Stephan
I haven't slept a wink all night, tossing and turning in my sweat-soaked sheets.
In my head, an image and a sound have made this moment a nightmare: Revenge.
I walk the corridors of the underground hangar like a ghost, while the other drivers precede me in single file.
I don't know what I expected when I decided to accept the contract with Supreme Velocity, but I certainly knew what they promised me: redemption, victories, and a car to burn up the track.
And now I'm off to discover my team and the car that will lead me to victory.
I had foreseen everything... except her.
I left her among the vineyards of Piedmont, safe behind the gates of the family business.
I tore up my future in Formula 1 to end up in this hellhole in Asia, convinced that my sacrifice would keep her far from the past.
And yet, there she is.
Nora.
With the look of someone who doesn't want answers, only ashes.
Zandar has played his best card, and I've just realized that this race won't end on the podium, but in a tangle of wreckage... or worse.
That woman has the lust for victory and blood in her eyes, and she won't stop until she gets it.
Mine.
Zandar brought her here with the sole purpose of being bait for a deadly game I'm trapped in.
We pass through a security door and I find myself in front of a long row of garages illuminated by cold lights.
Eight stables, each with two cars, covered by black tarps.
A man in his forties comes up to me, with straw-blond hair and a wry smile.
"Jason Wraith, chief mechanic and owner of the stable. Welcome to Obsidian Wraith, my creation."
I reach out and shake his hand, but my eyes are all in wonder at the sight he's showing me.
It's a terrifying yet fascinating car: black, angular, it looks more like a stealth fighter than a race car.
"I build cars that kill, Wilson. This is a piece of illegal engineering. If you drive it like an F1, it'll snap your neck at the first chicane."
I meet his aquamarine eyes and he smiles broadly.
"When you drive it, you'll have to keep your mind focused on her, not on that Italian girl... She's your weak spot, right? Well, boy, forget about her. Or she'll be your downfall."
I search for Nora in the crowd and see her, not far away, standing in front of her stable.
I inhale.
Crimson Lotus.
I exhale.
The bodywork gleams under the neon lights, a deep red, like freshly spilled blood.
It's disturbing, yet fascinating at the same time.
He's studying the chassis, eagerly.
"Look at the pistons, but the survival cell is too thin for what awaits you in Macau."
Jason gives voice to my thoughts.
"I have to warn her..."
An iron hand grips my wrist.
"You're not here to heal her heart, but to break her destiny. If you really care about her, race, beat her on the track, and make her reach the finish line alive."
A protest burns in my throat, but I swallow it down and nod.
Nora would never listen to my words.
I have to show her with actions that I care about her and her life.
I lengthen my stride and approach the car.
I caress the body, feeling the adrenaline surge through my body.
"So, Wilson, isn't this what I promised you?"
Zandar's voice comes from behind me, mellifluous, like a caress.
I half turn and narrow my eyes.
The duel seems to begin immediately.
I hide my resentment, put on a cold smile, and nod.
"Invisible aerodynamics, silent but lethal engine. Do you think you can bring The Spears to the top of this championship? I've invested a lot in you."
"If there's a roaring heart beneath this beautiful appearance, I think it can be done," I reply ironically.
"Vance has tested this car and will be your teammate."
He nods, and a boy slightly younger than me extends his hand.
"Liam Vance, from Bristol. It's a pleasure to meet you and be your wingman."
I shake his hand.
"Tell me his secrets."
Turning our backs on Zandar, we head into the garage to the telemetry monitors.
Now the performance will do the talking.
The time for words is over.