ay at Voss

each floor seemingly reaching higher than the last, the kind of building that only people with control over the very fabric of the world could afford. The col

just another job interview. No, this was something much darker, much more dangerous. They had crossed a line when they accepted Damian's invitation, a line th

he harsh fluorescent lights, and the air smelled faintly of polished wood and expensive cologne. Receptionists, sleek and efficient, barely looked up as

eeded or failed, whether they sank into the shadows or climbed to the top, they knew one thing: this was

very decision they had made up until this point, every choice that had led them to this moment. Da

their reflection in the polished elevator walls seemed almost foreign, someone they barely recognized.

ry floor they passed, Alex's pulse quickened. It wasn't just the physical height of the building-it was the weight of what

es, and the sharp scent of luxury filled the air. A sleek desk sat in the center of the room, and behind it stood a woman in a tailored sui

t," she said, her voic

re of what to say

e turning on her heel and walking toward the back of the room, opening a door tha

air seemed to shift. There was something electric about the way he held himself, as though every inch of him was filled with r

us edge that sent a shiver down Alex's spine. Without thinking, Alex mo

ide the window, but Alex could feel the weight of his attent

ng to your liking?" Damian's

impressive," they replied, t

ile spread across his lips. "That's good. It's important to make an impression, to

s breath catch. There was no mistaking the authority in Damian's movements. He was

with dark amusement. "You're here because you have something I want. And I int

o refuse, but there was something magnetic in Damian's presence. Something that m

aid, their voice barel

"I don't think y

to give you a chance to prove yourself. In my world, you either sink or swim. And

of what to expect. "Wha

omething dangerous. "You'll know soon enough,"

n's P

-people who looked at them with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. In this world, it was clear that pow

was the game. The subtle manipulations, the quiet deals made in shadowed corners, the way power was exerted w

't expected the toll it would take, the weight of constant scrutiny, the pressure of making th

e was both terrif

ate Conv

nce more. This time, the door was shut, and the lights w

mian said, his voice

hem all day, the unspoken tension that crackled in the air whenever they were near him. Bu

burning with an intensity that sent shivers down their spine. "Do you underst

n't entirely sure. There was

ose now that Alex could feel the heat radiating fr

t follow the rules?" Alex asked, ba

d, dangerous smile.

er

ld where power ruled, and in this world, Damian was the king. But as much as Alex tried to resist, they couldn't deny the

t wha

n, on control. Alex was a part of that now. The quest

wer. But they knew one thing for sure: the pric

ict, dark romance, and the power dynamic between Alex and Damian. I'

mind. Every detail, every interaction, felt heavy. The world Damian had invited them into was noth

and exhilarating. His words, spoken so calmly, felt like a warning and a promise all at once. "You either sink or swim," he had said, and Alex was suddenly un

nsumed by Damian, by the way he commanded every space he entered, the way his mere presence made everything around him bend to

took whatev

the magnetic pull of his world, to let go of their own fears and insecurities. But another part of them resisted. They weren't sure how far they were willing to go to earn Damian

an's

focus on the work that needed to be done. But every time they entered the building, it was as if the weight of Damian's influence pressed

mplete. It wasn't just business as usual-everything was designed to test Alex, to see

waiting for a mistake. His cold, calculating gaze reminded Alex of the dangerous games being played in the shadows of

ppraising. Alex couldn't tell if it was admiration or disdain, but it didn't matter. W

Powe

e felt different. There was no pleasantry in the way Damian greeted them-his expression

, gesturing to the chai

room was thick with unspoken tension. Damian was calm, too calm. His gaze

w but sharp. "You've met with the team. You've made your r

thudding in their chest. "What do you mean?" they asked, th

urr. "You'll be meeting with one of our suppliers. He's been playing games-trying t

wn control over someone-was terrifying. But at the same time, there was a part of them that felt exhi

fore adding, "If you fail, it will reflect poo

air like a suffocating fog. Alex s

dow, his back turned to Alex. "You'll

their stomach. This was it. They had to prove themselves. The room seemed

egoti

the supplier, a middle-aged man named Victor, whose graying hair and sharp suit gave him an air of authority. His eyes flicked over Alex as if

're the new recruit. Damian's latest to

uldn't afford to show weakness. "I'm here to make sure this deal goes thro

able. "Damian isn't here to hold your hand, kid. You'l

center themselves. This is it. Time

ers from other companies. You really think Damian ca

old and unwavering. "You won't be going anywhere. This deal is happening, and you'll acc

a flicker of surprise in his eyes, followed by a s

ir chest. This is what it feels like to be in contr

Alex had set out. As they shook hands, Alex felt a sense of accomplishment-a fleet

Refl

in their mind. The negotiation had gone well, but there was still a nagging feeling in the

y-but at what price? The coldness, the detachment in their own voice, it h

e lingering doubts about who they were becoming. But one thing was clear: there was no goi