never learned how to express anything other than anger."
Kael exhaled. He knew she was right. But that didn't change the fact that he would never be what his father wanted him to be.
He stood. He needed to clean his mind .
"Mom
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Rayne Vexis – The Friend Who Sees Everything
Kael didn't stay home long. He headed to the only place that ever felt real—Rayne's house . Rayne was lounging on the bed, scrolling through his holopad when Kael barged in.
"My father is always unhappy with me. I don't get why he wants me to be like him."
Rayne sat up. "Because he sees himself as a king. And you're his heir. That's all you are to him."
Kael let out a bitter laugh. "Great. So I'm just a tool."
Rayne leaned forward. "At least you can talk to your father. Mine barely acknowledges I exist."
Kael frowned. "Why did this war even start?"
Rayne stared at the ceiling. "Depends on who you ask. The official story? Dra started gaining too much influence. But the truth? Even I don't fully know."
Kael frowned. "That can't be the only reason behind this."
Rayne's mother interrupted him.
"Yes, it's not. It never was about peace or security. It was about greed. The war started because powerful people wanted more power."
Kael felt a pit in his stomach.
He knew exactly who Rayne was talking about. His own father.
"Mom!" Rayne called out, interrupting his mother. "Me and Kael are going for a ride."
They both left the mansion.
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The Ruined City – And the Ride That Changed Everything
Kael and Rayne hopped on their bikes. They were supposed to visit Ram at the hospital—but something caught their eye on the way: a ruined city, hidden beyond the outer zones.
They had always wanted to see it. Ignoring the warnings, they snuck in—only to be caught by security minutes later. They were thrown into a holding cell, awaiting punishment. But then, without warning, the guards opened the door. "You're free to go."
Kael blinked. "What?"
Outside, a sleek black government vehicle waited. The door opened. A familiar figure stepped out: Sorius Vexis. Rayne's father.
Kael exchanged a look with Rayne. His father had just bailed them out—without even being called.
That was the moment Kael realized just how powerful these men truly were.