The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 13: Our Hearts Met in the Dark with Hers

This chapter revisits the events from Chapter 9: In the Gaze of Four but this time through Xander's point of view. It dives deep into his thoughts and shows how he and his closest friends—his brothers—really view Valentina. It's a longer chapter, but trust me, every word is worth it. Xander might seem like the strong, silent type, but there's so much more simmering beneath that cold exterior. Skip it if you must, but you'll be missing out on a good chapter.

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Xander's POV:

I looked up at the mansion, its towering pillars and pristine white exterior gleaming under the evening light. This girl was filthy rich—there was no other way to put it. The sheer size of the place screamed money, the kind you couldn't ignore even if you tried. Massive, arched windows lined the front, giving glimpses of an opulent interior, and a grand staircase curved elegantly through the foyer. I could already feel the weight of this world pressing down on me.

To my right, my best friends were deep in their usual argument.

"I'm telling you, man, you can't just—" Chris started, his tone dripping with exasperation.

Ron cut him off with a smirk, clearly enjoying winding him up. "Why not? I'm just saying, if you've got it, flaunt it."

"You're such a fucking idiot," Chris shot back, his glare sharp.

"Shut the fuck up, the two of you," I snapped, not in the mood for their bickering. My voice cut through the air, and the tension simmered down immediately. Chris grunted in agreement beside me, and Ron, of course, chuckled, unfazed as usual. He shoved his hands into his pockets and strolled ahead, Chris trailing behind with a glare burning a hole in his back.

"Do we really have to attend this shit?" Jason muttered under his breath, his broad shoulders tense as he walked beside me. His distaste for these kinds of events was no secret.

"My father gave us no option," I replied, keeping my voice low but firm. Jason glanced at me, his jaw clenching in frustration. He wasn't wrong—we all knew we were just pawns in something bigger. But there was no way out. Not tonight, anyway.

We approached the entrance, and the massive double doors swung open with a soft creak. A maid stood there, dressed impeccably in a crisp uniform, her expression neutral but polite. The soft glow of chandeliers spilled out from behind her, casting a warm, golden light over the polished marble floor.

Ron's eyes immediately locked onto her, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Well, hello there," he drawled, his tone flirtatious.

Jason rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Can you fucking not?"

Chris, ever the snarky one, shot Ron a withering look. "Seriously, Ron, you can't even make it through the front door without drooling over someone?"

Ron shrugged, completely unbothered by their judgment. "What? I'm just appreciating the view," he said, winking at the maid, who looked less than impressed.

"You're such a dumbass," Chris muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he followed Ron inside.

"Coming from the guy who can't even talk to a girl without sounding like a robot," Ron shot back, smirking as he strode into the house.

Before Chris could retort, I stepped in, my eyes scanning the space in front of us. The interior was as extravagant as I'd expected. Gleaming marble floors stretched out beneath our feet, reflecting the light from the crystal chandeliers hanging above. Rich, dark wood accents lined the walls, and expensive-looking art pieces were carefully placed throughout the space. The furniture was plush, and everything seemed to scream luxury and old money.