Chapter 1 — The Boy on the Rooftop
The city of Evereign, in the heart of the Valoria Republic, looked calm from a distance. Skyscrapers reflected the soft glow of the evening sun, and the streets were busy with people returning from work, laughing, unaware of the darkness hiding in their midst. But Ethan Walker knew better. He had learned long ago that the quietest cities often carried the deepest secrets.
Ethan sat in his black taxi, parked near the coastal highway that overlooked the restless waves. He didn't move much; he didn't need to. The city had a rhythm, and he could sense when something was out of place. The phone in his pocket vibrated, breaking the silence.
Chloe Matthews: "New case. School bullying. Victim sent a message from a rooftop. He says he's thinking of jumping."
Ethan's chest tightened. Bullying cases always carried a pain that never fully healed.
"Where is he?" he asked, voice low, controlled.
Chloe: "Centennial Private Academy, East Block rooftop."
Ryan Carter, their investigator, arrived just as Ethan was about to drive. He held a small folder of notes.
"Aaron Blake," Ryan said quietly. "Fifteen years old. He says five boys bully him every week. They film it, post it privately. They think nobody will stop them."
Ethan didn't answer. He had already seen the boy. From a nearby building, a small figure stood on the edge of the rooftop. The wind pushed at his clothes, his legs shaking. Aaron Blake.
Ethan ran first. Ryan followed closely. They sprinted up the stairwell, floor after floor, until they reached the rooftop.
Aaron turned toward them, eyes red and wide.
"Don't come closer," he whispered.
Ethan stopped a few feet away. His voice was calm, steady.
"Jumping won't stop them. It won't make the pain disappear. But staying alive… staying alive gives us a chance to make them pay."
Aaron's lips trembled. He looked like he might collapse. Ryan moved gently, reaching for him, keeping him steady.
Ethan spoke again, softer now.
"We are not here to teach them a lesson. We are here to make them regret hurting you. We are NightShade Taxi Service. And we never fail our passengers."
Aaron finally nodded, tears streaming down his face. For the first time, he felt someone on his side. Someone willing to fight for him.
Chloe's voice buzzed in Ethan's earpiece.
"I've traced the bullies' private chat. Group name: 'Royal Club Kings.' Five rich boys. They think they are untouchable."
Lucas Bennett's voice came through next, teasing but focused.
"Taxi is ready. Reinforced bumpers, shock absorbers, everything. You want a soft ride or a deluxe wake-up call?"
Ethan allowed himself a brief smile. Almost a smirk. But there was no time for humor now.
"Aaron," Ethan said quietly, "we will take your pain and return it with interest. Tonight, they learn what fear really feels like."
The boy blinked, hope flickering through the fear.
NightShade Taxi Service had accepted a new passenger.
And the Royal Club Kings had no idea what was coming.