The quiet was deafening.
---
Julian sat in the corner of the library, his eyes scanning the pages of his textbook. He was trying to focus, trying to drown out the noise in his head. But it wasn't working.
The pressure was mounting, and the clock was ticking. Every move he made felt like it was part of a larger game, and he was no longer sure if he was the player or the pawn.
The watch around his wrist had become both a curse and a tool, its tasks pushing him further down a path he couldn't see the end of. The latest one—the one that had told him to eliminate the Kade family's key asset—had him questioning everything.
Who was he becoming?
As he turned another page, Lola appeared at his side, her presence as commanding as ever. Her long hair framed her sharp features, and her black leather jacket glistened under the dim light.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," she said, her voice low but tinged with amusement.
Julian didn't meet her gaze. "I've seen worse."
Lola tilted her head, sensing something was off. "What's going on? You've been acting strange lately."
He glanced up at her, but there was no softness in his expression. "It's nothing."
She leaned in closer. "Liar. You're carrying something—something heavy. And I don't think you're telling me everything."
He set the book down and stared at her. "Maybe I don't want to tell you."
She didn't flinch. "I don't think you have a choice. You're already in this too deep. If you're planning on getting out, you need someone you can trust."
Julian shook his head, standing up abruptly. "Trust? You think I can trust anyone? No one's ever been on my side. Not really."
Lola raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And how's that working out for you?"
Julian didn't respond. Instead, he left the library, his footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. The weight of her words followed him.
---
The Vault was buzzing with activity. People were drinking, laughing, and carrying on as if the world outside didn't exist. It was a world where the usual rules didn't apply, where everything was for sale—money, power, sex—and everyone had their price.
Julian entered the club, his mind racing. He needed to confront Felix. He needed to end this before it spiraled even further.
Felix was there, as always, surrounded by his usual entourage. Aria, with her piercing gaze, stood near him, watching Julian's every move.
"You finally showed up," Felix said, his voice a mixture of amusement and mockery.
"I'm here to end this," Julian said, his voice low and determined.
Felix laughed, a deep, guttural sound. "You really think you can stop me? You're just a pawn in a much bigger game, Rivers."
"I'm done being a pawn," Julian replied, his hand instinctively resting on the watch. The task it gave him—the one that had begun to consume him—had changed everything. He wasn't going to let Felix control his every move anymore.
Felix stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "What's the matter? You scared?"
Julian didn't flinch. "I'm not scared of you, Felix. I'm scared of what I'll become if I keep following your orders."
The smile faded from Felix's face, replaced by a cold, calculating look. "You should be scared. You have no idea what you're up against."
---
The silence in his apartment was suffocating. The world outside had fallen asleep, but inside, Julian's mind was racing. He stared at the photos Felix had sent him earlier—the ones of Eva—and clenched his fist around the envelope. The task to eliminate the Kade family's key asset was hanging over him like a dark cloud, but he wasn't sure if he had the strength to do it.
He wasn't the person he had been when he first came to Crestmont Academy. Back then, he was a kid looking for acceptance, for a place to belong. Now, he was tangled in a web of betrayal, deceit, and dark power.
The watch on his wrist vibrated again.
[New Task: Use your influence to get close to the Kades. Win their trust. Reward: Unlock the secrets of their hidden empire.]
Julian stared at the screen, the words echoing in his head. What was the watch really pushing him to do?
---
The courtyard was alive with the usual chaos of students, laughing and shouting as they mingled between classes. Eva caught Julian's eye from across the yard, her smile bright and warm. But even her smile couldn't erase the fear in her eyes. The same fear that had taken root in his heart.
He crossed the courtyard toward her, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders.
"You're still here," she said softly, her voice betraying the relief she felt just from seeing him. "I was starting to think…"
"I'm here," Julian interrupted, offering her a weak smile. But it didn't reach his eyes. He couldn't afford to let her see the cracks that were forming inside him.
"You don't have to do this, Julian," she whispered, stepping closer. "There's still time to get out. We can run away. Together."
The thought was tempting, but he knew it wasn't an option. Not anymore. The Kades weren't going to let him go, not after everything that had happened. And the watch—the watch would never let him escape.
"I can't," he said, his voice barely audible. "I'm already too far in."
---
The Kade estate was a fortress, a sprawling mansion nestled in the heart of the city, guarded by both security and influence. Julian stood at the gates, staring up at the imposing structure. This was the heart of their empire, the place where all the power and darkness originated.
The task was clear: get close to the Kades, win their trust, and unlock the hidden secrets. But it felt like an impossible task, one that would change him forever.
---
Eva was waiting for him when he returned. This time, there was no pretending. No lies. She saw through him.
"Julian," she said, stepping toward him. "What are you really planning to do?"
Julian's gaze met hers, and for the first time in days, he felt like he could breathe. "I'm not sure anymore. But I can't turn back."
Eva placed a hand on his chest, her fingers brushing against the rough fabric of his shirt. "You still have a choice, Julian. Don't let them win."
He shook his head, his breath shaky. "I don't know who I am anymore."
Eva's eyes softened with sadness. "You're still you. No matter what happens, you're still you."
Julian looked at her, his heart heavy. But deep down, he knew the path he was on was already sealed.
There was no turning back now.
---