MistNovel - Read Web Novel Stories & Fiction Online

The Draegor Enterprises tower dominated the New Eden skyline, a monolith of black steel and tinted glass that seemed to absorb the morning light rather than reflect it. Sophia stood on the sidewalk below, her neck craned back, and felt an overwhelming sense of insignificance.

"Are you sure about this?" Elias asked from beside her, his voice tight with apprehension.

"No," she admitted. "But we do not have a choice."

They had argued about her plan for an hour last night. Elias had wanted to go through official channels, attempt to get a warrant, and bring backup. Sophia had pointed out that official channels had led them nowhere. If Lucian Draegor truly ran the supernatural underworld as Grik claimed, a human warrant would be utterly meaningless. It was better to approach him directly, detective to crime lord. She would put her cards on the table.

The lobby was a masterpiece of corporate intimidation. Polished marble floors stretched out beneath a vast ceiling, modern art hung on stark white walls, and security guards in expensive, tailored suits stood at motionless attention. Everything was cold, efficient, and meticulously designed to make visitors feel like intruders.

Sophia approached the main reception desk, her badge already in hand. "Detective Sophia Jones, NEPD. I need to speak with Lucian Draegor."

The receptionist, a woman with silver hair styled in a severe bun and eyes that glinted with something distinctly inhuman, barely glanced at the badge. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but I am investigating a murder that involves his organization."

"Mr. Draegor does not take unscheduled meetings."

"Then you should schedule one for him."

The woman's smile was pure ice. "Of course. Mr. Draegor has an opening three months from this Thursday."

Elias put a warning hand on Sophia's arm, but she ignored it. She leaned forward, her own smile matching the receptionist's for sheer coldness. "Tell Mr. Draegor that I am here about the Underworld Court symbol that was used in last night's murder. Tell him I will wait."

Something shifted in the woman's unnervingly calm expression. It might have been fear, or perhaps it was a flicker of respect. "One moment."

She picked up a sleek, modern phone and spoke in low, deferential tones. The conversation lasted less than thirty seconds. When she hung up, her entire demeanor had changed. The condescension was gone, replaced by a rigid professionalism.

"Mr. Draegor's office is on the top floor," she said. "Security will escort you."

"Just me," Sophia stated, turning to Elias. "My partner will remain here."

"Sophia," Elias protested, his voice low and urgent.

"It is standard procedure. You are my backup." She met his eyes, willing him to understand her reasoning. "If I am not down in one hour, you call it in."

"I do not like this."

"I know."

The security guard who led her to the private elevator was professional, silent, and radiated a barely contained intensity. He was not human, Sophia realized with a jolt. It was likely none of the security staff here were human.

The elevator ride to the penthouse floor was long and disorienting, a silent ascent through the heart of the tower. Sophia used the time to center herself, to build the mental walls that made her a good detective. She needed to be objective, calm, and in control.

You are walking into the lion's den, she told herself. You must act like you belong here.

The elevator doors opened to reveal a private reception area that was somehow both luxurious and spare. Another assistant, this one a man with dark hair and the graceful, predatory movements of a panther, greeted her.

"Detective Jones. Mr. Draegor will see you shortly. Please, have a seat."

The waiting area featured floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the sprawling city. Sophia remained standing, too wired to sit down. She was acutely aware of the security cameras tracking her every move, of the palpable weight of attention from somewhere she could not see.

This was a classic power play. They would make her wait, make her nervous, and establish dominance before the meeting even began. She could play that game.

Sophia pulled out her phone and made a show of checking her emails, projecting an air of bored professionalism. If Lucian Draegor thought he could intimidate her before they even met, he was sorely mistaken.

She had faced down armed criminals, cornered magical creatures, and stared into the abyss of New Eden's darkest nightmares. She was not about to be cowed by a condescending receptionist and a fancy office.

But as the minutes ticked by, as the profound silence stretched and the immense weight of the building seemed to press down on her, Sophia had to admit one thing to herself.

She was terrified.

The assistant finally returned. "Mr. Draegor will see you now."

Sophia forced her hands steady and walked through the door.

The office was enormous, more like a luxury apartment than a conventional workspace. Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides offered a panoramic, breathtaking view of New Eden. The furniture was modern and expensive, clearly chosen to project control rather than to provide comfort.

And behind a massive obsidian desk sat Lucian Draegor.

He stood as she entered, and Sophia had to fight the instinct to react. The photographs had not done him justice. He was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a suit that probably cost more than her car. But it was his presence that struck her most, the way he seemed to fill the vast room without moving at all.

"Detective Jones." His voice was smooth and cultured, with an undercurrent of something primal. "Please, have a seat."

Sophia remained standing. "I would rather stand."

A slight smile touched his lips. "Of course."

The man behind the desk looked up, and his eyes locked onto hers. They were impossibly dark, holding depths she could not fathom.

"How may I help the NEPD today?" he asked, his voice like silk over steel.

She pulled out her phone and showed him the crime scene photo. "This symbol was found on the victim. I have been told it belongs to your organization."

His expression remained unreadable as he studied the image. When he looked up, something in his gaze made her breath catch

"I have been expecting you," he said quietly.