The clamor of 50,000 people sounded more like a landslide than a celebration.Kael Ashworth adjusted his collar, his fingers quivering just enough to irritate. He waited in the VIP waiting area of the Neo-Veridia Stadium, the air conditioning blasting frigid air that did nothing to relieve the sweat on his neck."Breathe," a kind voice said.Kael looked down. Luna sat in her wheelchair, her skin pale enough to reveal the blue veins underneath. She gave him a faint grin while clutching a handkerchief splashed with crimson."I am breathing," Kael replied, attempting a grin. "It's the rest of the world that's holding its breath.""They're just loud," Luna said. She reached out with her chilly fingers, gripping his hand. "No matter what happens out there, Kael... you're still my hero. You know that, right?"Kael tightened his hold. "I know. But heroes need power, Luna. If I don't awaken an A-rank ability at minimum, Father won't pay for the next round of your treatment.""He's our father,

Kael trembled in his thin shirt, clutching a single duffel bag containing all of his worldly things, at 2 a.m. He was meant to leave at daybreak, but security had woken him up early."Special instructions from Mr. Darius," the guard remarked, pushing him toward the roof access. "He wants to say goodbye personally."Kael stood on the edge, looking down at the city lights far below, which merged into neon streaks."Isn't this a beautiful view?"Darius emerged from the shadows with a glass of amber drink in his hand; he was not wearing a coat, and the cold didn't bother S-rank awakeners."What do you want, Darius?""Kael gripped the bag tighter. "I'm leaving. Isn't this enough?""Leaving?"Darius chuckled, swirling his drink." Oh, Kael. You are very naive. Leaving suggests that you have somewhere to go. "Leaving implies a future."He took a cautious sip."The father's disownment documents are detailed. No money. No connections. No name. You'll die on the streets in a week. Most likely, sta

The Ashworth Estate's Grand Ballroom sparkled like a diamond in the night, with crystal chandeliers hanging from vaulted ceilings, casting warm light on silk dresses and tailored suits that cost more than most citizens earned in a lifetime. Waiters weaved through the crowd, carrying trays of champagne and rare delicacies, weaving between the elite of society who had gathered to witness the coronation of the new heir.Darius Ashworth stood on the central dais, basking in the adoration. He looked every inch the golden prince, his smile practiced, and his S-Rank aura radiating a gentle warmth that kept the chill of the evening at bay. Victor Ashworth, beside him, looked proud for the first time in years, raising a glass to toast his only remaining son."To the future," Victor said, his voice echoing throughout the huge hall. "To strength. "To legacy.""To Darius!""The audience echoed, five hundred voices joined in sycophancy.The enormous oak doors at the far end of the ballroom swung wi

The morning sun filtered through the high windows of the Ashworth drawing room, illuminating dust motes that danced in the air like suspended gold. It was a stark contrast to the gloom that usually permeated the mansion, but the tension remained thick enough to choke on. Kael sat in a high-backed leather chair that had only been forbidden to him yesterday, watching the three strangers who sat across from him with predatory interest.Victor Ashworth stood by the hearth, his posture tight and unreadable, while Eleanor feigned to read a datapad in the corner, her eyes darting to Kael with fear and confusion.The man in the center of the opposing couch leaned forward, his suit impeccably tailored and his smile practiced to perfection. This was Dean Morrison of Apex Academy, the most prestigious institution for awakened youth in the hemisphere, and he usually made people wait, but today he looked like a man trying to solve a complex puzzle with half of the pieces missing."We followed the

It was time.The dawn of the new day had set Kael up and ready to make a move.Yet he was filled with uncertainty, his eyes rolling from one angle to the other until they landed on Luna, staring at her with a narrow gaze.“I will be fine, Kael. You don’t have to worry…” Luna whispered, attempting to hide the pain inside her.“We already talked about this last night. You can go, I will be able to take care of myself…” She forced a smile, but that was barely enough to hide the true feeling that was simmering inside her.Kael took a deep breath, and then he inched closer to her, his face dragged down by pain and annoyance.“I wish I didn’t have to go, Luna. Who will take care of you when I am gone?” He asked the same question that he had been asking for a long time, tears welling in his eyes.Luna sniffed, holding back her tears.“You should go, Kael…” She whispered, and as though it was meant to be, the sound of a horn blared through the window, causing them to look toward it.“I think