The Crimson Coast rose from the ocean like a dream made of blood and gold.
White marble towers curved along the shoreline, glowing under crimson lights. Luxury yachts floated near the private docks, their reflections trembling in the dark water. Music drifted through the air—soft, expensive, dangerous.
Tonight, the coast belonged to the elite.
And to monsters hiding behind silk masks.
Elaris stepped out of the black hovercar, her heels touching the marble floor. She wore a deep crimson gown, smooth and sharp like flowing wine. A silver mask covered half her face, delicate lines matching the curve of her cheek.
Her wings were hidden.
Always hidden.
Inside her chest, her heart beat fast—not with fear, but awareness.
Every powerful player was here.
Investors. Crime lords. Tech kings. Shadow brokers.
And him.
Kael Dravien.
She felt him before she saw him.
The air changed.
A pull. A heat.
She walked into the grand hall, chandeliers hanging like frozen stars above. The walls were glass, showing the ocean crashing far below. Red velvet curtains framed the space, and waiters moved silently with crystal trays.
Masks everywhere.
Gold. Black. Ivory.
Truth was forbidden tonight.
Elaris accepted a glass without drinking. Her eyes scanned the room, sharp and calm.
Then—
Black mask. Tailored suit. Stillness in chaos.
Kael stood near the balcony, one hand resting casually on the rail. His presence was quiet, controlled, deadly. A silver insignia glinted on his cuff—the mark of a top-tier investor.
Of course.
He always played higher than he showed.
Their eyes met across the room.
The world slowed.
Kael tilted his head slightly, as if greeting a secret only they shared.
Elaris looked away first.
Bad idea.
She moved deeper into the hall, blending into whispers and laughter. Every step was measured. Every smile was fake.
A man approached her—older, rich, dangerous. His mask was gold.
"You're new," he said, eyes roaming without shame. "Crimson Coast doesn't welcome strangers."
Elaris smiled softly. "Then it's lucky I don't feel unwelcome."
He laughed. "Careful. Beauty attracts attention here."
"I know," she replied. "So does power."
Before he could respond, a familiar voice cut in.
"She's with me."
Kael stepped beside her, close enough that his arm brushed hers.
The man stiffened. "Dravien. I didn't realize—"
"Then don't realize now," Kael said calmly.
The man left quickly.
Silence lingered between them.
"You shouldn't be here," Kael said without looking at her.
Elaris raised an eyebrow. "Funny. I was about to say the same."
He turned to her then, eyes dark behind the mask. "This place eats people alive."
"So does Virelia," she replied. "I survived that."
A slow smile touched his lips. "Barely."
Music swelled. The crowd shifted.
Kael offered his hand.
She stared at it.
"This isn't a dance," she said.
"No," he agreed. "It's a message."
Against her better judgment, she placed her hand in his.
Heat sparked instantly.
They moved onto the dance floor, bodies close but controlled. His hand rested lightly at her waist, careful—always careful.
"You planned this," she murmured.
"Everything here is planned," he replied. "Including you."
Her grip tightened. "I don't belong to your plans."
Kael leaned closer, his breath warm near her ear. "That's what makes you dangerous."
Around them, the world spun in red and gold. Whispers. Eyes watching.
"Why am I really here?" Elaris asked.
Kael's voice dropped. "Because tonight, the investors choose sides."
Her heart skipped. "And?"
"And someone is about to wake the Crimson Coast," he said. "Blood will follow."
The music slowed.
Lights dimmed.
A figure stepped onto the elevated platform—a woman in an ivory mask.
"The game begins," she announced. "Phoenix assets will be revealed."
Elaris froze.
Phoenix.
Kael felt it instantly.
He tightened his hold just slightly. "Don't react."
"You knew," she whispered.
"Yes."
"And you still brought me?"
"I brought you," he said quietly, "because they want you dead."
The screen behind the woman lit up.
Data. Projects. Names.
Then—
A blurred image.
Silver wings.
Gasps filled the hall.
Elaris's blood ran cold.
Kael moved fast, turning her so his back shielded her from the room.
"Mask," he warned softly.
Her hand flew to her face.
Too late.
Eyes were already searching.
Hunting.
"This is bad," she said.
Kael's jaw clenched. "This is war."
Security moved. Whispers turned sharp.
Elaris met his eyes.
"This coast won't sleep again," she said.
Kael nodded once. "Neither will we."
Alarms suddenly blared.
Lights flickered.
Chaos erupted.
Kael pulled her toward the balcony doors. "Trust me."
She hesitated—just a second—then followed.
As they disappeared into the crimson-lit corridor, the ocean roared louder below.
The Crimson Coast had awakened.
And it was hungry.