Veil of Darkness
The Heir
The sleep modern office contrast with the Gothic architecture of the ancient mansion. floor to ceiling windows overlook the estate ground. he sits behind a glass desk, multiple monitors displaying stock markets and business report.
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲 Riven..
Riven Ashfords/ML
📲 Hm...❄️
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲The council meeting is in an hour. Your presence is required...
His jaws tightens as he closes his laptop with deliberate precision.
Riven Ashfords/ML
📲 I'm aware..❄️
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲 *sighs* The business deals can wait...
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲 Your grandfather wants to discuss the transition plans.
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲 It's time to prepare you properly for succession...
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲This is more important than any contract...
Riven stands, walking to the window with measured steps. The moonlight illuminated the vast estate grounds—gardens with automated lightning, fountains, the forest beyond. His reflection in the glass shows no emotion....
Riven Ashfords/ML
📲Understood...
I'll be there.❄️
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲 He has lived for over seven centuries, son.
Even our kind must plan for continuity.
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲 The bloodline must continue. the crown must pass.
it's not about power—it's about duty.
Riven's fingers curl slightly against the cold glass.
Riven Ashfords/ML
📲 I know what's expected of me..
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
📲 Good.
Wear the family crest. Tonight is formal.
Riven moves to his walk-in-closet, selecting a black designer suit, The Ashford crest is embroidered in silver thread—a crescent moon wrapped in thorns.
Riven Ashfords/ML
📲 Fine...❄️ *cuts the call*
His phone buzzes again. As he glances at the message which popped with his cold eyes.
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬 Big brother~
Are you coming down for the meeting?
grandfather is getting that look he gets when people are late...😅
Riven doesn't respond immediately. He fastens his cufflinks, checking his appearance in the mirror. perfect. control. Immidating.
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬 I'm on my way...
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬 Good!
Lucian is here too. He brought some ideas for the eastern territories.
He seems really eager to help lately.
Riven exits his study, his footsteps echoing on the marble floors. LED lighting illuminated the hallway, as he passes.
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬I see..
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬Mother and Grandmother are already in the council room.
Uncle Viktor and Aunt Katerina too.
It's a full house tonight...
Riven descends the grand staircase, hand barely touching the banister. His presence alone seems to lower the temperature.
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬 As expected.
The conference room is a blend of old and new—Gothuc windows with smart glass, a long black marble table with built-in screens, leather chains. Family members sitting in formal attire, the atmosphere tense. Valerius Ashford sits at the head, ancient and powerful. Beside him, Isolde. Darian and Selene occupy the right side. Viktor and Katerina sit across from them, their expressions carefully neutral. Seraphine sits near the middle. Lucian stands by the fireplace, holding a glass of wine...
Valerius Ashford (Ml's grandpa)
[To: family council group]
The meeting has begun.
All members present except Riven.
We will wait three more minutes.❄️
As Everyone nods to that statement
The heavy double doors open. Riven enters. The room falls into complete silence, everyone turns to him. he doesn't acknowledge anyone, walking directly to his seat—second from the head, the heir's position.
Riven Ashfords/ML
I'm here❄️
Valerius's eyes narrow slightly, then he nods once.
Valerius Ashford (Ml's grandpa)
Proceed to your seat. We have much to discuss.❄️
Riven sits, his posture rigid and commanding. He doesn't look at anyone. Luciam moves from the fire place to his seat, raising his glass slightly towards Riven with a friendly smile.
Lucian Ashford (Ml's cousin)
Brother...
We understand how demanding your schedule is. Managing both the mortal business world and our family legacy must be exhausting..
Riven's gaze slides to lucian. Cold. Assessing.
Riven Ashfords/ML
I manage.❄️
Lucian's smiles doesn't flatter.
Lucian Ashford (Ml's cousin)
I've been travelling through the eastern territories recently.
observing are operations, I've prepared some suggestions regarding our trade routes and security protocols. perhaps we could discuss them?
Riven's expression remains unchanged..
Riven Ashfords/ML
Send them to my office.. I'll review it..❄️
Lucian Ashford (Ml's cousin)
Of course, Thank you..
Isolde watches the exchange carefully before speaking.
Isolde Ashford (Ml's grandma)
Family unity is our greatest strength. especially given what we are, We can not afford division when our existence must remain hidden..
Viktor leans forward, his expression respectful but his eyes calculating.
Viktor Ashford (Ml's uncle)
Indeed, Mother..
for centuries our family has survived because We stand together. riven understand this better than anyone, I'm sure..
Riven doesn't respond. doesn't even look at Viktor. Valerius strikes the table once with his ring— the formal beginning of business.
Valerius Ashford (Ml's grandpa)
Riven, Report on the milan operations.❄️
Riven Ashfords/ML
Ashford enterprises expanded into three new sectors this quarter, revenue increase by 40%.. two major competitors acquired and absorbed. all transaction clean, no investigation, no suspicion.. the mortal world remains unaware...❄️
Valerius's expression shows approval.
Valerius Ashford (Ml's grandpa)
Excellent, you've proven yourself capable. The throne will be in good hands..❄️
Riven's jaw tightens imperceptively..
Riven Ashfords/ML
I do what's required,nothing more.❄️
Darian's voice carries a note of pride that Riven doesn't acknowledge...
Darian Ashford (Ml's father)
True leaders don't crave power, they carry responsibility. you are the exactly that, son..
Katerina's smile is polished.. perfect....fake..
Katerina Ashford (Ml's aunt)
The family prospers under your guidance, son..Your dedication is admirable...
Lucian Ashford (Ml's cousin)
Riven is an inspiration to us all, I'm honoured to serve alongside him.
Riven finally speaks, voice flat.
Riven Ashfords/ML
your support is noted. ❄️
Valerius Ashford (Ml's grandpa)
Unity,strength, legacy, Our secret remains safe because we remain united.❄️
Riven Ashfords/ML
what's required of me? ❄️
Valerius stands slowly, walking to retrieve an ancient leather bound book..
Valerius Ashford (Ml's grandpa)
Ancient rites, blood oaths, binding of power. We will discuss details privately. your destiny approaches, Meeting adjourned..
The family members stand, Seraphine tries to catch Riven's eye, but he is already standing.. His footsteps echo as he exits.. Viktor and Katerina exchange a quick glance.
Viktor and Katerina's suite
Viktor closes the door. Katerina tosses her designer clutch onto the bed, removing her Cartier jewellery with angry movements.
Viktor Ashford (Ml's uncle)
Did you see how he dismissed everyone?
Viktor Ashford (Ml's uncle)
not even basic courtesy.
Katerina through her necklace onto the vanity.
Katerina Ashford (Ml's aunt)
Arrogant boy.
born into power and thinks it makes him superior.
Viktor Ashford (Ml's uncle)
he barely acknowledged your compliment..
Katerina Ashford (Ml's aunt)
I've lived three centuries.. and I have to bow to someone whose barely lived two hundred years?
Katerina Ashford (Ml's aunt)
How insulting..
Viktor Ashford (Ml's uncle)
Father favours him blindly."Excellent work","Capable","Good job"...
Viktor Ashford (Ml's uncle)
what about my contributions?!
Katerina Ashford (Ml's aunt)
the old ways are dying... respect honor.... he has none of it... just cold calculations and that insufferable superiority...
Viktor Ashford (Ml's uncle)
we must remain patient... but one day..
Katerina Ashford (Ml's aunt)
that day, things will change... they always do, Even kings fall...
he remove his jacket with mechanical precision, his suite is ultra modern—Smart home technology, minimalist furniture, floor to ceiling windows.....
Riven Ashfords/ML
*pouring whisky*
heppers whisky from a crystal decanter but doesn't drink it.... just stares out at the night
Riven Ashfords/ML
*picks his phone and saw a message*
Selene Ashford (Ml's mom)
💬 Riven, you handle the meeting well tonight...
he doesn't respond immediately, walks to the balcony doors, which slide open automatically...
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬Is there something you need, mother?
Selene Ashford (Ml's mom)
💬 I wanted to ensure you prepared for what comes next...
Selene Ashford (Ml's mom)
💬 you are born for all this...
his steps on to the balcony, the cold night air doesn't affect him...
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬 I am aware of my duties..
Selene Ashford (Ml's mom)
💬I know you carry this burden alone, my son. but we stand with you
his hands grip the glass railing
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬Understood
Selene Ashford (Ml's mom)
💬 do rest if you can..
Selene Ashford (Ml's mom)
💬 Tomorrow brings new challenges...
Riven stares at the message for a long moment.
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬Goodnight, mother..
Selene Ashford (Ml's mom)
💬 Goodnight, my son..
He just stared at the moon...
Shadows..... somewhere
Someone in the silent room
Unknown 2 (male)
The meeting when perfectly, he suspects nothing..
Unknown 1 (female)
Alright, you played your role well..... the loyal supportive-------...
Unknown 2 (male)
He barely acknowledged me.... Treated me like I was beneath him..... always, cold, dismissive arrogant...
Unknown 1 (female)
use that anger, channel it....His arrogance will be his downfall
Unknown 2 (male)
*kept the phone on the couch*
Unknown 2 (male)
Tsk tsk tsk..... doesn't even want the throne, all treats it like a burden...
Unknown 1 (female)
and look at yourself you're ready to give everything for the power.....
Unknown 2 (male)
Patience....our time will come....
Unknown 1 (female)
The marked one.....
I've been researching obsessively....
Unknown 2 (male)
The girl who will bind with the heir?! *while sitting on the bed*
Unknown 2 (male)
she exists.... and whoever claims her claims everything.....
Unknown 2 (male)
Not just the throne, but power beyond imagination.....
Unknown 1 (female)
Oh, so..... What if riven found her first....?! The prophecy speaks of the heir....
His eyes gleams with obsession
Unknown 2 (male)
He won't....... I'll find her first...and when I'll, She'll be mine....
Unknown 2 (male)
I'll be more powerful...and riven he'll lose everything he has and everything he couldn't get ......
Unknown 1 (female)
Don't be careless, our existence must remain hidden..
Unknown 2 (male)
I know how to move in shadows..... how to sell manipulate without being seen....
Unknown 2 (male)
I had to earn my place from nothing, he was born into power... That girl is the key.... and I will find her first...
He started to laugh like a maniac
Seraphine sits by her window, Airpords in, unable to sleep..... she knows her brother is awake, she always knows..... she picks up her phone...
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬Brother....Are you awake?!
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬Yes....
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬Can't sleep either?!.... what's on your mind?!
he walks to his window... the pull is stronger tonight, that unexplainable sensation...
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬 Nothing that concerns you...
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬Brother..... you can talk to me, you know, right?!
his jaw tightens. for a moment, he almost doesn't respond..
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬There's something, A pull. I don't understand it .....
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬The birthmark? The prophecy
his hand moves to his lower back, unconsciously
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬 legends, nothing more...
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬But what if it's real? what if she is out there?!
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬Then, she's cursed...
bound to what I am.... what I can never escape...
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬 You're not a monster... I know everyone else sees the cold exterior... but I am your sister... I know who you really are,....
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬You see what you want to see, Sera...
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬 I see the truth, good night.... brother...
Seraphine Ashford (Ml's sis)
💬I love you....
Riven Ashfords/ML
💬Good night....
he doesn't say "I love you" back, e never does... but seraphine knows.... she is only one who does...
he stands by his window, alone in the darkness.... the city lights of Milan glow in the distance... he reached behind himself, touching the birthmark on his lower back through his shirt... it burns....
a crescent moon, intertwined with a dagger... wrapped in thorns... his expression remains cold, but something flickers in his eyes... something he won't name, the night is silence...
no mortal will ever know what walks these halls...
Miles away, in a small apartment in the city, a young woman shift restlessly in her sleep.. dream of shadows and silver eyes plague her.. she knows nothing of what awaits her.. nothing of the mark on her lower back that mirrors his the mark that glows faintly, burning against her skin... she gasps in her sleep..
The pull, The connection, the beginning of everything...
Two souls, bound by blood and prophecy....One forged in ice and darkness... One living in warmth and light... one who commands empires with an iron fist.. one who struggles just to survive... soon
Their path will be crossed....
the cold heir, who feels nothing.... will discovered that destiny, doesn't care about his walls....
a decent sized rental house with 3 bedrooms, 1 guest room, two bathrooms, and a functional kitchen..... not luxurious, but comfortable enough... sunlight streams through the curtains of Vanya's bedroom...
The alarm on her phone blares, She reaches out to silence it, groaning...and sits up slowly, rubbing her eyes...dark circle beneath them tell the story of another restless night...she reaches back absently, touching her lower back...where a strange burning sensation has been bothering her for weeks....
Her phone buzzes with messages
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬Good morning!!! 🔆
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬 did you sleep okay?
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬 I heard you tossing and turning last night!!
Vanya yawns, shuffling to her small attached bathroom to splash water on her face...
Vanya Vale (FL)
💬Morning...
Vanya Vale (FL)
💬Sorry, if I kept you awake last night!!
Vanya Vale (FL)
💬Weird dreams again...
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬still having those?!
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬 you have been having them for weeks now...
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬 maybe you should tell someone about it..
Vanya walks out of her room and down the hallway to the kitchen....
the house is quiet today.... she starts making coffee...
Vanya Vale (FL)
💬 Probably just stress....work has been exhausting lately..
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬Well, I'm already at the café... had to open it early today... talk when I get home about your job situation....
She pours her coffee into her mug...sitting at their dining table...
Vanya Vale (FL)
💬What about it?!
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬V, You're literally working yourself to death at the retail job...
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬 and it barely covers half of your rent...
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬 we need better opportunities...
Vanya sighs, Lyra is right....between rent, utilities, groceries and basic expenses, they're constantly struggling....
Vanya Vale (FL)
💬I know... I've been applying to other places...not luck yet...
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬 what if I told you I want something?!
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬For both of us, actually?!
Vanya Vale (FL)
💬What do you mean?!
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬 There's a job opening at Ashford enterprises... personal assistant position.... the pay is INSANE...
Lyra Veyra(Fl's bff)
💬like, life-changing good
Vanya Vale (FL)
💬 Ashford enterprises?!
the huge corporation?
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