CHAPTER 29: The Eclipse Event

CHAPTER 29: The Eclipse Event

The meeting room on the 42nd floor of Enid Corp was a cube of austere elegance. Sunlight filtered through floor-to-ceiling windows illuminated the polished ebony table where Vanessa, Marcus, and Lucian waited. Enid stood before them, her fingers drumming on a closed report. The wall clock showed a two-hour delay.

"Two hours," Marcus crossed his arms. "This is a record, even for Fénix. Did he get lost in a bar or decide to hunt something on the way?"

Vanessa twirled her pen between her fingers.

"I bet he fell asleep in front of the mirror. He likes his reflection too much."

Lucian smiled slightly.

"Whatever it is, he'd better have an epic excuse."

Enid sighed, dropping the report onto the table with a thud.

"Enough. He'll get here when he gets here. This meeting is crucial, and I won't repeat it. Besides—"

The door opened slowly.

Fénix was there, but he was a blurred version of himself. Pale skin, deep dark circles, undone tie, and wrinkled shirt. He advanced with heavy steps, as if every movement required superhuman effort.

"Sorry," he murmured, adjusting his jacket. "I'm late."

Silence. Vanessa arched an eyebrow, Marcus scrutinized him with disbelief, and Lucian frowned. Enid crossed her arms, but her eyes betrayed concern.

"Oh, sure!" Marcus broke the ice. "The great Fénix finally honors us. Did you get stuck in traffic or forget how doors work?"

Fénix looked up, a weary smile on his lips.

"Something like that. Rough night."

Vanessa studied him like a rare specimen.

"Rough? Sounds vague. What did you do?"

"Personal problems," Fénix averted his gaze. "Nothing important."

Enid intervened, her voice cutting the air.

"That's enough. Let's take our seats. We have a lot to cover."

Fénix sat at the end of the table, leaning back in the chair with his eyes closed. Adam's voice whispered in his mind, a poisonous echo.

Personal problems? What a charming way to say I'm killing you.

Fénix clenched his fists under the table, focusing on Enid's voice.

Enid turned on the projector. Images of an opulent hall lit up the screen: creatures of supernatural beauty in evening gowns, crystal glasses filled with scarlet liquid, sharp smiles.

"The Eclipse Event," said Enid. "The supernatural elite playing gods. Officially, it's a unity forum. Really, it's a black market with champagne."

Vanessa snorted.

"A circus for inflated egos."

"A circus with the world's most dangerous actors," Enid corrected. "And Viktor is always there. He sells technology to vampires and lycans like they're toys."

She showed a photo of Viktor shaking hands with a vampire with visible fangs.

"We will infiltrate," Enid continued. "We have fake invitations, but the key is to go unnoticed. Act like you belong."

Lucian leaned forward.

"Roles?"

"Just act normal," Enid hesitated. "And stay under the radar."

Fénix opened his eyes.

"Infiltrate a monster party? What could go wrong."

"Everything," Enid stared at him, "or nothing. Viktor lets his guard down there. It's our opportunity."

Adam laughed in Fénix's mind.

Playing spy while your brain unravels? Adorable.

Fénix rubbed his temples.

"Understood."

Enid concluded the meeting.

"We leave tomorrow at 08:00. Rest, but don't get distracted."

The team stood up. Vanessa left first, throwing Fénix a curious look. Lucian followed, murmuring about checking equipment. Marcus left with a carefree gesture.

Fénix stood up slowly. Enid stopped him at the door.

"Fénix. You and me. We talk after the mission."

"I don't have time," he grumbled.

"Tomorrow afternoon," she insisted, stepping closer. "It's not negotiable."

Fénix nodded, exhausted. As he turned, a violent cough bent him double. He brought his hand to his mouth: spots of blood gleamed on his knuckles.

Enid arched an eyebrow.

"Coughing up blood. Charming. Do you plan to collapse in the middle of the mission?"

"I'm fine," Fénix wiped the blood on his sleeve. "Just a bad day."

Enid didn't respond, but her gaze followed him until the door closed. Alone in the room, she sighed. Something was wrong, and she knew it.