Cassian Blackthorn

Cassian sat alone in his office cabin at the highest floor of Blackthorn Tower, the vast glass walls revealing the glowing sprawl of Valemont City below.

A knock interrupted the stillness and his secretary entered in, “Alpha, there is an incoming call from Elder Blackthorn. What should I do?”

Cassian’s fingers paused over the file as soon as he heard Elder Blackthorn.

For a brief moment, his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, because he already knew why his grandfather who rarely contacted him directly had suddenly decided to call.

Cassian closed his eyes briefly for a second. “Put it through.”

As the line connected, Cassian answered the call with...