AZRAEL
The city of New York glittered beneath the midnight sky as the private jet descended through the clouds. Endless towers of glass and steel stretched across the horizon, their lights burning like stars against the darkness.
"Inside the jet,Azrael sat quietly in the leather seat, one arm resting against the window. My broad shoulders filled the tailored black suit he wore, the fabric hugging the powerful line of his chest and arms. The dim cabin light highlighted the sharp angles of his jaw and the high cut of his cheekbones."
My expression remained calm, unreadable.
But my mind was already moving.
Germany had been a battlefield of power, strategy, and dominance. Marcus Draven had come prepared, armed with influence and pressure from DravenCorp, yet I had dismantled every argument piece by piece until the board had no choice but to grant Valken Dynamics the contract.
Still… Marcus's eyes at the end of the meeting lingered in his thoughts.
A promise of revenge.
"Across from him, his assistant Daniel flipped through a tablet, reviewing schedules."
"Sir, the New York headquarters has already been informed of your arrival. The board is waiting for a briefing tomorrow morning," Daniel said.
I didn't look away from the window.
"Reschedule it for nine."
"Yes, sir."
The jet finally touched down smoothly at the private terminal of JFK Airport, the engines slowing to a quiet hum.
Moments later, the cabin door opened.
Cold New York air rushed in.
I stepped down from the jet, my polished shoes touching the ground with quiet authority. The wind brushed against my dark hair as the city lights reflected faintly in my eyes.
Waiting nearby was a sleek black convoy of cars.
My security team stood ready.
New York hadn't changed. The city was as restless and alive as ever.
Daniel opened the back door of the first car.
"The headquarters has been operating smoothly in your absence," he reported as I slid into the seat. "However, there have been several media developments and investor inquiries while you were in Germany."
My gaze shifted.
"Explain."
The car pulled away from the terminal and merged onto the glowing highway leading into Manhattan.
Daniel hesitated briefly before continuing.
"Some of the media attention involves actress Seraphine. Her name has been trending across several entertainment outlets due to rumors about her co-star and her past relationships."
I said nothing.
Outside the window, the towering skyline of Manhattan rose into view, illuminated in silver and gold.
Minutes later, the convoy stopped in front of the towering glass building of Valken Dynamics Headquarters.
The massive structure dominated the block, its sharp architecture reflecting power and prestige. Even at this late hour, lights still burned on several floors.
Employees moved inside like shadows behind the glass walls.
I stepped out of the car, my presence immediately commanding the attention of the night staff entering and leaving the building.
The lobby doors slid open.
Polished marble floors stretched across the vast space, the company emblem of Valken Dynamics engraved proudly behind the reception desk.
Several executives who had stayed late stood instantly when they saw him.
"Mr. Azrael."
"Welcome back, sir."
I acknowledged them with only a small nod as I walked toward the private elevator.
The elevator doors closed behind me and began rising toward the top floors of the tower.
Daniel glanced at his tablet again.
"The finalized documents for the German contract are ready for your signature tomorrow morning. Investors are already reacting positively to the news."
I leaned slightly against the elevator wall.
Victory should have felt satisfying.
And it did.
But something else lingered in my thoughts tonight.
Seraphine.
The elevator doors opened onto the executive floor.
"Azrael stepped out into the quiet corridor leading to his office.
Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the entire New York skyline below.
The city pulsed with life.
And now he was back where he belonged.
But far across the city… another storm was quietly forming."