Dylan squinted his eyes to adjust to the morning light that had just begun to filter through the windows. He had awoken earlier than usual, and despite the fact that sunrise was just peeking over the horizon, the sky was

already illuminated in a dusky orange glow. The air around him felt strangely silent. The only sound to be heard was the ticking of the chronometer, the gears within the clockwork working diligently to keep time.

He groaned as his feet hit the cold floor, and he slowly rose from the patchwork quilt. He raked his fingers through his rumpled hair and stumbled to the bathroom, half asleep, to get ready for the day ahead.

As he made his way down the stairs, still yawning; he tried to focus on the project he was commissioned to do several weeks ago. His eyes scanned over the progress of his work: a custom roadster with smooth curves,

and an elongated wheelbase. An endeavor that had taken him several weeks to craft.

Dylan stood back and admired it, and felt a swell of pride before hearing Alexa’s voice from behind him, “Looking good, sweetie!”

He glanced over his shoulder and saw her sipping her morning coffee; her hair slightly disheveled, but still stunning.

Dylan giggled softly, “Right! She turned out pretty good, didn’t she? I have a few more tweaks and adjustments to make, but she should be ready for delivery by tomorrow.”

Alexa’s lips curved into a playful grin, and she slid closer to Dylan, the scent of vanilla and lavender wafting off her. “I think I know someone who wants a test drive before she’s given away.”

She tilted her head and looked up through thick lashes before she turned on her heels and sashayed back inside.

Dylan’s eyes tracked her every move until she disappeared from view. He leaned against his workstation, heart racing like he’d just been in a high-speed chase, then shook his head with a fluttered giggle.

While inside, Alexa was sipping her coffee at the kitchen table, when Tani Kahto, and her twin brother, Tanisha came downstairs. They were discussing a new device that they are planning to use in their next media

venture. Tina caught Alexa’s eye as she entered the room and flashed her a warm smile. She approached Alexa with open arms, engulfing her in a morning hug.

“Good Morning, Alex!” she said cheerfully.

Her long jet-black hair, was streaked with bold strands of scarlet, and it fell across her face as they embraced. The intertwining colors brought out the metallic flecks in Tani’s copper-colored eyes; a feature that made her

appear mystical. The thick strands curled back from her face, framing her profile perfectly; but now annoyed with its uncontrolled fall, Tina swept back her satin-like locks, and tied them up into a ponytail with her

wristband.

Tanisha charged towards the refrigerator, his eyes blazing with defiance. He grabbed a jug of juice and greedily chugged it down, spilling sugary liquid down his chin.

His sister erupted in fury, her voice booming as she shouted, “Tanisha! Why do you keep doing that? Do it one more time, and I swear, I’ll slit your throat!”

Martin Kelley, their sometimes-annoying, but-mostly-endearing roommate, lumbered down the stairs, his loud guffaw echoed through the stairwell after hearing Tani’s rebuke.

Martin was always the life of the party with an electrified personality; no matter how early it was in the morning. He had a knack for making light of any situation, no matter how dire.

He made his way through the kitchen, and plopped down at the table, spreading his arms wide with a yawn. “Morning everybody! Did I miss anything interesting?”

Tan rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “Not unless you consider Tanisha trying to choke down an entire jug of juice in one gulp interesting.”

Martin chuckled and shook his head. “Some things never change, Tan.”

Suddenly, an idea struck Martin and he jumped to his feet with a gleam in his eye. “Hey guys, why don’t we all go out this afternoon? We could hit up the clubs or bars, or something. It’ll be fun!”

Alexa glanced between Tani and Martin before nodding with a reluctant smile. “Sure, why not? It sounds like it could be fun. We could use some socializing after being cooped up so long, and we need to get Dylan out of that garage.”

Tani smiled at the prospect of going out while Tanisha narrowed his eyebrows skeptically from across the room. But eventually he shrugged and agreed to join them as well, knowing that it wouldn’t hurt him to loosenup a little bit for once.

The conversation remained light and comical until…Vrooooooom!!!!

The earsplitting sound of a powerful engine reverberating throughout the house caused Tani to yell out in shock and clasp her hands over her ears.

“What the hell!” She screamed, “Tell him to knock that shit off! It’s too early for this!”

Martin’s broad shoulders shook with deep laughter as he rose from his chair. His arms were toned and muscular, and he wore a tight-fitting blue shirt that displayed his body type. He had piercing green eyes and a

charming smile. He stretched again, then strolled towards the entrance to the garage, taking his time. Just before his hand reached for the doorknob, he spun around and bestowed a mischievous wink to Tani.

As he approached the rear of the garage, he found Dylan in the driver’s seat with a huge smile plastered on his face, revving the engine up to its maximum RPM’s. Martin signaled him to shut it down by running an

index finger across his neck; Dylan noticed, still giggling as he turned off the vehicle.

Martin kneeled down beside him, shaking his head. “Tani’s gonna kick your ass. You just scared the shit out of her; and to top it off— she just woke up too.”

Dylan chuckled as he glanced up and noticed Tani standing at the door with her arms crossed; a look of annoyance plastered on her face.

He gave her an innocent shrug, with an endearing giggle. “Sorry, Tan.”

She rolled her eyes before she slammed the door shut.

Martin stood in awe before the stunning vehicle: fiery red with chrome accents and custom wheels.

He whistled as he ran his hands over it’s sleek body. “Man, this one turned out way better than I thought! What are you gonna call it?”

Dylan paused, tapping his fingers against the hood. “The client is Mr. ReCario Mykens, so maybe the Mykens D-Spec?”

Martin’s eyes sparkled with admiration, and a mischievous smirk crossed his face. “That’s perfect. When is the maiden voyage?”

Dylan grinned, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. “Maybe this afternoon? Alex wants to take it for a spin before I deliver her to Mr. Mykens. You can follow me in your car if you think you can keep up.”

Martin’s grin widened as he accepted the challenge. “Oh, is that so? Okay then…you’re on!”

Dylan wiped down the slick surface of his workspace, and Martin placed the last tool back in its spot in the rack.

Before they went inside, they both stopped to admire the curves of the car, noting how each line had been crafted to perfection.

Alexa, Tina and Tanisha were already in the living room when Dylan and Martin returned. The twins were surveying the various gadgets and gizmos scattered around; but when Dylan and Martin entered— she joined in

their conversation about the Mykens D-Spec, with admiration.

“She’s perfect!” Alexa exclaimed, full of enthusiasm. “I can’t wait to take her for a spin!”

Dylan glanced over at her and smiled. “Oh we will. We can do it today!”

Tani rolled her eyes before she plopped down on a nearby couch; her arms crossed and her brow furrowed in annoyance. “While you two drool over that death trap, we should probably discuss what everyone’s plans are

for today.”

Martin nodded in agreement as he perched on the arm of the couch. “I was thinking maybe we could go to a club? Maybe a nice bar and grill, or just go shopping; pick up some stuff for dinner tonight?”

Alex clapped her hands in excitement, while Dylan groaned in dread. Shopping was not his favorite thing to do, but he reluctantly agreed and they set off to get ready for their excursion.

Even after eight years, the girls still needed their shopping sprees to cloud their memories of the past; and shopping at clothing stores was their therapy sessions. And the guys, well, were guys, and were up for whatever.

They narrowed down their choices, and the place was chosen: the largest shopping mall on the continent of Draykoni— The Galleria at Dikepe; and Dylan — was not thrilled.

Dylan and Alexa crawled into the low-profile sportster. The interior was made of a mixture of smoky suede fabrics and dark grey leather, adorned with a few red accents, much like the outside of the vehicle. The

dashboard was a masterpiece of glass and silver metal. The steering wheels was of the same material, a smooth, cold, hard metal to touch, designed for absolute control and performance. The interior smells of leather; a

faint hint of gasoline was present, but it was very faint. With a turn of the key, he ignited the beast beneath the hood. It idled down and emitted a low hum; a faint whir from the engine. It purred as it idled, serving to

calm and lull the driver into a false sense of security.

Dylan rolled the car out of the garage, engine growling. He paused to flash a mischievous grin at Alexa and slammed his foot on the gas pedal; launching the vehicle forward, tires squealing against the pavement.

Martin, Tanashi, and Tani zip out closely behind in Martin’s high-end hybrid vehicle - a sleek, teal-colored Amagh R/S Convertible; his pride and joy. It had a unique look; the type of car that you can see from several

blocks away. It was stylish, and modern, like a fusion of science and art with a low, dynamic body, and it’s shimmering paint, shined to a brilliant sheen. But as heavy-footed as Martin was, he wasn’t fast enough to catch

up with Dylan and Alexa.

Tearing up the country roads, Martin was having a tremendous time keeping up with the customized vehicle that Dylan built. He braked, then accelerated, and weaved the winding roads with precision, but Dylan’s new

creation was far out-classing his expensive sports car.

“Dammit!” Martin chuckled, “He outdid himself with this one! He’s killing me!”

The wind tugged at Alexa’s hair as Dylan pushed the accelerator to the floor, and the car hurtled down the highway. She opened her window and inhaled deeply of salt air while the rushing sound of waves— crashing

against rocks, mixed with the roar of the engine. Everywhere she looked, new views materialized – never-ending stretches of aquamarine waters, endless fields of waving grass, and an ever-changing landscape of mossy

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boulders, sharp granite ridges, and towering evergreens. Alexa beamed with joy at every new view that unveiled itself around each bend on the road.

Finally, Dylan slowed his car to a more comfortable speed; Alexa looked over at him to him with a simple smile of delight.

She reached for his hand on the vehicle’s shifter, “Hey. I’m sorry about yesterday. I didn’t mean it to come out that way.”

He turns to her and smiled softly, “Why are you sorry? There’s nothing to be sorry about. I know what you meant, and you were right. I can’t let my fears and doubts dictate your lives too; and for that- I’m the one that’s

sorry.”

She sighed while gazing ahead to the roadways. “You know, you possess a powerful gift; much more powerful than most, if not all of us, ‘Gifted Ones.’ You of all people, shouldn’t have to worry about anyone coming

after you.”

Dylan’s lips curled up in a sad smile. His eyes were heavy with concern. “It’s not me that I worry about, Alex. It’s all of you.”

He stared forward, and sighed. “What if I can’t save you, or the others. I can’t bear to take another loss like I did with Krissy. So, in my mind, it’s best to stay away; and out of the limelight.”

She held his hand with a tight, desperate grip, but couldn’t find the words to express what was going on inside of her.

The car continued to purr along the winding roads, but the air became thick and heavy with silence as Alexa and Dylan rode on. The presence of Kristen’s passing was ever-present, and the two could feel its weight

tugging at their hearts.

Alexa couldn’t take the silent tension any longer. She shifted in her seat uneasily and cleared her throat in an effort to break it.

“Dylan,” she began hesitantly, “I know you’re scared about what might happen if they find us, but I promise we’ll be okay. We’ll figure it out together. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Dylan remained quiet, eyes locked forward as he drove.

She tilted her head to look out the passenger window and saw the silver tracks of tears streaking down her cheeks in the reflection. The memories of Kristen’s death still hung over them like an oppressive cloud, and

she could feel its heavy weight all around her. She wanted to reach out and tell him it would be alright, but his closed-off posture and silence kept her from speaking, paralyzing her with the force of the event’s impact on

him.

Dylan took the next exit to their destination and Martin followed suit. Eventually, they arrived at the mall and eased past the beautifully landscaped courtyards, and a fountain with marble cherubs spewing water into a

shallow pool. They continue to the parking deck on the west side of the establishment, and then park. After exiting his vehicle; Dylan stood in wait.

Martin walked up and gave him a cynical glance while nodding, “I got you next time.”

Dylan laughed while walking away.

A soft afternoon breeze brushed over his skin as he stepped through the automatic sliding doors into the mall. They headed inside and started their leisurely voyage, and after a bit if window shopping, the twins broke

away for a few items they need.

After an hour or so, Dylan looks at his wrist-piece, then nervously scanned the growing crowds. “Hey, where are the twins?”

Alexa turned sharply; her long blonde hair swished around her shoulders as she felt the wave of panic in his voice. “Hey! They’re okay. They went to the electronics store. You know how they get when it comes to new

gadgets.”

She gazed into his eyes, and watched as he calmed down. “Besides, I’m supposed to meet Tina in a few minutes, but before I do, there’s a killer outfit that I’ve got to have! I’ll catch up with you boys later.”

Dylan hesitated as he stood to follow her. “You want me to come with you?” His anxiety was obvious. He couldn’t help but worry about the twins, but he wanted nothing more, than to protect Alexa from any danger;

despite his doubts that she’d accept his help.

She grimaced sadly. “Dylan, honey. Will you please calm down. No. It’ll only take a second; I’ll be back with Tina after a bit; so you boys behave yourselves!”

Alexa flashed a mischievous grin at him as she backed away, her hips swaying with each step. She strolled down the corridor towards her favorite dress shop; the place for finding just the right outfit to compliment her

plans.

Martin turned to Dylan. “So, it’s just you and me, pal; what you wanna do?”

Dylan grinned in ecstasy, “I have no clue, man, but my stomach is eating itself right now! How about we hit the Food Court?”

Martin laughed. His chiseled jaw and dimpled cheek are wreathed in a smile, “Your metabolism is crazy. You’re always hungry!”

The friends exchanged delighted smiles and set off towards the food court, their laughter echoing in the vast open space. As they walked, the tantalizing scent of grilled meats drifted up to their noses. They could make

out the sound of sizzling fat on hot surfaces as they approached the neon glass doors that led to the dining area.

The Ka’Drannian twins, Tanashi and Tani, stepped into the buzzing store of Tech-Deal, Inc., feeling a familiar excitement. Sparkling gadgets spread out in front of them like a candy buffet, each more tantalizing than

the last. They made beelines to their favorite section of the shop and began comparing prices.

“Hey sis,” Tanashi started off, “check this out!”

He points at a hybrid light scribe driver they had been eyeing before.

“Nice!” She responded while reading the details on the label. “It is exactly what we need for our media project.”

They keep browsing until Tani glances down at her wristwatch. “Dammit! I’m supposed to be meeting Alex in ten minutes, we need to wrap this up!”

They assemble the items they want and hurry to the cashier to purchase them.

By that time, Martin texts Tanisha to let him know of their location at the Food Court.

“Awesome!” Tanisha blared out, “I’m starving!”

He texts back his location and heads to meet Dylan and Martin.

***

Earlier, as Alexa was meandering through the mall, she arrived at her favorite clothing store: The Monet Boutique. Stepping inside, she took in the numerous racks of designer apparel and accessories. She inhaled the

sweet scents of perfume and leather. Shimmery fabrics cascaded down racks in crisscrossing rows, displaying blouses and slacks and dresses in colors both subtle and bold. She felt a sense of peace come over her. This is

where she could find herself.

As Alexa made her way through the store, a smiling figure materialized from behind a display case. Her eyes lit up as she recognized the familiar face of Trace Bander, the red-haired assistant manager that she had met

months earlier.

“Hi Alex!”, Trace said cheerfully while walking up to give her a hug. “How are you? I’ve missed you; it’s been a while since we’ve talked.”

Alexa smiled, “Hey Trace! I’m doing well. Sorry that I haven’t been around- we’ve been really busy later. But we definitely need to catch up on what’s happened in the last few weeks!”

Trace played-off any guilt that Alexa may have felt with a simple wave of her hand and replied, “That’s okay!”

After a brief conversation, Trace finally asks, “So, what are we looking for today?”

Alexa bashfully shifted her gaze to the ground, her cheeks flushing bright pink. She slowly raised her hand to conceal her reddening cheeks, as if her heated blush was a secret she desperately wanted to keep. She felt a

tingling sensation in the pit of her stomach as if a million tiny wings were fluttering around within her, and each beat of her heart seemed like it was amplified a hundred times over.

A long, quivering exhale from between puckered lips; breath escaping a pair of delicate nostrils; eyes fluttering closed, then back open in a stiff blink. “Well. I was hoping to find something festive- yet tasteful; to

impress a certain someone. Maybe a sexy, but not overly slinky, cocktail dress?”

Trace flashed a big smile, her eyes twinkling knowingly while she nodded her head in understanding. “Okay, I got you- So, is this certain someone, a certain Dylan type of someone? Do you two have any special plans?”

Alexa paused and quickly tucked a strand of hair behind her right ear as she bit back a crooked grin.

Trace chuckled before continuing, “Well, I don’t blame you! Dylan is definitely charming, and gorgeous; but anyway, I have several that I think would look great on you. You can try them all out to find the perfect one

for your date night. One that makes you feel frisky!”

Alexa’s mouth dropped open and her eyes grew wider than saucers. She wrung her hands in front of her face and giggled nervously.

“No, no, no!” she cried. “I said festive, not frisky!”

Trace giggled at the joke; then clapped her hands together in excitement. “Ooh, I have just the thing! Follow me!”

She grabbed Alexa’s hand and pulled her towards the back of the store, where various party dresses hung from racks. She quickly picked out several options for Alexa to try on.

After a bit of rummaging, they gathered up a handful of outfits that Alexa could try on.

Trace held out the garments, “Here we are. Go into Dressing Room-Number-Nine, and give these a go. I have some calls to make so I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Alexa agreed and went into the dressing room, while Trace returned to the front desk to man the phones.

Alexa tried on each dress one at a time while glancing at herself in the full-length mirror, while Trace has now returned and cheerfully offered feedback from outside the door.

Alexa finally chose an elegant dress that defined femininity; with a plunging neckline and intricate black lace detailing around the waistline. The gown was made of black silk; the material cradled her breasts and clung

tightly to the curves of her body. The lace at the hem and cuffs seemed to glitter like arctic ice while still exposing much of her toned thighs.

Trace squealed in delight when Alexa exited the dressing room. “Oh my god, Alex! You look amazing!”.

***

Tanashi stepped into the Food Court, his eyes scanning the area.

Martin waved at him and called out, while standing up. “Tanashi… over here!”

Dylan had already ordered two, loaded, Pryne Burgers with a basket of wedges, and an extra-large beverage by the time Tanashi arrived.

“Man, Dylan!” Tanashi began, “You didn’t wait for me?”

Dylan shrugged his shoulders as he wiped his mouth with a napkin, “Nope! A man’s got to eat, bud!”

As they ate, Tanashi watched, and noticed that something was off about Dylan; he was uncommonly quiet, and kept looking around himself.

“You okay, dude?” asked Tanashi, with quizzical eyes.

Dylan swallowed the food in his mouth,” Yeah, I just have a bad feeling right now. There are too many people here.”

Martin glanced down and noticed the bags and packages that Tanisha brought back.

He chuckled. “Damn T, did you buy enough stuff?”

Tanashi rubbed his head and stammered as he tried to justify their purchases. “Uh, yeah. We found some cool stuff. Didn’t necessarily need it all, but we couldn’t resist.”

The group knew that Tanashi had a shopping addiction, and could never pass up a good deal.

“So what do you want to do later today?” Dylan asked.

Martin checked his watch mid-bite of his burger and quickly chewed before answering, “I don’t know; maybe a movie? Let’s ask the girls what they want to do since they make the final decision anyway.”

All three of them laugh together because they know it’s true.

“We’ve got time,” Martin added. “Alex and Tina are out shopping together, so we could be here for hours!”

***

Back at the boutique, Alexa loved her choices as she once again gazed at herself in the full-length mirror. She tried to picture herself with Dylan on a night out about the town.

Her eyes fluttered closed, and she filled her lungs with crisp air. The corners of her lips turned up as she imagined a future with Dylan: snuggling on the couch, strolling along tree-lined parks, laughing until their sides

hurt. To be, intimate. To take the next step.

She exhaled and made her wish into the universe, willing it to come true: “Oh Dylan. What I wouldn’t give, for you and I, to give us a shot at happiness.”

She looked over her shoulder one last time, checking to make sure she hadn’t left anything behind. Arranging the items in her shopping basket, she took a deep breath and walked briskly towards the checkout counter.

Her heels clacked against the polished white marble tile of the store’s floor.

Four men in black leather coats strode into the boutique and quickly took up positions at the four corners of the boutique. Their alert eyes scanned everywhere, taking note of the customers and merchandise.

Alexa met Trace at the counter, and placed the elegant, velvety, black evening gown the counter.

“Wow. Dylan won’t know what hit him!” Trace remarked, as Alexa passed her the credit card. Alexa could only hope that Trace’s prediction was true, and proceeded to complete her purchase.

Trace handed back the card with a receipt, and walked from behind the counter towards the exit.

When they reach the door, Trace grinned. “Let me know how they work for you. I may just have to buy this one too!”

Alexa smirked in agreement as she took a step away, then turned back to give Trace one last hug before heading out.

As Alexa walked away from the boutique, the four men had exited the boutique while they pushed and shoved past the patrons of the boutique; swiftly moving in pairs, and brandishing A.D.P Tranquilizer Guns that

contained the nerve control drug, Amoxiphallin on the needles. One man took aim, and fired.

A dart whizzed through the air towards Alexa and pierced the nape her neck. Stunned, she quickly reached around to pluck it out. She gazed at it and quickly whipped around in defense; but as she did, two more darts

simultaneously stabbed her in the chest and left shoulder.

Alexa’s blurry vision and unsteady steps overcame her as she stumbled forward, then collapsed onto the floor. The crowds nearby began to panic, screaming at the sight of the assault.

Alexa felt her body becoming increasingly numb, and she knew that whatever drug was used had taken full effect. She felt two pairs of arms pick her up and carry her away from the crowd.

She opened her eyes, and fought against the darkness as valiantly as she could, but all she could make out was a blurry vision of two men, in black leather coats— before everything went dark again.

As they head for the exit, one of the men dialed a number on his phone. “HQ? This is Bullseye, Target number two, has been acquired.”