Damon pov The room of my lair was dimly lit, shadows dancing along the walls. They reflected the chaos in my mind. I had barely escaped from the hands of the prime order. My body ached from the fight, but the real pain came from my heart. I had been defeated, humiliated by that bastard Hyperion and the G.H.C. I couldn’t believe how things had turned out. I was so close to having everything I wanted, but that damned Hyperion had to interfere. I had lost Raven, the only person who truly understood me, and it made my blood boil. I clenched my fists, feeling the anger coursing through me like fire. It wasn’t just Hyperion who had taken her from me. It was the lies, the hypocrisy—the G.H.C. and all their efforts to hide the rotten truth. They weren’t the heroes they pretended to be. They were cowards, masking their corruption behind flashy uniforms and hollow ideals. They knew what was really going on, but they covered it up, burying their sins beneath layers of propaganda and false
Lila's pov I slowly opened my eyes, disoriented. My head felt heavy, and I felt an heavy headache. I blinked, trying to clear my vision. Where am I? It took me a moment to realize. I was in my own bed, the familiar blue walls surrounding me. But everything felt strange, as if I had just stepped into a dream. I sat up, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through my head. My mouth was dry, and a wave of confusion washed over me. What happened? I couldn’t remember anything from the last few days. My heart raced as I searched my mind, but all I found was emptiness. As I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the floor felt cool beneath my feet. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. A delicious smell wafted up the stairs, pulling me toward the kitchen. My stomach growled, and I felt like I hadn’t eaten in a while. I stood and the room felt like an earthquake was happening I leaned against the wall for support, I took a shaky steps down.The smell of food grew stronger as I made
Lila's pov We finished breakfast, and Alex suggested we go out for a walk in the park. It was one of those rare days when he wasn’t saving the world, and it felt strange. Normally, he’d be busy flying off to stop some disaster or helping people in need. But today, he was here, with me. I should’ve felt happy, but that odd feeling of something being off just wouldn’t go away.As we walked through the park, Alex held my hand. The sun was bright, the sky clear, and the park was full of people enjoying their day. He kept talking, telling me stories, and cracking jokes. I smiled and laughed when I could, but my mind was elsewhere I kept trying to remember something—anything—but it was like there was a wall in my head, blocking me from what had happened.“You’re quiet,” Alex said, glancing at me. “Are you okay?”“Yeah,” I lied. “Just tired.”He squeezed my hand. “That’s why today’s for you. No work, no stress, just us.”I nodded, but inside, I still felt uneasy. We walked around the park f
Lila's povI woke up gasping. my heart pounding as if it might explode. Sweat clung to my skin, and my bed sheets were tangled around me. For a moment, I didn’t know where I was. My mind was still trapped in the nightmare, the images of it swirling in my head—dark, terrifying, and vague. I couldn’t even remember what it was about, but the fear it left behind was real. Tears slid down my cheeks before I even knew they were there.I sat up, wiping at my face with shaky hands, but the panic wouldn’t go away. My breath was starting to become shallow and my vision blurred. I clutched my chest, trying to calm down. I was alone. Alex wasn’t here—he was out there somewhere, saving the world like always. And here I was, falling apartI needed to breathe. Breathe, Lila. I told myself over and over, but it wasn’t helping. My hands shook as I reached for my phone. The clock read 2:15 AM.Tears kept falling, and I couldn’t stop them. I felt so small, like I was drowning in my own mind. I’d never
I hadn’t realized how much I missed this—the feeling of being held, of reuniting with someone who once meant so much to me. Damon’s hug was firm, and for a few seconds, it was as if the years between us hadn’t existed.“I can’t believe it’s really you,” I said, my voice muffled against his chest. He smelled the same, familiar in a way that made me ache.He held me tighter, his arms strong around me, and for a moment, I allowed myself to relax. But then that strange feeling crept back. Why did I feel like I’d seen him already? We hadn’t met since high school…had we?“It’s been a long time,” he murmured. His smile was soft, but there was something in his eyes—something I couldn’t quite place. “You’re still as beautiful as ever.”I let out a nervous laugh, stepping back slightly. “It’s been years, Damon. I didn’t think I’d see you again.”“I didn’t think I’d see you either. Not after everything that happened.” He tilted his head slightly, his eyes scanning my face like he was searching f
Damon’s eyes softened, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of the boy I used to love. “I know that feeling,” he said quietly. “When Isaac died and then my mom…I felt like a part of me was ripped away. That’s why I left, you know? I couldn’t stay here anymore. Everything reminded me of them.”I nodded, remembering now. Isaac, his younger brother died in a hero and villain clash and his mother had committed suicide due to the sadness. It had been too much for him to handle back then. We were just kids, but the weight of it had crushed him. That was why he had to leave. That was why we had to break up.“I remember,” I said softly. “I’m sorry, Damon. I’m so sorry.”He gave me a small, sad smile. “It’s not your fault. Life happens, you know? But seeing you now…it feels like maybe some things aren’t as gone as I thought.”I didn’t know what to say to that. The feelings of the past, of our breakup, of everything we’d been through, were all flooding back to me. But at the same time, there was t
Alex's pov I sat on the edge of my seat, the bright studio lights glaring down on me. The cameras were rolling, and the interviewer, a woman named Jessica Carrington, was chatting away, leading us through the show with her trademark smile. She’d been at this for years, a professional who knew how to get the best out of her guests, and today, she was working overtime to paint the perfect picture of our lives—Lila’s and mine. I shifted in my seat, trying not to let the irritation show. Lila sat beside me, quiet, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She looked beautiful, of course. She always did. If she wasn't perfect the G.H.C wouldn't have chosen her as my wife. Lila hadn’t said much since we got here. She hadn’t said much since the memory wipe, if I’m being honest. It wasnt that noticeable, but I could see the emptiness in her eyes, the way she was struggling to stay present. She kept drifting off, and every time I tried to bring her back, it was like pulling her from qui
Alex's povThe story was flawless, perfectly designed to keep the audience hooked, but the truth? That save was a joke. I hadn't’t been rushing to save anyone. The whole scene was set up—controlled from the start. The bus wasn’t in any real danger. I’d had the timing down to the second, every angle planned. The bridge wasn’t going to collapse, not with the tech I had in place to stabilize it. But the look on those kids' faces—that was real enough. Wide-eyed awe, believing I had pulled them from the brink of death. That’s the part that always gets me. They never question it. They just eat it up, hook, line, and sinker. It’s almost too easy sometimes. I kept my smile in place, pretending like the memory of that fake save meant something, but inside, I was laughing. If only they knew. But damn it, Lila wasn’t playing along. Every time Jessica directed a question toward her, she barely responded. It was like talking to a shadow of who she used to be. And I knew why. The memory
Lila's pov Damon got off the table. “A while ago,” he said, his voice quieter now, “there was this protest. A big one. Hundreds of people gathered to speak out against the G.H.C. Kids were there, Lila. Families. People who had been hurt, who’d lost everything because of those bastards.”His fists clenched at his sides, and for a moment, he stopped pacing, he was staring at the floor as if reliving the memory. “The G.H.C. sent their soldiers,” he said, his voice laced was with anger. “Rounded everyone up like cattle. I went undercover, tried to get information, tried to help. But…”He turned to me then. “Hyperion used his solar blast. He burned it all down. Every last thing. The people. The evidence. He didn’t even hesitate.”I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. “And you think it’s connected to Project Erebus?”Damon’s gaze hardened. “I don’t just think. I know. Whatever Erebus is, it’s worth more to the G.H.C. than human lives. And your husband—your perfect, heroic husband—he’s neck
Lila's pov “This is Caleb A.K.A black vortex” Damon said, nodding toward the figure in the corner. “He works with me as my side kick”Immediately, I heard the name "Black Vortex," and my breath hitched.The name wasn’t just familiar; it was infamous. Black Vortex was a shadow in the underground world, a digital phantom who could infiltrate the most secure systems without leaving a trace. He also had the ability to manipulate shadows, bending them to his will, creating illusions that could disorient or terrify his enemies. This power made him a master of stealth, able to move unseen and strike from the darkness.To hear Damon refer to him so casually, as his sidekick, was both shocking and unnerving.I looked back at the young man in the corner. He didn’t fit the image I had in my head of a notorious hacker. Caleb—Black Vortex—seemed almost... ordinary. His messy black hair fell over his face as he worked, his fingers moving like lightning over the keyboard. “Black Vortex?” I repeate
Lila’s POV:I stood in front of the house, and my breath stopped in my chest. Damon had called this place his “little sanctuary,” but nothing about it screamed “little.” The house was massive, a mansion that looked like it belonged to someone much more powerful than I could comprehend. It looked like something out of a dream—or a nightmare. There was a circular driveway, with shiny black cars parked around the courtyard.Oh my fucking God.I couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t just a house. It was a fortress. The kind of place you only saw in movies, the kind where people who had everything—and wanted to keep it all—lived.“You call this a little sanctuary?” I muttered, my voice was filled with disbelief.Damon glanced over at me, his smirk never fading. “It’s cozy,” he said, with a laugh that made me feel like I was missing something.He led me toward the massive oak doors, pushing them open with ease. As soon as we stepped inside, I was hit by the huge size of the place. The entryway
Lila's pov I glanced out of the window, confusion swirling in my mind. I couldn’t make sense of the streets we were passing. They looked unfamiliar, like we were heading into some part of the city I’d never been before. My heart was still pounding in my chest, but it wasn’t just the adrenaline from before anymore. There was a strange, unsettling feeling about where Damon was taking me.Speaking of Damon, I couldn’t help but notice how different he looked. He was dressed so casually, far from the superhero costume I was used to seeing him in. The hoodie and jeans he wore made him seem more approachable, almost... normal. And damn it, he looked good. Too good. Even in his relaxed attire, there was something effortlessly attractive about him.I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him, and it seemed like he noticed. A smirk tugged at his lips as he shot me a quick glance. "Can't take your eyes off me, huh?" he said. "I guess I look better than your husband, don't I?"I rolled my eyes, trying
Lila's pov I glanced out of the window, confusion swirling in my mind. I couldn’t make sense of the streets we were passing. They looked unfamiliar, like we were heading into some part of the city I’d never been before. My heart was still pounding in my chest, but it wasn’t just the adrenaline from before anymore. There was a strange, unsettling feeling about where Damon was taking me. Speaking of Damon, I couldn’t help but notice how different he looked. He was dressed so casually, far from the superhero costume I was used to seeing him in. The hoodie and jeans he wore made him seem more approachable, almost... normal. And damn it, he looked good. Too good. Even in his relaxed attire, there was something effortlessly attractive about him. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him, and it seemed like he noticed. A smirk tugged at his lips as he shot me a quick glance. "Can't take your eyes off me, huh?" he said. "I guess I look better than your husband, don't I?" I rolled my eyes, tr
Lila’s POVThe low rumble of an approaching car drew my attention back to the street. My taxi had arrived. I quickly grabbed my suitcase and made my way downstairs. I paused at the mirror in the entryway, taking a deep breath and forcing a smile onto my face.“You’ve got this,” I whispered to my reflection.I opened the door and stepped outside. My smile widened as I waved to the driver, making sure the men across the street could see. I was just a woman heading to a medical conference. Nothing unusual, nothing suspicious.The driver exited the taxi and hurried to open the trunk, taking my suitcase with a polite nod before returning to the driver’s seat. I slid into the backseat, settling myself and smoothing out the fabric of my dress.“The airport, please,” I said.The driver nodded, and the car began to move. I glanced out the rear window and, as expected, the black SUV pulled out of its spot and started following us. My jaw tightened, but I kept my expression normal . They didn’t
Lila’s POVDo you have to go?” His voice was soft, almost pleading, as his arms tightened around me. “The medical conference takes about two days, how will I cope without you”Ah, the conference. How could I forget?It was the perfect excuse, one I’d painstakingly planned. A real event, something he could easily verify if he decided to check. But I wouldn’t be attending. No, today wasn’t about medical advancements or networking with colleagues. Today was about meeting Damon and taking another step toward uncovering the truth.I turned slightly in his arms, looking up at him with fake regret. “I do,” I said. “It’s important. You know how these things are.”How funny. Alex, the same man who essentially forced me to give up my career as a doctor, now seemed perfectly fine with me attending a medical conference. Not just fine—encouraging, even. He’d offered to arrange everything, from travel to accommodations. Suspicious didn’t even begin to cover it.Was this guilt? A sudden desire to “s
Lila’s POVThe morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of our kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. It was a beautiful scene—Los Angeles waking up to another beautiful day, birds chirping in the distance, and the world seemingly at peace.I stood at the sink, my hands were in warm, soapy water as I scrubbed the last of the breakfast plates. My reflection on the windowpane stared back at me, the face that I saw was perfect and composed, as though I had everything anyone could ever want. Behind me, Alex sat at the dining table, legs crossed, reading the morning paper like the devoted husband he pretended to be. His brow shifted slightly as he looked at the headlines, his coffee cup resting beside him.At least, that's how it seemed to most people. But ever since the gala, I had started noticing the subtle shifts in his behavior—the way his eyes were on me a second too long, or how his tone held a quiet edge when he spoke.Like now. He was pretendi
He nodded, his jaw was clenched, and his fists balled at his sides. "I’m asking you to help me expose them, Lila. Help me take them down. You know what they did now. To other families. To Isaac. And to you" His eyes were full of pain, but there was also something darker there, something I didn’t fully understand. "I can’t do this alone. I need someone on the inside. Someone who knows what it’s like to be broken by them, to have everything torn apart by their lies." I shook my head, my hands trembling. "But Damon... you’re talking about revenge. About becoming what they made you." He stepped closer, his presence felt overwhelming. "And you think I haven’t thought about that?" he said, his voice rising. "Do you think I enjoy being the villain? No, Lila. But if they want me to be a monster, I’ll be the biggest one they’ve ever seen. And I’ll drag them down with me. I’m doing this for us—for everyone they’ve hurt. For the people who can’t fight back." His eyes softened, his voice be