Jade followed the woman through the staircase, her heels echoing softly against the marble steps. The laughter and music from the rooftop faded, replaced by the low hum of the city below.
The corridor was almost empty.
Too quiet.
She caught up with the woman near a glass corridor overlooking the city. The lights of the buildings reflected on the polished floor, giving the place an unreal, distorted look.
"Hey," Jade called out, her voice firmer than she felt.
"Why are you following me?"
The woman stopped.
Slowly.
Too slowly.
She turned around.
Up close, her beauty was unsettling—perfect features, pale skin, eyes so dark they seemed to swallow light. She looked young, but her gaze was ancient.
"I am not following you," she said softly. Her voice was calm, but it carried something that made Jade's spine shiver.
"It is you who is walking toward VESPERIS."
Jade swallowed.
"You again with that name," she muttered, trying to sound sarcastic, but her voice slightly trembled. "Who or what is VESPERIS? A goddess? A constellation? A cult? Because honestly, this is starting to sound creepy."
Jade needed to know , if this woman can tell her what she can't find.
The woman smiled faintly.
"Creepy," she repeated, as if tasting the word.
"That is a very human way to describe fate."
Jade crossed her arms. "You still didn't answer my question. Why me??"
The woman stepped closer.
One step.
Then another.
Jade didn't move, but every instinct in her body screamed at her to run.
"Because you are already inside it," the woman whispered.
"You are tied to the Ooman bloodline. And VESPERIS never releases what it chooses."
Jade's heart started racing.
"You're talking in riddles. Just be clear."
The woman leaned slightly toward her, their faces now only inches apart.
"Be careful, Jade Lee," she murmured.
"Love is not the only thing that binds souls. Sometimes, curses do."
Jade's breath caught.
"What curse?" she whispered.
The woman's eyes gleamed.
"Ask Daniel Ooman why his family fears the stars," she said.
"Ask him what VESPERIS took from them… and what it still wants."
A cold breeze passed between them.
"And you," the woman added, her voice dropping to a whisper,
"you should be careful. The closer you get to him, the less you will belong to yourself."
Jade clenched her fists. "You're threatening me?"
The woman shook her head slowly.
"I am warning you."
Then she stepped back, her silhouette blending with the shadows.
"When the moon reaches its highest point," she continued,
"remember this name: VESPERIS. Because it already remembers you."
She turned and walked away, disappearing into the elevator corridor.
Jade stayed frozen, her heart pounding violently.
For the first time, her sarcasm failed her.
And she realized something terrifying:
She wasn't just curious anymore.
She was scared.
Then someone suddenly touched her shoulder.
Jade almost screamed, jumping in fright.
"Hey, calm down," Riguel said, raising an eyebrow.
Jade held her chest, her heart still racing.
"You scared me," she muttered, slightly annoyed.
"Did you see a ghost or something? What are you doing here alone?"
"Nothing, nothing," she replied quickly, forcing a casual tone.
"I just needed some… air."
"Air?" Riguel tilted his head, confused.
"Jade, there's more than enough air on the rooftop."
She rolled her eyes. "Riguel, what's wrong?" she asked, ignoring his comment.
"Ella is about to give a speech," he said.
"I need you there."
She took a deep breath and nodded.
"Okay, I'm coming."
.
.
.
The music slowly faded, and all eyes turned toward the small stage set at the center of the rooftop.
Ella Mafuss'aa stepped forward with natural elegance.
Her posture was straight, her braids falling gracefully down her back, her presence commanding without effort.
She took the microphone, smiling with confidence.
"Good evening, everyone," she began, her voice clear and warm.
"It is an honor to be here tonight, representing Mafuss'aa Group and, of course, my father."
She paused, letting the silence build anticipation.
"Our collaboration with Ooman Building is not just a business agreement. It is a vision. A vision for cities that are not only beautiful, but inclusive. Cities where talent matters more than origin, name, or background."
Applause erupted.
Ella continued, her eyes shining with determination.
"We believe in creating opportunities for young engineers, architects, technicians, and workers—especially those who come from communities that were once overlooked. Employment should not be a privilege. It should be a right."
People nodded, impressed.
"Our partnership will open hundreds of positions, internships, and training programs. Because building a city is not just about concrete and steel. It's about people. It's about futures."
The crowd applauded louder.
She smiled softly, almost inspiring.
"So tonight, we are not only celebrating a partnership. We are celebrating hope, growth, and shared success."
She lifted her glass.
"To Ooman Building. To Mafuss'aa Group. And to every dream that will rise with our projects."
"Cheers!"
The rooftop exploded in applause, people impressed, moved, inspired.
JADE'S POV — DISTRACTED
Jade clapped too, but her mind was far away.
She barely heard the words.
Her gaze kept drifting across the crowd… searching… paranoid.
She felt watched.
Her heart still raced from the encounter with the mysterious woman.
VESPERIS.
The warning.
The eyes that seemed to see through her.
Her fingers tightened around her champagne glass.
What did she mean?
Why me? Why Daniel?
She didn't even realize when everyone stood up for a standing ovation.
Daniel glanced at her from across the rooftop.
He noticed her distant expression.
Jade Lee—usually sarcastic, confident, untouchable—looked… shaken.