Amongst Shadows and Stardust: The Chronicles of Joliyah Miller.

Chapter 4 | The Weight Of Unspoken Worry.

The sleek elevator doors slid open, revealing the luxurious royal blue interior of Salim's condo loft. Salim stepped out first, his movements lacking their usual fluid grace. Draven followed close behind, his muscular frame tense with concern for his friend and leader.

Salim made his way to his home office, a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a beautiful panoramic view of Luminara City's skyline in his condo loft. He sank into the plush leather chair behind his imposing mahogany desk, his eyes distant and unfocused.

Draven leaned against the doorframe, his scarred face creased with worry. "Boss," he began, his deep voice hesitant, "about what happened at the warehouse..."

Salim's dark brown eyes snapped to Draven's face, a flash of irritation crossing his features. "I told you, I'm fine," he said, his voice clipped.

Draven shifted uncomfortably. He and Salim had been friends since high school, their bond forged in the crucible of street life and strengthened by years of loyalty. He prided himself on his unwavering dedication to Salim and the Savage8 crew. But what he had witnessed at the warehouse... it unsettled him deeply.

"I know, but..." Draven paused, choosing his words carefully. "The military equipment meeting is coming up. Are you sure you're up for it? We've never seen you like that before."

Salim's jaw tightened. "I said I'm fine, Draven. Everything's under control."

Despite Salim's reassurances, Draven's instincts told him otherwise. Something was wrong, even if he couldn't put his finger on what exactly it was.

Trying to change the subject, Draven brought up more business. "Kedron been pushing for that partnership again. Wants us to help smuggle drugs."

Salim's expression darkened. "We've been over this. The Savage8 doesn't deal in drugs. We're weapons importers, nothing more."

As Draven continued talking about Kedron's offer, Salim's mind began to drift. The image of Joliyah flooded his thoughts, her warm smile and expressive brown eyes as vivid as if she were standing right in front of him. The symbol 1/∞ pulsed in his mind's eye, a constant, maddening presence.

A loud knock at the door jerked Salim back to reality. He gestured for Draven to answer it.

Draven opened the door to find Vanessa Graywood standing there, a smile playing on her lips. Without so much as a greeting, she asked, "Where's my brother?" and walked herself in, brushing past Draven as if she owned the place.

Draven stood there, watching as Vanessa strode towards Salim's home office. His eyes couldn't help but follow her, taking in her form in a lustful manner. He had always found her incredibly attractive, but he knew better than to go for the boss's sister. Besides, he was well aware that a woman like Vanessa would never give him the time of day, even if Salim wasn't in the picture.

Seconds later, a familiar voice rang out, dripping with confidence and a hint of disdain. "Hello, brother. It's been a while."

Salim's head snapped up, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of his sister, Vanessa Graywood. She stood in the doorway, a vision of beauty and danger in a form-fitting red dress, her long black hair styled in a cute updo bun.

A whirlwind of emotions swept through Salim - shock at her sudden appearance, love for the sister he hadn't seen in years, and a burning rage at her abandonment of the Savage8 when they needed her most.

Vanessa sauntered into the room, ignoring Draven completely. Her eyes locked with Salim's, a challenge gleaming in their depths.

Salim stood slowly, his face a mask of controlled emotion. "Vanessa," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "What are you doing here?"