Everything was going according to plan-until my life crumbled. Fresh out of university, I was ready to chase my dreams, fulfill my parents' hopes, and carve out my destiny. But fate had different plans.
"Creation of the World"-a game of limitless possibilities, offering its user the power to control realms, to create and destroy without limits. Cassian watched helplessly as the Earth merged with this world of his own design. Stripped of control, he awoke in a body not his own.
Cassian StarHold-the older brother of the world's greatest hero.
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I lived as a puppet, a slave bound to an unyielding fate, sacrificing everything for mere scraps. Yet, my tormentors weren't content with simply binding me. They brought war to my doorstep, erasing everything I had painstakingly built.
Now, I stand amidst thousands of their finest, listening to the man who destroyed my world. He looms high above, addressing the crowd from atop majestic marble columns, his silver hair blending seamlessly with the sky.
"People are not equal!" His voice, dripping with arrogance, slices through the air. "We are the peak of evolution! Nothing surpasses us! We've ascended, leaving mountains of inferior blood in our wake. And now, you shall inherit this legacy!"
He pauses, eyes cold and prideful, scanning the masses below. "This power must be earned, not handed down by birth. Wealth, power, status-they demand a mountain of sacrifices for even a glimpse."
With arms outstretched, madness flickers in his eyes, mirrored by the thousands who echo his zeal. "You cannot fathom the blood shed to place you here. But you will learn. And I swear on my pride... Only those worthy will survive! Soon, I will show you why we are called dragons!"
What these so-called dragons don't understand is that the puppet is about to break free. He's wrong-none of them will survive.
"What do you want?" I snap, slamming my locker shut. His casual smirk, messy dark hair, tan skin, strong arms, eerie storm-grey eyes... the list could go on of things I notice- that I shouldn't notice- about him.
"Oh, I want a lot of things." He inspects a speck of dirt on his arm. "I'm sure you've heard the news?" His eyes flicker back up to meet mine. Does he know? No. He can't.
So I roll my eyes. He can't know that I know, that I would do anything to be the first one he tells. "You'll have to be more specific." I mutter, trying to look casual as I inspect my nails. "Well, it involves a certain title of the swim team," He offers. I shrug. "So you got captain. That's cool. And what do I have to do with that?"
He narrows his eyes, trying to read my expression. Unfortunately for him, I have mastered the art of hiding my emotions.
"This is what I wanted to talk to you about. During English," He fiddles with his sweater sleeve. "I recall you trying to talk to me," I frown.
"Well, I..." He swallows, seeming... nervous?
"I'm not doing too great... subject wise. And if I don't pick up my ass soon, I might be forced to quit." He rubbed the back of his neck, making his shirtsleeve slide up his arm to reveal a strong bicep.
Not that I notice.
I narrow my eyes. "And what do I get back in return?" I cross my arms. I'm going to be late for the bus if we don't hurry. He studies my face. "Name your price." He mirrored my position. I sigh. Money... but I don't need it. Popularity... but I don't want it.
I meet his gaze steadily. He lifts his chin, the tiniest bit, but it doesn't intimidate me. I square my shoulders and stand up straight. He's only just taller than me.
"Stop pretending to be perfect."
All rights reserved. Cover art by me :) but will probably be redone soon