"Bloodline of Shadows"

Ethan Gray stood in front of the imposing glass-and-steel skyscraper that housed the headquarters of the Deveraux Corporation. The name "Deveraux" gleamed in bold, silver letters above the entrance, reflecting the wealth and power that the building symbolized. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, their presence a silent reminder of the authority this place commanded. Security cameras and metal detectors dotted the lobby, making it clear that this was no place for an uninvited guest.

Ethan glanced down at his worn-out clothes, feeling distinctly out of place amidst the polished professionals that flowed in and out of the building, all clad in tailored suits and designer shoes. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his back and pushed through the revolving glass doors.

Inside, the lobby stretched out like a palace, gleaming with wealth. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a bright glow onto the marble floors that shone like mirrors. At the far end of the room stood a long, sleek reception desk. Ethan strode toward it, ignoring the curious glances from the impeccably dressed staff and visitors.

The receptionist, a woman in her late twenties, glanced at him from behind the desk. She wore a practiced, polite smile, but her eyes betrayed mild disdain as they took in his appearance.

"How may I help you?" she asked, her tone clipped and professional, but laced with judgment.

"I need to speak with your CEO, Letric Deveraux," Ethan replied, his voice steady and determined.

The receptionist raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. She looked him up and down, skepticism radiating from her like a force field. "Do you have an appointment?"

Ethan shook his head. "No, but trust me, he’ll want to see me."

Her smile faded slightly, replaced with thinly veiled irritation. "I'm afraid that's not possible without an appointment. Please leave, or I’ll have to call security."

Ethan didn’t flinch. "I need to see him. It’s important."

The receptionist, now visibly annoyed, pressed a button under her desk. Within seconds, a group of burly security guards appeared, surrounding Ethan. Their muscles rippled beneath their uniforms, and their expressions were stern.

"Leave now," one of the guards growled. "Or we’ll remove you ourselves."

Ethan’s eyes darkened. His patience was wearing thin. "I’m warning you. Let me speak to the CEO, or you won’t be able to handle what happens next."

The guards exchanged amused glances. One of them, a hulking man with a shaved head, stepped forward and grabbed Ethan’s arm. "Come on, kid. Time to go."

Before the guard could react, Ethan twisted his arm effortlessly and flung him across the lobby. The guard crashed into a decorative pillar, groaning in pain. A stunned silence fell over the room. The other guards stared at Ethan, disbelief etched on their faces.

Ethan’s expression remained calm as the rest of the guards prepared to charge at him, but before they could make a move, a commanding voice rang out.

"Enough!"

The crowd parted as a young man in an impeccably tailored suit stepped forward. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp features and calculating eyes that gleamed with authority. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and he walked with the confidence of someone who was used to being obeyed without question. This was Letric Deveraux, the CEO of Deveraux Corporation.

"What is going on here?" Letric demanded, his voice cold and sharp.

The chief security guard, nursing his injured arm, stumbled forward. "Sir, this boy was trying to meet you without an appointment. He attacked us when we asked him to leave."

Letric’s gaze shifted to Ethan, studying him with growing curiosity. "And who are you? Why do you think you can walk into my building and demand to meet me?"

Ethan met Letric’s gaze without blinking. "I’m here to speak with your father, Magnus Deveraux."

Letric’s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his surprise with a smirk. "You think my father would see someone like you? You must be out of your mind."

As Letric raised his hand to signal for the guards to drag Ethan away, Ethan reached into his jacket and pulled out a small, ornate token—a silver insignia marked with the crest of the Gray family.

Letric’s confident expression faltered the moment he saw the token. His eyes widened, and the color drained from his face. The guards and staff looked on, confused, as their usually composed CEO took a step back, visibly shaken.

Years ago, Magnus Deveraux had shown this very token to Letric during a private family meeting. The memory was seared into Letric’s mind—his father’s grave expression, the tension in the room. Magnus had spoken in a voice heavy with warning: "If anyone presents this token to you, you are to comply with their requests. No questions. No hesitation. The consequences of disobeying the bearer of this token will be dire."

Now, that same token was in the hands of a boy standing before him.

Letric swallowed hard, his hands trembling as he forced a smile. "Please... come with me," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan nodded, hiding his relief. He wasn’t entirely sure the token would work, but now it was clear just how much power it wielded.

Letric led Ethan down a series of corridors, far from the main lobby, to a secluded room with heavy, ornate doors. Once they were inside, Letric closed the door behind them and immediately dropped to his knees.

"Forgive me for my earlier behavior," Letric stammered, his voice filled with fear. "I didn’t know who you were."

Ethan was caught off guard. He had never imagined that someone as powerful as Letric Deveraux would kneel before him. The moment felt surreal. He composed himself quickly. "Stand up," Ethan said firmly. "Take me to your father. I have business with him."

Letric rose shakily to his feet and nodded. "Of course," he said, leading Ethan back through the building. As they passed by the staff and guards, everyone stared in astonishment at the sight of their confident CEO now walking behind a 16-year-old boy as though he were his subordinate.

Outside, a sleek black limousine waited by the entrance. Letric opened the door for Ethan and gestured for him to enter. As the car sped through the city streets, Letric sat silently beside Ethan, his face pale and tense.

They soon arrived at the Deveraux estate—a sprawling mansion surrounded by high walls and ancient oak trees. The gates opened slowly, revealing a long driveway that led to the imposing mansion at the top of a hill. Magnus Deveraux, the head of the family, stood at the entrance, flanked by several senior members of the Deveraux clan.

Magnus was a tall, formidable man in his fifties, with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. He radiated authority, his mere presence commanding respect. As the car came to a stop, Magnus’s gaze locked onto Ethan.

"You bear the token of the Gray family," Magnus said in a deep, resonant voice. "What is it you seek?"

Ethan stepped out of the car, meeting Magnus’s gaze with equal intensity. "I need a secure place to stay," he said, his voice steady. "I'm 16, and I still need to finish school. I want to enroll in a school near a forest, and I need financial support and a few people to follow my commands."

The room fell silent as Magnus considered the request. His expression remained unreadable, but the weight of the token was undeniable.

"These are unusual requests," Magnus finally said, his tone measured. "But the bearer of the Gray family token is not to be denied. You will have what you ask for—security, education, and the resources you need. It will be arranged."

Ethan nodded, relieved but still cautious. "Thank you."

Magnus inclined his head slightly. "Come inside. We have much more to discuss."

As Ethan followed Magnus into the mansion, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. He had stepped into a world of shadows and power, where every decision would shape his future—and his fate.