Chapter 2 A world of shadows

The Stormborn mansion was a fortress. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt its power pressing down on a mix of luxury and coldness, like every luxurious surface was meant to intimidate rather than invite. The guards at every door, the security cameras in every corner, and the silent, watchful staff moved in a rhythm I couldn't understand yet.

They told me my job was simple: keep quiet, stay in the shadows, and do my work without drawing attention. I was there to clean, nothing more. But the smallest mistake could mean more than just a scolding in this place. It could mean my life.

I hadn't seen Zane Stormborn since the night at the warehouse, but I could feel his presence looming over everything. He was a ghost in every hallway, a whispered warning in every glance from the other staff. Even those who worked for him were terrified of him. I understood why.

My first few days passed in a blur. I scrubbed floors, dusted shelves, and learned to move silently. I listened carefully, piecing together fragments of conversations, trying to understand what kind of world I'd been pulled into. Stormborn's empire wasn't just powerful was dangerous and stretched far beyond this mansion.

One afternoon, I accidentally overheard a conversation in his study. I hadn't meant to, but the door was slightly open, and his voice carried through, a low, commanding tone that sent shivers down my spine. He was talking about deals, money, and people like they were chess pieces on a board.

I tried to leave quickly, but a squeak from the floorboards gave me away. Before I could escape, the door swung open, and I found myself face-to-face with him.

"Eavesdropping, are we?" His voice was calm, but his eyes were cold, his expression unreadable.

I stammered an apology, fear pulsing through me. "I-I wasn't...I just..."

He held up a hand, silencing me. "Rule number one," he said, his tone dangerously quiet. "Stay out of things that don't concern you."

My cheeks burned with embarrassment, but all I could do was nod. He watched me for a moment longer, his gaze unnerving. Then he turned away, dismissing me like I was nothing.

I left the study, my heart racing, but his words echoed in my mind. Stay out of things that don't concern you. But how could I? I was living in his world now, and every corner of it seemed filled with secrets. And as much as I wanted to avoid him, a strange curiosity kept pulling me back, making me wonder who Zane Stormborn was beneath the ruthless reputation.