Arcadius leaned back in his chair, his work finally done for the evening. The dim light of his office cast long shadows over the stacks of papers and glowing Etherion-powered devices scattered across his desk. Victor, sitting silently in a chair by the window, was watching the bustling city below with a faraway look.

"Alright, that’s enough bureaucracy for one day," Arcadius said, standing and stretching. His tall frame loomed against the office’s grand windows. “Come on, Victor. Let’s get out of here.”

Victor turned, blinking as if pulled from a dream. “Where are we going?”

“Home,” Arcadius said, grabbing his coat from the back of his chair. “And before you ask, I mean my home. You’re staying with me for the time being.”

Victor hesitated. “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

Arcadius raised an eyebrow as he adjusted his coat. “Kid, I don’t make offers I don’t mean. Now, are you coming, or are you planning to camp out on this office floor tonight?”

Victor smiled faintly, standing and grabbing his bag. “Alright, if you’re sure.”

The two walked through the grand corridors of the Etherion Enforcer headquarters, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors. The building was eerily quiet this late in the evening, most of the staff having gone home hours ago. When they reached the elevator, Arcadius pressed the button, and they stepped inside as the doors opened with a soft chime.

The ride down was quiet at first, the faint hum of the elevator filling the space. Victor glanced at the mirrored walls, his reflection looking unusually small next to Arcadius’ imposing figure.

“Have you ever lived anywhere outside the city?” Arcadius asked, breaking the silence.

Victor shook his head. “No. My mom’s work always kept us here. And then… well, after she disappeared, my dad and I stayed. Not that he’s much of a homebody.”

Arcadius studied him for a moment, but he didn’t press further. “You might find my place quieter than you’re used to. It’s on the outskirts—lots of trees, no blaring city lights.”

“That sounds… nice,” Victor said, though the thought of quiet felt both comforting and alien.

The elevator doors opened, revealing the underground garage. Rows of sleek vehicles lined the space, their polished surfaces glinting faintly under the overhead lights. Arcadius led the way toward a black SUV parked near the far wall. The vehicle stood out, its design both elegant and intimidating, with subtle Etherion accents woven into its frame.

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As Arcadius unlocked the doors with a faint click, he gestured for Victor to get in. “Hop in.”

Victor climbed into the passenger seat, immediately struck by the pristine interior. The soft leather seats, glowing console, and faint hum of Etherion-powered systems made it feel more like stepping into a spaceship than a car. Arcadius slid into the driver’s seat, and with a low rumble, the SUV came to life.

The ride began smoothly, the SUV gliding through the city streets like a shadow. Victor’s initial nerves gave way to curiosity as he began exploring the controls on the console.

“This is amazing,” he said, his fingers brushing over a touchscreen that displayed everything from navigation to climate control. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Arcadius glanced at him, amused. “It’s just a car.”

“Not just a car,” Victor said, grinning. He pressed a button labeled Ambient Settings, and the interior lighting shifted to a soft blue. “It’s like a car and a spaceship had a baby.”

Arcadius chuckled, shaking his head. “You’ve got a knack for dramatics, kid.”

Victor ignored the comment, too engrossed in the various features. He found a compartment in the armrest that housed a small selection of bottled drinks and snacks. “You’ve got a mini fridge in here,” he said, incredulous.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” Arcadius said. “This thing’s meant for long missions, not joyrides.”

Victor leaned back, sipping from a bottle of water he’d taken. “Still, it’s incredible. Way better than the bus I usually take.”

They drove in relative silence after that, the city gradually giving way to quieter neighborhoods. The towering skyscrapers disappeared in the rearview mirror, replaced by suburban houses and, eventually, sprawling trees. The transition felt surreal to Victor, who had spent most of his life surrounded by the constant hum of city life.

As they turned onto a winding road flanked by dense forest, Arcadius spoke. “I’ll warn you now, the house isn’t what most people expect. It’s… simple.”

Victor glanced at him, surprised. “You, the most famous Enforcer in the world, live in a simple house?”

Arcadius shrugged, his expression unreadable. “I like privacy. And simplicity.”

Victor didn’t reply, but he couldn’t deny his curiosity as they finally pulled up to a gated driveway. The house beyond the gate was indeed simple compared to the grandiose image he had conjured in his mind. It was a large, two-story home with a rustic design, surrounded by trees that swayed gently in the evening breeze.

The gate opened with a soft hum as Arcadius keyed in a code, and the SUV rolled up the driveway. As they parked, Arcadius turned off the engine and looked at Victor. “Welcome home. At least, for now.”

Victor stepped out of the SUV, his breath catching slightly in the cool night air. The house loomed before him, its warm lights glowing invitingly through the windows. Despite its modest appearance, it felt more welcoming than anywhere he’d been in a long time.

“This is… nice,” Victor said, his voice quiet.

Arcadius smirked, walking toward the front door. “Don’t get too sentimental yet. You haven’t seen the inside.”

Victor followed him, his heart pounding slightly as Arcadius unlocked the door and gestured for him to step inside. The warmth of the house enveloped him immediately, and for the first time in days, he felt a flicker of something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel—hope.