The streets of Nickel thrummed with a vibrant, nocturnal dynamism that pulsed through the air like an electric current. As Emilia Castiglione emerged from a narrow alleyway, her keen, observant gaze was immediately drawn to the imposing structure of the Kairo Skyscraper looming ahead, the gravity of her mission settling heavily upon her shoulders. She had meticulously chosen her attire for what was bound to be a pivotal meeting, donning a tailored crimson pencil skirt that beautifully accentuated her figure, complemented by a sophisticated black lace bodysuit beneath. Draped over her frame was a midnight-blue leather bomber jacket, its exquisite texture and sleek silhouette drawing the eyes of passersby; the jacket featured subtle embellishments that shimmered gently, enhancing its overall refinement without overshadowing her ensemble.
Crucially, her look was completed by a glossy clutch, masterfully crafted in a dark hue that harmonized artfully with the rest of her attire. While it might appear merely ornamental at first glance, this seemingly innocuous accessory concealed an assortment of carefully chosen essentials—discreet yet indispensable tools she might require during her time in the bustling district.
The chaotic essence of Nickel revealed itself to have an underlying design, one woven by the astute hands of Asterion Kairo. Emilia's extensive exploration into his persona had crafted a vivid portrait of a man who relished the thrill of unpredictability and challenge, whose ambitions were driven as much by the allure of dominion as they were by the turmoil he sought to master.
In other words, the woman was not entirely sure of what to expect of the man.
As she approached the grand entrance of the towering skyscraper, she became acutely attuned to the myriad sensations that surrounded her, each element cataloged as part of her sensory panorama. However, it was the sudden flicker of movement in a shadowy side alley that made her pause instinctively. A silhouette swept across a dimly illuminated doorway, vanishing too swiftly for her to discern its purpose. Was it a lookout? A random passerby? Or one of Kairo’s many eyes?
She didn’t stick around to confirm the answer.
Instead, Emilia stepped inside, the lobby before her a study in modern elegance, its polished floors and sleek furnishings illuminated by soft, ambient lighting. As she moved towards the front desk, she couldn’t help but notice the subtle tremor of unease in the receptionist's demeanour. The young woman, likely no older than eighteen, wore a crisp uniform that spoke of professionalism, yet her stance revealed hints of uncertainty and inexperience.
“Good evening,” Emilia greeted regardless, her voice imbued with the practiced calm of a seasoned negotiator accustomed to maneuvering through tense interactions.
“I’m here to see Mr. Kairo.”The cute blonde behind the front reception desk on the ground floor smiled at the woman approaching. She had a curiosity in her eyes but a slight confusion at the same time. Was Mister Kairo expecting someone that she didn’t know about? Her voice a soft, pleasant, and welcoming tone, “
Welcome to the Kairo Skyscraper,” it sounded like she had said that same line a thousand times until it sounded perfect coming out.
Sitting there in her comfortable office chair as she clicked a few buttons and used the mouse to pull up the agenda. “
Is Mister Kairo expecting you?” it was. with the time of day — night actually — she didn’t assume he was expecting anyone when she glanced at the time.
23:20.
However, Mitzie still pulled up the scheduling to reveal that there were not scheduled visitations or meetings at this time. Her bright blue ocean eyes glancing up at the woman who was dressed very nicely — lacy — maybe this was one of those visits? Her face cracked a crooked smile as she was trying to keep her face straight, “
I do not see any registered meetings scheduled, what is your name? I will give him a call and figure out if he’s taking visitors.”
Emilia graced the receptionist with a measured smile, an expression artfully crafted to exude both warmth and authority.
“Emilia Castiglione,” she introduced herself confidently, allowing the other’s eye to remain on her demeanour.
“And no, he isn’t expecting me, but I would be most grateful if you could inform him of my presence. Kindly mention that it pertains to a shared acquaintance.” “Please take your time,” Emilia continued, infusing her words with an almost soothing quality. She gestured toward the chic and contemporary aesthetics of the skyscraper, appreciating its impressive design.
“It’s clear that Mr. Kairo possesses a strong appreciation for both style and structure. I would prefer not to disturb that needlessly.” Emilia then expanded her awareness, attuning her senses to the subtle vibrations of the building and the small sounds of any of its occupants bustling about. This awareness had become a practiced habit-an amalgamation of instinct and practicality- that she remained ever cognizant of her environment. Her gaze briefly flitted to a corner of the lobby, where the polished gleam of metal signalled the presence of security personnel. A slight inclination of her head indicated she had silently documented their positions, assessing their potential threat level as effortlessly as one might glance at a watch.
However, her focus quickly returned to Mitzie, brimming with patience.
“I’m happy to wait,” she said.
“Though I imagine Mr. Kairo wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity for engaging conversation.” Mitzie was somewhat confused about this whole ordeal since she usually never had guests showing up at this time and assumptions, questions, and a bunch of other thoughts were popping into her mind. Things that she knew she couldn’t share outloud or not so openly. “
I will warn you. It’s a little late so I do not know if he will be up for such a spontaneous meeting,” she giggled a little while moving the chair with wheels over to the side of the desk that had the direct phone line that connected to all the other phones in the building. She pressed a few numbers and let it ring.
The phone rang twice before Asterion picked up. Mitzie could tell there was a flatness and exhaustion to his voice. “
I apologize for disturbing you, Mister Kairo, though you have a visitor.”
“
Yes.”
“
I understand.”
Mitzie glanced up at the woman before looking away again in concentration, “
Her name is Emilia Castiglione and she said that you two might have a shared acquaintance,” her lips rubs together a little bit while she played with the cord of the phone. Nodding her head while listening to the man.
“
I do not know how to answer that, sir,” Mitzie seemed nervous and glanced at Emilia yet she forced a smile.
Nodding her head while listening, “
Yes, I will let her know. Thank you.”
The woman hung up the phone with a smile while turning to Emilia, “
He said he will meet with you,” she stood up while finishing her words. Mitzie gestured for the woman to follow her. “
It is a little bit of a maze up to the penthouse,” the woman confessed while leading the woman down a back hall. A different hall compared to others going through even the last main guests of Asterion — Mitzie stepped and angled herself in a way that Emilia wouldn’t be able to see the buttons she pressed before pressing enter.
When the proper code was entered and enter was pressed, two doors opened and slid into the walls before an elevator door opened up. “
If you press the highest button with a T, it will bring you to floor one-hundred. It’ll open to a long hallway, go into the third door and it’ll take you up a spiral staircase. Stand at the top of the staircase, it ends into a wall, but knock onto the wall and wait,” Mitzie smiled at the woman.
Emilia nodded graciously.
“Thank you, you’ve been very helpful.” As she stepped inside the sleek confines of the elevator, she caught Mitzie’s gaze one final time just as the doors began to glide shut.
“It seems Mr. Kairo has quite the labyrinth to protect himself,” she quipped lightly with an amused lilt.
“I’ll make sure to follow your instructions carefully.” With that, the doors sealed her within the unassuming yet sophisticated elevator, enveloping her in a cocoon of metal. Upon pressing the button designated "T," her countenance shifted subtly, her lips setting into a contemplative line. The instructions she had received were decidedly unconventional, but she recognized the wisdom in not dismissing them as mere quirks of eccentricity. Each element, she understood, was likely intended to test visitors or disorient them before the pivotal encounter with the man himself.
As the elevator ascended, Emilia adjusted the strap of her clutch, her exterior concealing the anticipation that simmered beneath the surface. This meeting, she knew, could shift the balance of her mission in ways she could only begin to imagine.
The elevator's gentle chime signalled its arrival at the designated floor, the doors gliding open to reveal a long, lavishly appointed hallway that was precisely as Mitzie had described. Emilia stepped out, her stilettos clicking softly against the floor, and made her way to the third door on the right. As she reached the door, her hand hesitated briefly on the handle before she ascended the spiral staircase that led to the next level. At the top, she stood before the wall as instructed, raising her hand and knocking firmly.
And then, she waited.
There was a handful of minutes between the woman’s knock and a ding that could be heard. A light vibration from the wall could be heard and felt before the wall popped out and the secret door lifted up. Elevator doors opened up and Asterion was standing there, his immediate body language was not very welcoming and stone-like, as his eyes were icy. His once put together suit was missing a tie, the first few buttons of the midnight blue shirt unbuttoned. His cuffs were rolled up nicely but looked like it was quickly and carelessly done. The raven black hair of the man was disheveled and he combed a handful of fingers through his hair while looking at the woman.
Asterion’s eyes seemed to go from icy to slightly confused when looking at the woman, his eyes glancing over her once, and meeting her amber-hazel looking eyes. One quick thought went through his mind before he spoke —
Is this Krish’s doing? — with how she was dressed. He wasn’t sure if she was a prostitute, a hooker, or someone that enjoyed the aesthetic of a late night walker.
“
Hello, Miss Castiglione,” he spoke evenly while staring into her eyes. It might have been a little intense since he wasn’t shifting away from her gaze. “
Is there a particular reason you are here? So late at night.” he wanted to emphasize the time. It wasn’t like he was doing anything besides the mountains of paperwork he had been ignoring for the past few weeks. Figuring out where everything was at. He was balancing books at the moment which he did need a break from but he wasn’t sure about being bothered by a stranger.
Emilia’s gaze absorbed every nuance before her- the tousled strands of hair that framed his face, the haphazardly rolled cuffs that hinted at apathy, and the conspicuously absent tie that suggested a lack of concern for decorum. Was he a man surprised or merely indifferent to the world around him? His frosty demeanour, a manifestation of his disinterest, scarcely unnerved her; on the contrary, it mirrored her expectations of a figure with his reputation, leaving her poised and composed in the face of it all.
“Good evening, Mr.Kairo,” Emilia began, her tone respectful but not deferential.
“I apologize for the late hour, but I assure you my reasons for being here warrant the inconvenience.” The silence lingered momentarily, a calculated pause that served to establish the flow of the discourse and assert her dominance in the exchange.
“As you might suspect, my visit is not without purpose. I’ve come to discuss matters of mutual interest-issues that could affect the stability of Nickel and perhaps even extend beyond it.” Her gaze briefly flicked to his unbuttoned collar, then returned to meet his piercing stare.
“I won’t take more of your time than necessary, despite us both being able to benefit from this conversation. Otherwise, I can take my leave and we’ll consider this encounter a fleeting introduction.” Mutual interest issues, and he thought about that line a little more as he listened to the rest of what she had to say. A nod came from him as his eyes looked elsewhere in thought. There was some severity to the situation if she was coming this late at night but he wondered if it was a trap. An implantation of thoughts and his eyes sharpened while he focused off her line of sight then he looked at her. “
I will entertain your visit,” stepping to the side in the elevator, he gestured for her to come in, and gave her space to do so. It was a more private elevator, smaller, but it could probably hold three or four people comfortably close.
“
Who do you work for?” his eyes glanced over to her. “
I would say it is safe to assume that you work under one of the other district leaders,” he added.
Emilia stepped into the elevator, her lips curving into a subtle, almost cryptic, smile.
“Your assumption regarding my affiliations with influential entities is not entirely misplaced,” she replied.
“However, I think we should refrain from framing this dialogue within the confines of loyalties or power structures. Instead, I invite you to perceive my presence here more as a potential collaboration—an opportunity to forge a mutually beneficial alliance.” She shifted slightly, though she maintained complete ease in his territory.
“Let’s just say my interests lie in ensuring that the delicate balance in Nickel—and perhaps beyond—remains intact. I believe in dealing with destabilizing forces before they escalate into chaos, and in that regard, I believe our goals might align more than you’d expect.”With a fleeting glance at the array of buttons adorning the elevator panel, her tone softened imperceptibly.
“I assure you, I have no intention of squandering your valuable time, Mr. Kairo. Quite the opposite; my purpose here is to ensure we maximize our time together—for the enrichment of both our interests.”Instead of using any of the main buttons on the panel, he chose to use a button somewhat out of the way. A black looking button that looked somewhat false or more like a camera in a way. He placed his thumb onto it and within a few seconds, the door shut, and they began to move up. An artificial feminine voice calling out, “
Welcome back, Mister Kairo. You were not gone that long,” it ensued a conversation or at least tried too.
“
I did not leave at all Eden,” he casually replied to the artificial intelligence.
“
Oh! I did not notice. I am sorry,” Eden apologized.
Asterion sighed while glancing over to Emilia, “
I have a guest, Eden,” he informed the A.I..
“
I apologize, Mister Kairo. I will give you privacy,” she stated while something dinged like she turned herself off.
As the elevator doors opened, they opened into a modern sleek
office space that was its own room from the other parts of the house. “
You talk as if you know my interests, Miss Castiglione. It is a little insulting that your boss did not show up themself, but I understand…us leaders can be very busy,” he walked into the office and approached his desk but did not sit down.
“
What do you mean by the balance of Nickel and beyond. It sounds like you are holding back something,” he picked up a decor item from his desk as he looked at it. Examining it a little before setting it down and glancing at Emilia.
As the elevator doors glided open, Emilia entered an environment that seemed to embody all she had anticipated about Asterion Kairo. The office was an arresting amalgamation of opulence and authority, and beyond the expansive windows, the myriad lights of Nickel shimmered against the velvety night sky. This breathtaking panorama served as a bold proclamation of supremacy- a reminder that this was a man who was perpetually a step removed from the fray below, always masterfully in control of his domain.
Much like the woman she’d come to respect and represent in this very moment.
Her gaze returned to Asterion, her amber-hazel eyes momentarily straying to the decorative object he had lifted before returning to his visage.
“An impressive space,” she remarked.
“It reflects a keen eye for balance-strength tempered with refinement. Much like its wonder, I imagine.” With an air of nonchalance, she adjusted the strap of her clutch, her movements fluid and effortless.
“I can empathize with your sentiments regarding the less-than-ideal scenario of addressing a mere emissary instead of the mastermind orchestrating the dynamics behind the scenes. Nevertheless, allow me to reassure you that this is wholly intentional and not a mere oversight on our part.” Emilia held Asterion’s gaze, the faintest bit of tension visible in the set of her shoulders before she exhaled softly, allowing a touch of vulnerability to creep into her tone-not as a weakness, but as a calculated gesture of sincerity.
“You’ve built something remarkable here, Mr. Kairo, but even the most formidable players must stay ahead of the game. The truth is, this isn’t just about balance per se; it’s about the forces threatening it. Forces that I suspect intersect with certain individuals you’re already keeping a wary eye on.” She lowered her eyelashes contemplatively before meeting his gaze again.
“Take for instance, Vincenzo Accardo.” Asterion glanced at her when she complimented his office and he stayed quiet on the note. How she explained it was an indirect compliment to him and he didn’t care to respond. His eyes seemed to catch how she adjusted her clutch which she has done before. Was there something in there? Was the woman nervous to be around him or alone with him? That was something women were terrified of at times, to be alone with any guy, so he could understand if there was some uncomfortability in her because of that.
“
Thank you,” he finally got out when she began complimenting the material goods — his space once again. The tower. “
Working behind the scenes? So…” he thought for a second. “
I cannot fully trust you since you could be working behind the scenes, against… let’s say me?” the man wanted to see her reaction to his words. Everyone worked behind the scenes in one way or another. Emilia was choosing her words carefully, too carefully in his opinion, and he was getting the vibe that she was not letting on a lot that was on her mind.
His eyes rolled when she brought up,
Vincenzo Accardo, “
And I was hoping to not have to talk about business for the rest of the night,” his tone was sarcastic. There was no truth in that statement because he knew she was there to talk business. Showing up at such a late hour to talk about other districts was somewhat annoying. A hand lifted to his head and he began to rub his temple on that side softly.
“
What about him?” The man asked.
“Business has a regrettable tendency to encroach upon the most inopportune hours, would you now agree?” Emilia responded, a subtle hint of a sardonic smile dancing upon her lips. She allowed his earlier remark regarding trust to linger in the air, savouring the silence a moment longer than might seem socially acceptable; however, her expression was one of deep contemplation rather than defensiveness.
“You’re right to approach any representative with caution. After all, trust is earned, not given. But I suspect we can agree that caution doesn’t preclude conversation. Especially when it concerns someone like Accardo.” Emilia’s amber-hazel gaze locked with Asterion’s as she leaned in slightly, just enough to suggest she was about to say something worth his attention.
“His network is expanding into territories its presence was previously minimal. Key assets- people and resources- have been quietly redirected, some from areas that would typically warrant more oversight. It suggests preparation. For what, exactly, remains to be seen, but the pattern is undeniable.” Her gaze briefly wandered to the skyline, drawing an implicit connection between the city’s luminous exterior and the maneuvers of power that transpire beneath its surface.
“Vincent isn’t simply expanding blindly either; he’s targeting vulnerabilities, exploiting fractures in alliances, and gathering information on those who stand in his way.”. Her eyes returned to his.
“Secrets, Mr. Kairo, are as valuable a currency as power in this game. And Vincent? He’s proven quite adept at collecting them.”