Wave to the Sky (Omegaverse)

Chapter 32: First Day, First Wound

Alon's Point of View (A Few Hours Earlier)

Today marked my first day as a Senior Artist at SkyHaven. It came as a surprise, considering I had only been working as a Junior Artist for a few months. The company held a design competition which I initially hesitated to enter. However, everyone, including my colleagues, encouraged me to participate. Although I didn't win the competition, it paved the way for my promotion.

"Good morning!" I greeted my coworkers as I entered the Art Department, relishing the feeling of wearing my company ID.

"Loony, you're here," Bryan greeted me. Like me, he was also new to the company. I quickly made my way to my new desk, placing my worn-out duffle bag on the floor. I picked up the pot I had made a few days ago, admiring the delicate patterns I had painted on it, with my precious son's name written on it.

"Loony!" called Sir Samuel from the doorway of his office. I returned the small pot to my desk and approached him.

"Good morning, Sir."

"Good morning, Loony. Today is your first day as a Senior Artist. How do you feel?"

"I feel a bit nervous, Sir," I admitted, scratching my head.

"You shouldn't," he assured me. "Anyway, Sir Caelus wants to meet you and the other top designers from the competition. You'll need to present your designs to him."

"But I don't know how to."

"It's simple. Just show your designs, like you did in the competition."

"I understand, Sir," I replied, trying to conceal my anxiety. Sir Caelus, the Chief Operating Officer of SkyHaven made me even more nervous. Returning to my desk, I tried to calm my nerves.

In the afternoon, Sir Samuel gathered us in one of the board rooms in the Art Department. He prepared us for the possible questions Sir Caelus might ask during the presentation, which took at least an hour.

We headed to one of the meeting rooms on a higher floor. I took a moment to compose myself in the restroom before returning. When I got back, Sir Samuel's assistant informed me that I would go first. Despite my nerves, I entered the room and saw Sir Samuel and a man with black hair who was busy reviewing the papers in his hand.

"G-good afternoon," I greeted, my voice betraying my unease. His surprised expression didn't escape me, though I couldn't decipher its meaning.

"Loony, you can start your presentation now," Samuel interjected, pulling me from my thoughts. I avoided meeting Sir Caelus's gaze as I began.

"Good afternoon. I'm Alon Williams, the designer of the White Series," I started, trying to focus on my presentation despite the weight of his stare.

He placed the empty cup back on the table and just smiled at me, sending shivers down my spine. I pressed on with my presentation.

"Enough," Sir Caelus' voice cut through my words. I stopped, feeling myself step back involuntarily. "I've heard all I wanted. You can step out now."

"O-okay, sir," I replied, feeling the awkwardness in the room, especially in Sir Caelus' expression. I left the meeting room, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and confusion, and headed back to the Art Department using the elevator.

I walked straight to my work desk and lightly slammed my forehead against it, feeling discouraged by what had happened in the meeting. I couldn't understand why Sir Caelus had stopped me in the middle of my presentation. Did I do something wrong? Or did I say something that he didn't like?

"Loony, are you alright?" Bryan asked, his hand resting on my shoulder. I lifted my head and looked at him.

"I don't know," I replied, feeling defeated.