RISE OF THE LOST HEIR: ASHES TO EMPIRE

Late October draped Northwood Crest, one of Portland’s older neighborhoods, in a mix of gold-brown leaves and crisp air that hinted winter was only a few weeks away. The streets were alive in the way only Northwood could be—small shops breathing out warm light, bikes rattling by on uneven sidewalks, and familiar faces greeting one another like an extended family. And somewhere within that weekday bustle was Levi Hale, weaving through the street with a delivery box balanced on his arm.

Everyone seemed to know him.

“Morning, Levi!”

“Hey Levi, Don't forget the favor I asked!”

“Tell your grandma I’ll bring her that pie later!”

He flashed smiles back, adjusting the strap of his worn jacket. Levi wasn’t rich, but he was reliable, and in Northwood Crest that was worth more than money. He delivered packages for a local courier shop, did odd jobs, helped his neighbors, and somehow always kept a calmness about him that made people trust him.

He had just stepped off the curb when Clarie Wynn, his girlfriend of almost two year, appeared in front of him. Clarie stood there, one hand on her hip, the other gesturing wildly. Her perfectly manicured nails and expensive coat made her look like she belonged somewhere far away from Northwood Crest, yet here she was, expecting Levi to bend over backward to meet her whims.

“Levi,” she started, already sounding annoyed, “you said you were going to get me the new Crescent-Valley earrings this week. You promised.”

He exhaled slowly. “I know, Clarie. I’m just… not there yet. Work’s been slow and I’m helping with Grandma Martha’s meds—”

“So that means you lied,” she snapped. “You say things just to make me happy but you never actually do them.”

Before Levi could respond, Tommy Blake stepped out from one of the storefronts. His tall frame, messy blond hair, and easygoing grin made him look like someone life always favored. Tommy stepped forward, slapping Levi lightly on the shoulder.

“Hey, hey,” Tommy said, sliding between them like a buffer. “Clarie, chill. If you want the earrings so bad, I can just get them for you.”

Levi stiffened. “Tommy—”

“I’ve got this, man. Let her be happy.” Tommy said casually. “They’re not even that expensive. I get paid tomorrow anyway.”

Levi and Tommy were both twenty-two, the kind of young men who drew attention without even trying. Tommy, the golden boy and social butterfly, was popular for his charm and flair. Levi, however, had a quiet, effortless appeal — sharp features, calm demeanor, and a presence that made people notice him.

It was no wonder Clarie stayed by his side, and why Tommy couldn’t attend a single party without Levi somehow being the center of attention, so he always dragged him along.

Girls, and even some older admirers, often tried to get close to Levi — always through Tommy. The boys had known each other since childhood, and Elsa had long warned Levi that letting Tommy play the middleman was manipulative and unfair. He had never truly listened.

Clarie’s irritation melted instantly. “Really? You’d do that?” Her cheeks warmed, a shy smile tugging her lips.

Levi looked away, jaw tightening. He hated when Tommy did this—stepping in, making everything look effortless. But Tommy just shrugged, as though helping Clarie was as natural as breathing.

They drifted toward Maple Lane Diner, the little roadside restaurant with metal chairs set outside and a striped awning that rattled whenever the wind blew. Levi continued on his route, Meanwhile, Tommy and Clarie settled at one of the roadside tables at the Maple Lane Diner. Clarie’s cheeks flushed slightly as she smiled at Tommy. “Thanks… you always seem to have the time for me.”

Tommy’s fingers brushed hers lightly, and for a heartbeat, it looked like they might hold hands if not for the sudden swing of the diner door.

“What are you two ordering?”

Elsa Moreno stood there, clipboard in hand, her hair tied back neatly, her eyes scanning them with amused annoyance. Tommy immediately stood, grinning wide.

“Els! It's been forever. I haven’t seen you all week!”

He wrapped her in a hug, lifting her off the ground just a little because of how sweet and petite she was. Elsa yelped, shoving at his shoulder as she steadied herself.

“Oh please,” she said, rolling her eyes. “If you missed me so much, why didn’t you come by? Hm?”

“I… I’ve been busy,” Tommy said quickly, trying to play it cool, though his smile betrayed him.

They laughed, and the warmth between them was effortless—years of friendship, inside jokes, and unbreakable closeness radiating off them Elsa, Levi and Tommy have been friends since kindergarten, 3 best friends until Levi started dating Clarie making them four and awkward. Clarie offered a polite smile, but anyone could see she wasn’t as naturally connected to Elsa as the boys were. Still, she tried.

“You look… busy today.”

“Seems not busy enough to attend to idiots like Tommy,” Elsa teased, bumping the table with her palm. “Now, what are you ordering?”

Tommy gave his order, Clarie followed, and Elsa scribbled messily before slipping back inside.

For a moment, the bustling street noise seemed to soften. Clarie glanced at Tommy—almost shyly. Tommy looked back at her—almost too long, Beneath the laughter and small smiles, tensions were quietly coiling — unseen by Levi, but not unnoticed by Elsa.

She knew what was happening, but some things, she realized, could never remain hidden for long. And somewhere down the block, Levi turned the corner, unaware of the small storm forming behind him.

But storms have a way of catching up.

Because one table away, a man in a gray coat lowered his newspaper just enough to watch the four of them through narrowed eyes… as if he recognized Levi, or Tommy, or maybe Clarie or even Elsa—and was waiting for something.

Something that would soon shift their quiet Northwood lives forever.