Chapter 27: Under the Watchful Eyes
The next morning, the Ikemba Corporation's glassy skyscraper caught the sun in dazzling shards, scattering light across Lagos like a prism. Inside, the corridors buzzed with the quiet hum of high-level corporate business—but for Karen and her friends, it was a gilded cage.
Marie paced the length of their assigned suite, still unable to shake the tension that clung to her. Leslie and Jim sat on the sofa, exchanging uneasy glances, while Cassandra stared out a panoramic window overlooking the sprawling city below.
Karen sank into a chair, her thoughts spinning. The night's events had rattled her more than she admitted. The ruthless slaughter of the Veil operatives by the Soul Reapers was a grim reminder: they were being hunted by forces far beyond first-year students' reach.
The door clicked open softly.
Sia entered, impeccably dressed, carrying a sleek tablet. "Lady Rose wishes to see you all in the boardroom in one hour. The meeting will address your situation and next steps."
Joshua appeared behind her, his expression unreadable. "We don't have much time."
Marie glanced at him. "Do you think they'll send more?"
Joshua's jaw tightened. "They will. The Veil never gives up. Especially not someone like Karen."
Cassandra finally spoke, voice low but steady. "We need a plan that doesn't rely only on brute force. The Veil moves in shadows and secrets. We need to be smarter."
Karen looked up, determination sparking behind her dark eyes. "Then we learn to see in the shadows."
---
Meanwhile, far from the gleaming tower, in the depths of the Ethereal Plane, the Spirit Tribunal convened.
Three Elder Soulbornes, ancient beyond measure, gathered in a circle of swirling light and darkness. They spoke in voices that echoed through realms.
"The girl with the proto domain—Karen Lockwood—is beyond expectation," one said. "Her awakening will shift the balance."
Another nodded slowly. "The Veil's assault is brazen because the Tribunal is absent. The cosmic tides pull us elsewhere."
The last elder looked grave. "We must intervene soon—or all will fall to shadow."
---
Back in Lagos, Karen clenched her fists.
Her path was only beginning—and the shadows around her were growing deeper. But with friends like Leslie, Marie, Jim, Cassandra, and a reluctant Joshua at her side, she would face whatever came.
The hunt had only just begun.