The city lights flickered on as Velastra shifted from day to night. The hum of distant engines blended with the chatter of late-night streets. But Noctix didn't care about any of that. His mind was locked on one thing.
The fruit.
---
He sat on the edge of his bed, holding the strange fruit in his palm. The colors swirled softly under his fingers, like a galaxy caught inside a tiny globe. It felt warm, almost comforting—like it was alive and breathing with him.
He didn't know what it was, or what it could do. But something told him this fruit wasn't just some weird plant.
It was his chance.
---
A voice in his head—quiet, but clear—whispered.
"You've waited long enough."
He looked around the room, but no one was there. No one could hear it but him.
He hesitated. Then, slowly, he brought the fruit to his lips.
---
The taste was sharp, almost electric, but not unpleasant. Like biting into a spark of light wrapped in shadow.
And then—
Suddenly, the room seemed to shift.
Colors grew brighter, sounds sharper. He could feel something awakening inside, twisting and turning like a storm waiting to break free.
---
His heart pounded. The broken orb on his desk flickered faintly. The glass cracked a little more.
Power, pulsing through him.
Not the usual flashy power the others showed at school—no, this was different. Deeper. Raw. Unknown.
---
But with power came a warning.
A shadow flickered in the corner of his vision. A presence. Watching.
Noctix's eyes snapped open, wide.
This is only the beginning.
---
Outside his window, the night air shimmered. Somewhere out there, something had noticed the awakening.
And it wasn't friendly.
---
To be continued…
Next Chapter: "Echoes in the Dark"