The morning light spilled into the penthouse, revealing itself gradually as it streamed through the tall glass windows of Kael Voss's home, casting elongated shadows on the floor. Below, the city was still waking up, a low hum of activity echoing, blissfully unaware that its rhythm had almost been interrupted the previous night.
It was 7:30 a.m.
In the kitchen, Kael moved with purpose, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The scent of freshly brewed coffee enveloped the room, mingling with the lingering hints of scotch and ozone from the chaotic night before. His jacket rested neatly on a chair next to a pile of old project notes, while his phone glimmered faintly on the marble countertop, a solitary unread message illuminating the screen.
> Ezra: Couldn't sleep. Still thinking about you. Rest?
A slight smile—a whisper of happiness—broke on Kael's lips, feeling like a small triumph. He swiftly typed a response without second-guessing himself.
> Kael: Same. Try not to overthink everything before breakfast.
After hitting send, Kael took a deep sip of his coffee, letting its bitterness anchor him. The stillness of the morning was unfamiliar yet not unwelcome. For the first time in what seemed like years, he found himself free from the weight of conflict or revenge. The immediate danger had passed—at least for now—and what replaced it was a far subtler threat: a sense of peace.
On the counter, his communications device pulsed gently. Luka's hologram materialized, appearing clear and stable after a night of updates.
"Good morning, Kael," Luka said, the AI's steady voice tinged with a hint of concern. "Your vitals indicate fatigue. I suggest we postpone today's board meeting."
Kael shook his head and set his mug down. "I've pushed enough things aside. If I stay away too long, Apex might start to think it can function without me."
Luka tilted his head. "Technically, it could."
A smirk played on Kael's lips. "That's not the point."
He grabbed his jacket, putting it on as he walked past the expansive window. The city's skyline mirrored back at him—steel and glass trying to recover from the previous night's upheaval. Somewhere out there, he imagined Ezra at his apartment, likely curled up on the couch, either deep in coding or lost in thought. The uncertainty of which scenario unsettled him more.
"Keep an eye on the sublevel reconstruction," he directed Luka. "And let Lila know I'll be at the tower in twenty."
"Understood," Luka replied before disappearing.
Outside, the city was beginning to shake off its slumber. Kael's sleek black sedan—armored and discreet—was waiting in the driveway, its AI ignition already engaged. Rian, the quiet driver, stepped out as Kael approached.
"Morning, sir," Rian greeted him, opening the door.
Kael nodded and slid into the backseat. "To Apex Dynamics."
The car moved smoothly through New Avalon's narrow streets, morning light reflecting off the gleaming skyscrapers. Billboards flashed images of synthetic faces and tech slogans—Tomorrow belongs to the bold. Kael almost chuckled at that; in reality, tomorrow belonged to those who dared to grab it by the throat.
As they approached the Apex Tower, Kael's expression softened. The building soared above the skyline like a shard of glass piercing the clouds. It was more than just his creation; it was his father's legacy, reimagined in his own vision, a blend of innovation and authority.
Upon entering through the glass doors, he could feel the employees straighten subtly as he passed, whispers trailing behind him. Mr. Voss is back.
Inside, the air carried a faint scent of steel and a clean, sterile ambition.
"Welcome back, sir."
Lila was the first to greet him—sharp and efficient, a tablet in one hand and coffee in the other. Her dark hair was neatly pinned back, and her keen gaze observed everything.
"You look like you've been through a data war," she commented, handing him the coffee.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "I feel like I have."
She didn't laugh, but there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "Your schedule is tight, but I've already postponed the Veyra incident report for now."
"Good," Kael replied, taking the coffee and savoring the aroma. "Her name shouldn't be spoken around here again unless it's for the Social Posts."
****To be continued...