Lucian-

The stadium was empty, save for the echo of my cleats hitting the turf and the ball thudding against the net.”You planning to break your legs before the match even starts?” voice calm but carrying just enough authority to be heard. I slowed, then stopped, glancing over my shoulder. “If it gets me the win, maybe.” her eyebrow raised. Danny, the girl everyone is whispering about. “You know, rest is a strategy too.” she said. I turned fully to face her, my chest rising and falling from exertion. Even in the dim light, she looked dangerous and beautiful. That silhouette, sharp, tempting just like every damn time. “This match matters to me. I can’t leave it to chance.” she walked closer, her eyes steady on mine. “And if you go in exhausted, you won’t last past the first half.” I tilted my head, a faint smirk tugging at the edge of my lips. “Didn’t know my dietary supervisor doubled as a life coach.” she gave me a slow, almost teasing smile. “It’s all part of the package. Nutrition, recovery... smart advice delivered at 1 a.m.” I chuckled softly, wiping sweat from my brow. “You always this concerned about your players? Or am I getting special treatment?” “Only the reckless ones,” she replied.

I took a step closer to her, just enough for me to notice the heat radiating off her despite the cold. “You’re either incredibly bold or dangerously caring.” I met her gaze without flinching. “Maybe I’m both.” She said blatantly. My smirk deepened. “I like danger.” She leaned in slightly. “If danger’s your thing, I can promise I’m a beautiful kind of trouble.” I laughed, low and genuine, like it slipped past my usual defenses. For a moment, the walls between us cracked just a little, just enough for something unspoken to pass through. Danny stepped back, letting the space return. “Five more minutes. Then you're done. That's an order.” I gave a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.” As she turned to leave, my voice followed her, softer this time. “Danny?” She glanced over her shoulder. “I never asked… do you always show up under the lights like this, or am I just lucky?” She smiled, but did not answer. She simply walked away, letting the night keep the rest of her secrets. And somehow I find her really mysterious and dangerous little thing.

****

-Lucian-

Steam curled around the tiled walls, the soft hiss of the showerheads still audible in the background. I stood at the sink, gripping the edge of the marble counter, water dripping from my face as I stared at my reflection. The door creaked open, and footsteps approached, measured and deliberate. Henry Kael. Always impeccably dressed, even at this hour. His tailored coat still buttoned, hands clasped behind his back. The man had the air of someone who never sweated, never cracked. “Your father’s back in the country, by the way. Landed this evening.”

I blinked. “I didn’t know.” “He wanted to keep it low-key. He is expecting breakfast tomorrow at home.” Henry adjusted the cuff of his sleeve. “He asked if you'd join.” “Right. Family breakfast. Just what I need before kickoff.” Henry’s voice stayed neutral. “He’s making an effort, Lucian.” I turned away, gripping the counter again. “His efforts come in board meetings and press briefings, not scrambled eggs and forced smiles. He will probably ask me to quit the game and join the company. And I'm not gonna do that. Cancel my breakfast meeting. I am not having it. ” “Still,” Henry said mildly, “it wouldn’t hurt to show up. Remind him you’re still part of the empire even if you’d rather spend your nights chasing shadows on the pitch.” “I’ll think about it.” I said. He knows I'm not gonna do that. He is an ex-Football player of our country, but due to injury he had to quit the game early. Because of financial problems he joined our company and has been my manager since then. He informs my every move to my father but I know he is loyal to me and always keeps me safe.

“Don’t let the wrong person in, Lucian. Not now.” Henry says. “What does it mean?” Henry studied me, gaze narrowing slightly. “She’s not part of the inner circle. And yet here you are, out on the pitch alone with her in the middle of the night.”

Lucian's voice cooled. “I don't need your permission to talk to someone, darlin’.”

“No,” Henry said evenly. “But you need my protection. You think the press doesn’t notice things like that? A woman around the golden boy right before a career defining match? You know what they’ll say.” I stepped forward, “Let them talk. They always do.” Henry held his ground. “I get to remind you what’s at stake. Your career. Your legacy. And the company you’re about to inherit.” He said with concerning emotions. “Dig into her past. I want to know who she really is.” “Copy that." he answered with satisfaction.

****

-River-

I was leaning against the corridor wall just outside the locker rooms, pretending to scroll through my phone. Hoodie still up, body relaxed but my eyes were alert. I had been waiting. Watching. When Henry Kael, Lucian’s manager and personal assistant stepped out of the locker room, he noticed me immediately. He paused.

"Miss…Danny, isn’t it?" I looked up, unfazed. “That’s me.” Henry offered a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Late night walk? Or are you following someone?” I straightened slightly, slipping my phone into my pocket. “I was waiting for the physio. He’s giving me an update on one of the midfielders’ intake plans. Timing’s not exactly ideal, but injuries don’t run on a clock.” Henry nodded slowly, stepping a little closer but keeping a polite distance. “Of course. Nutrition is vital. Especially before a high-stakes match.” I didn’t blink. “That’s what I’m here for.” His gaze lingered a second longer than necessary. “You seem very committed,” Henry said, voice smooth. Involved. “That’s... admirable. But just a word of advice around here, involvement can be misread. People like Lucian... they attract attention. And attention attracts stories. Not all of them are kind. And you don't need to overdo it in the case of Lucian. He has more than 10 people for his diet only.”

I tilted my head, a hint of a smile on my lips. “Thank you for the advice, Mr. Kael. I’ve worked with enough elite athletes to know where the lines are. I am just doing my job for which I get paid.” “I’m sure you have,” he said, tone pleasant but lined with something firmer. “Just remember some lines aren’t drawn in chalk. They’re wired. Trip one, and you don’t see the explosion until it’s already too late.” My eyes narrowed subtle but calculating. “Good night, Mr. Kael,” I said simply.

Henry dipped head in a mock courteous gesture. “Good night.” He walked off, footsteps sharp and echoing, vanishing into the executive wing. I walked briskly toward my car, the crisp night air hitting my skin. I was going to wish the night to Lucian but I don't think it will be the right thing to do now. I reached into my coat pocket, slipping a discreet earpiece into place.

Click. “Honey, you there?” my handler’s voice crackled on the other end, calm and low. “Always. Update?” I scanned the parking lot as I approached my vehicle. “We may have a complication.” “Kael?”

“Yeah. He’s sharp. Not just business intuitive. He’s watching Lucian too closely. Asked about me. Dressed it up as polite concern, but it was a warning.”

“Did he suspect anything?” “Not directly. But if I move too fast, he’ll start digging. And if he digs…” She opened the car door, slid in. “...he’ll find blood.” Silence on the line for a beat. “Understood. Keep it clean. Stay one step ahead. And River?”

“Yeah?” “If he becomes a threat, we neutralize. No hesitation.” My fingers gripped the steering wheel. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” I pulled out of the parking lot, headlights slicing through the quiet. But even as the road stretched ahead, my mind was on Henry Kael’s knowing smile behind my vehicle and the spark of something dangerous flickering just beneath it. I took the road to my apartment in South Velmira. His car turns to the North Velmia region, the city of elites. That is exactly why I need Lucian. To enter The North Velmira, a mysterious city full of secrets.