The space in Between BOOK 1

THE FIRST ALLAY

The thrill of his digital infiltration left Ethan's fingers trembling as he pulled back from his laptop, eyes wide with the realization of what he'd just done. He had a treasure trove of damning evidence, a clear path to bringing down the corrupt tech mogul. But the cost of using his powers, the way they darkened his soul, gnawed at him.

Ethan stood, stretching his cramped muscles, and glanced around his room, now feeling more like a command center for his vigilante activities than a college dorm. Books on ancient magics were stacked haphazardly with modern programming manuals, creating a juxtaposition that mirrored his own existence.

His phone buzzed, jolting him out of his thoughts. A text from Maya, his closest friend, flashed on the screen: "Meet me at the quad. Urgent."

Ethan slipped his phone into his pocket and made his way through the campus, the night air cool against his skin. The quad was mostly empty, save for a few students huddled around, studying or chatting. He spotted Maya under the large oak tree, her face illuminated by the soft glow of her tablet.

"Hey," she said, looking up as he approached. "I need your help with something."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"

Maya hesitated, then showed him her tablet. "Have you seen this?"

The screen displayed an article about a new initiative by the tech mogul, a city-wide surveillance system disguised as a public safety measure. Ethan's jaw clenched. "Yeah, I've been keeping tabs on it. It's a front for something much darker."

"I figured as much," Maya replied. "But I need proof. Real, concrete proof that I can take to the authorities. You're the only one I know who can dig deep enough to find it."

Ethan sighed, feeling the weight of his dual existence pressing down on him. "You don't know what you're asking, Maya. It's dangerous."

She met his gaze, her eyes filled with determination. "I trust you, Ethan. If anyone can do it, it's you."

Her faith in him was a double-edged sword, both inspiring and daunting. He nodded slowly. "Alright. But you have to promise me you'll stay out of it. Let me handle this."

Maya agreed, albeit reluctantly, and they parted ways. Ethan returned to his dorm, the room now feeling more like a lair. He settled back at his laptop, fingers flying across the keyboard as he delved deeper into the mogul's servers.

Hours passed in a blur. As dawn approached, he unearthed a hidden directory filled with detailed plans for the surveillance system, including blueprints, security protocols, and encrypted communications. It was enough to expose the entire operation.

Ethan leaned back, rubbing his eyes. He'd done it. But the thrill of success was tainted by the growing darkness within him. He knew he couldn't continue like this, teetering on the edge of morality.

Just then, a knock on his door startled him. He quickly closed his laptop, glancing warily at the door. "Who is it?"

"It's Professor Donovan," came the reply, the voice of his mentor in the mythology department. "Can we talk?"

Ethan opened the door, letting the professor in. "What brings you here this early?"

Donovan's eyes were sharp, filled with a knowing look. "I've been watching you, Ethan. I know about the book you found. And I know what you've become."

Ethan's heart pounded. "How do you know?"

Donovan sighed, taking a seat. "I too once delved into those ancient magics. I know the power they offer, and the price they demand. You can't fight this battle alone, Ethan. You need guidance."

Ethan felt a flicker of hope. "Can you help me?"

The professor nodded. "Yes, but you must trust me. Together, we can harness your powers for good, without losing yourself to the darkness."

For the first time in weeks, Ethan felt a sense of clarity. He wasn't alone in this struggle. With Donovan's help, he could learn to control his powers, to be a force for justice in a world where magic and technology collided.

As they began to plan their next move, Ethan realized that his journey was far from over. But now, he had an ally—a beacon of hope to guide him through the shadows.