Deep City shrank beneath him as the elevator rose into the sky. People walking the streets or driving storm-powered vehicles were now made to look like a colony of blood biters that had lost their glow.

​

Addey looked down on them, indifferent to the lives they were living, but fascinated with the… machine of it all. Deep City was a factory, each person or building their own gear turning in unison with each other.

​

It was a failing system, however. The parts, every person powering this machine was becoming worn. It was obvious, even to someone as young as Addey. The slowing of this city’s progression wasn’t something that required a lot of thought to realize. Merely viewing down on it from this height made it clear enough.

​

Though maybe it was a different experience for those who couldn’t rise as high as he could. From this height, like finding the curvature of Lavoden’s horizon, Addey could unveil everything; the dirty alleyways between rising structures, laced with wet mold and stench, and even the pristine office buildings, whose interior white lights painted over workers who hadn’t seen their families in days.

​

But for those at the bottom, who couldn’t see this view, also couldn’t make out that difference. They looked up into the sky, finding only black clouds, occasional red lightning, and the neon strips lining the skyscrapers’ walls. They couldn’t see the barrier that kept them away from people like Addey and his family, and for that… he had pity.

​

It was a duality of sorts. What was above did not apply below. They were different worlds entirely, only separated by layers of concrete and metal. Addey supposed that made sense though. If Deep City was a machine, then each of these worlds was a system within it working to keep it alive, despite corrosive rust eating at its gears.

​

Two worlds, Addey thought, for what was probably the thousandth time. Every day he took in this view, that idea came to him. It was impossible not to when every difference was made so… stark at this length away.

​

Soon, the elevator running along the side of the Sartan Spire rose high enough to be engulfed in the dark clouds. Condensation formed against the glass keeping Addey within, and only the brightest lights from below bled through.

​

After only a few seconds, the darkness of the mist was replaced by that of the night sky. The foam of the clouds trailed behind the elevator car as it emerged, seeming to cling onto it, like hands wanting to keep Addey within the fog.

​

The three moons, the Brothers, shone brilliantly, like beacons of the Sun’s light, which Addey’s home tried desperately to stretch toward.

​

They shared the black expanse with the Sisters, or the stars, who formed into their strange constellation; three triangles, connected at the center by a star called Centora. Lavoden’s own star belonged to this arrangement, being a part of one of the arms.

​

Addey didn’t care to look up, as he had seen the view hundreds of times. The other cloudscrapers, the buildings that rose higher than the storms themselves, cutting lines through the very fabric of the mist, were much more interesting.

​

Three worlds, Addey thought for the first time, correcting himself from earlier. There are three. The two below the clouds… and this one. The one he lived in. The one that allowed him to see the difference between them.

​

Three moons.

​

Three arms on the constellation.

​

Three worlds.

​

The elevator stopped, finally arriving at the highest place for hundreds of miles around. The Sartan Spire was the tallest building in all of Deep City, so looking straight outward, there was nothing. Looking down… dozens of shorter cloudscrapers stabbed through the fog, like knives tearing through flesh.

​

Addey was on top of everything. One-hundred and fifty million people lived in this city, and he was above them all. Despite that, he still felt… low. Alone. Perhaps being this far away from people did that. He tried finding any excuse to explain why he was lonely, but just… didn’t know.

​

Addey turned away from the view, entering the penthouse. It was empty and cold. Much like the Bestel’s mansion. The six main families of the Organization all had that in common when it came to the places they lived.

​

The room he walked into was home to a large white couch that probably hadn’t been used in years, and new bookshelves, though of writings that hadn’t been read since Addey was a young child. He had fond memories of this place. Back when Avden was still a kid, his mother cared enough to hang out with them, and when his father wasn’t so involved in business. It was like the man took a break from work when Addey was young, then tried to get back to it, just with less crime.

​

That worked out, didn’t it?

​

Addey began toward his bedroom, entering down a long hallway laced with multiple doorways leading to unused old rooms that were still kept clean by maids. His was at the end, near where it split off into another section of the penthouse, the den.

​

As Addey approached, he could make out voices coming from that open room. He had almost forgotten. No wonder the house seemed silent… well more than it usually was.

​

When the Sons of the Six met here, the servants and maids were sent home. They couldn’t risk any of them hearing what was talked about. Which was usually nothing good. Today was no exception.

​

They would be expecting him. Avden had put a lot of trust into Addey after vouching that he was ready to join, even if Addey still had his own doubts.

​

Brydan’s words still stuck with him. Something to be a part of, he had said. This was important. This was what he needed to do, even if it felt wrong. This was expected of him.

​

Suddenly, heavy footsteps came stomping behind him. Addey reacted quickly, pulling a switchblade from beneath his belt. He spun, bringing the small knife upward, flipping out its blade.

​

“Whoa,” a voice said, the person sliding to a stop. “Thought I could—”

​

“Thought you could mess with me?” Addey finished, recognizing Havs. He was a son of the Carsten family and had low-cut, brown spikey hair, mismatched from his pale, Eastern skin.

​

He was short, being only Addey’s height but much older. The young man put up his arms in a sarcastic threatened manner.

​

“Almost had you though,” Havs said, smiling. “Maybe you do have potential, Addey.”

​

Addey scoffed folding his knife back and turning around. “You about got stabbed.”

​

“I could’ve stopped you. I had nothing to worry about,” Havs claimed, following behind Addey as they walked toward the den.

​

Did he really believe that? All Addey had to do was push forward… and it was that easy to take a life.

​

Havs was the newest member of the Sons, but insisted he was still important. Havs’ initiation hunt was the one that killed Alcen those months ago and started everything. Perhaps Addey still held that against him.

​

“So, you keep your XBand on silent or what?” Havs asked. “We’ve been trying to reach you.”

Addey pulled up an arm, knife still in hand, tapping the side of his head just in front of the ear. A small holographic screen projected from the small implant there, showing he had multiple notifications.

​

Whoops, Addey thought, sighing. Avden would be sure to mention that.

​

Havs must have seen Addey’s expression and said, “Don’t worry, they just wanted to get it on with. You’re not late.”

​

“I know I’m not,” Addey said, sliding his switchblade back into his belt. “They might be annoyed though.”

​

“Eh, probably. I know I am. Avden had us come early. I just want to go home already. Girlfriend and I have some stuff planned.”

​

Addey squinted. “Why?”

​

Havs pulled his lips to the side. “Well, when you have your own girl one day you might understand—”

​

Addey rolled his eyes. “I meant why have you come early?”

​

“Oh, to talk about some stuff without you. Avden thought it would be best to…” Havs paused, warranting Addey to look back at him, “well, I’m not sure if I can say,” he whispered as they rounded a corner, walking into the second living space.

​

The Sons of the Six. A collection of boys and men, all sons of the six main Sartan families. Addey immediately recognized Avden standing in the middle, turning from viewing out a window against the far wall. He had blonde hair, almost white, and blue eyes that seemed to glow in the dim room. His features matched his sharp jawline and a face that seemed steadily mad at the world.

​

Of all of the boys in this room, it was clear his brother was their leader. There were eight of them in total, soon to be nine after Addey’s initiation.

​

And despite them all being a part of the same group, some even cousins, there was a stark difference between the older members and the younger.

​

While the boys closer to Addey’s age talked freely and smiled, the older members, like Avden, Grevary, Blayke, and even Junipa, all seemed… like ice. When Addey entered and all the eyes went toward him, their gazes stood out. Like sharp spines piercing through his chest.

​

“You don’t check your XBand?” Avden immediately asked, causing the room to go silent.

​

Addey shrugged. “I knew what time to be here.”

​

“What if I needed you earlier?”

​

“Well, then you should've said something earlier when we were together,” Addey suggested, moving further into the room.

​

Avden snarled… sort of. Not really. Addey liked to imagine that’s what his brother did when he got mad, since he made a face that resembled one made while growling.

​

An animal his brother was. But a smart one. He might have dressed in expensive black suits, but he was not so pristine.

​

Avden did it all for the betterment of the Organization however, so Addey couldn’t blame him. At least he thought so. Many things were becoming strange to Addey. He wasn’t sure what to think anymore.

​

“You. Will. Keep in touch, Addey,” Avden ordered, his blue eyes staring intently.

​

Addey looked into them, realizing this wasn’t a situation to not take seriously. He had seen those eyes before. His brother, during their youth, wasn’t afraid to show his strength against Addey, especially when Addey did something Avden didn’t like. Addey nodded, afraid of a more mature punishment. “Okay,” he said.

​

“Come here, sit. There’s some stuff to tell you. Not a lot today. We don’t want to overwhelm you,” Avden said, gesturing a hand to a black couch. Addey began moving toward it, as Raegen and Norin parted to make room for him. Avden followed, sitting down in his own chair across from them.

​

Between the two, a square table was positioned. Avden nodded to Junipa, who then pressed a button on this table, activating the holoprojector at its center. A screen then displayed horizontally across the platform’s length, then in the middle showed a 3D model of someone’s head.

​

Addey didn’t recognize the person. “Who is this?” he asked, though that shouldn’t have mattered. He already knew why they showed him this person.

​

“The man you’ll kill,” Blayke Bestel answered from Avden’s side, his voice deep. He was Brydan’s oldest brother, and shared many of the same features, though actually had hair, which was short and spiky.

​

When Addey heard those words… his heart dropped, despite knowing exactly that before they were spoken.

​

“What’s his name?” Addey managed, nervous.

​

“Doesn’t matter who,” Norin said to his right. “All you have to do… is kill him.”

​

Avden rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed.

​

“I find that hard to believe,” Addey said. “Who he is has to be very important. Means what kind of security he will have.”

​

“We’ll deal with that. You don’t have to worry,” Norin continued, nudging Addey’s shoulder with an elbow. “Let us do all the—"

​

“Norin,” Avden groaned. “Shut… up. Addey’s right.”

​

Norin blinked, then slouched backward in his seat. “His name is Grei Vance,” he said pointedly.

​

“He’s a Level Two,” Drean continued, who also sat to Addey’s right, but on another couch next to where Havs ended up. The sofa was slanted, clearly having been pushed in from where it usually sat against the wall, “but he’s more important than most. Grei has connections to both Iloa Vankin and Barin Kai.”

​

Addey started. “Would— would it be smart to go after a friend of his? That doesn’t sound safe at all.” Barin Kai was the most influential of the Deep City Red leaders, the Originals. There were ten of them… well nine now, all of which controlled a portion of Deep City North. Barin though… his territory was right next door to Addey’s father’s. The two shared the Core, but not as peaceful neighbors.

​

“It’s not about safety, Addey,” Avden said, setting a gaze on Addey’s own. “It’s about showing this city who you are. You are the son of the Addenei Sartan. I think it’s time you make yourself known."

​

Addey turned his eyes to the ground, his mind immediately latching onto those words, while the others in the room seemed to get excited at what Avden said.

​

 Make myself known, he thought. Was the man’s life worth that to Addey? Did killing this man equal the infamy Addey would gain? He didn’t even know who this Grei Vance guy was. So why did it matter to him if he lived or died?

​

No, Addey thought. It doesn’t matter. The Reds are our enemies. I am a Sartan. This is who I need to be.

​

“When do we do it? Where?” Addey asked, warranting a short grin from his brother.

​

“There’s the enthusiasm,” Blayke said, crossing his arms. “Maybe he’ll be like you, Avden.”

​

“He’ll be nothing like me,” Avden claimed, sitting up. “Luckily for us. He can be better than me.”

​

Addey couldn’t help but smile at that. Never once in his life did Avden say something that was remotely close to… uplifting to Addey. His brother was an angry person. Didn’t show happiness very often. That made this feel so much more special.

​

He liked having this attention. He liked having these eyes on him. Addey loved being important. This had to be worth it. The cure to his loneliness and his purpose in this life. It had to be this, right? It had to be a part of this group.

​

But happiness’s cost was steep. He would soon find that out.

​

“Addey,” a new voice said from the side of the room. Grevary Carsten. The second in command here. The large man stood next to a lit fireplace, pale green eyes staring into the crackling flame. His arms were crossed, revealing glossy skin… no, metal, Addey believed. “You’ll hunt two days from now here in the Core. At a casino called Belemy. That’s all you need to know for now.”

​

Addey looked to the man, then nodded hesitantly. Something about Grevary made Addey feel chills down his spine. The second in command of the Sons was quiet. He didn’t talk much unless he needed to. And from stories Avden had told Addey… Grevary was a killer. And a good one at that.

​

From those stories alone, Addey was glad Grevary was on his side. Apparently, all the emotions the man bottled up while around others, came out when he was put into a fight. Supposedly, some of the Reds from Barin Kai’s territory had a nickname for him.

​

The Fire.

​

It was obvious he had an affinity for the element, which was probably why he had implanted a flamethrower in his wrist, which was most likely the basis for most of the Reds’ fear.

​

Body enhancements, such as that one, were rare, making the few that Addey had seen in his life stand out drastically.

​

Grevary’s was illegal, of course, but that didn’t matter when you were a member of a crime syndicate more powerful than the ruling government itself.

​

True, some believed that the Deep City Police Department still had more say than the gangs and organizations of the city, but recently, it was almost as if they had been backing off. Pulling in, retreating to their stations… waiting on something.

​

Not nearly as many police officers roamed the streets as they did half a year ago. The southern department’s head, a man named Urge Deen, came out with a statement claiming that the recalled officers were being sent in for more training. Some believed there was more to it; that the Department of Peace, the office of the Deep City South, was actually working with the northern department to plan a sweep of the city to remove all… waste.

​

And if that were true, Addey doubted they would exclude the reason for this city’s downfall… his family.

​

“We’ll give you more information soon,” Avden said, standing and moving around the table to stop in front of Addey. “The day of the hunt.”

​

Addey blinked. That gave him no time to get the plan into his head. How did Avden expect him to do that? “That’s two days away,” he said, looking up to his brother, who offered a hand. Addey took it and was pulled to his feet. “I’m supposed to do this with almost no knowledge of what I’m supposed to do?”

​

“No knowledge?” Avden asked. “I just said I’d tell you everything.”

​

“Yeah, a few minutes before I’m supposed to do it.”

​

“And that’ll make this hunt even more impressive,” Avden said, guiding Addey to the entrance of the room. Addey felt the eyes of everyone else on his back. “I’m giving you what I wasn’t. What I wanted. You should feel grateful that I’m working hard to make this big for you.”

​

“I am… it’s just a lot,” Addey admitted, Avden stopping at the exit. Was this meeting already over? It was only a couple of minutes.

​

“It’s a simple action,” Avden told him, hushing his voice. “One of the simplest things we as humans can do. Killing. It’s what we are. If Jesan didn’t want us to do it, then she wouldn’t have made it possible.”

​

“That’s not how the House’s Script—”

​

“You’re smart, Addey,” Avden pushed a finger into Addey’s chest, “but don’t go trying to correct me. If you want to be a Son, you do what I say and don’t question it. Right?”

​

Addey nodded. “Sure.”

​

“Right?” Avden repeated.

​

“Yeah,” Addey sighed.

​

Avden returned the nod. “As my brother, I want you to be my second.”

​

“Second? What about Grevary?” Addey quickly asked, confused.

​

“Me and Grevary have already talked about it. He doesn’t care and even if he did it wouldn’t matter. You are a Sartan…” Avden leaned backward, seeming to size Addey up, “but far too young. You need to learn first. This hunt starts the beginning of your training.”

​

Addey took a breath. He would be a Son of the Six. The leader one day. That’s what everyone wanted of him. He had no choice but to want it too.

​

“I’m ready,” Addey said, not sure if it was a lie.

​

“No, you’re not.” Avden pushed him on his back. “Go to sleep. You’re going to be busy here soon. Appreciate the peace while you can.”

​

Addey’s brother turned and left, moving back into the den, leaving Addey in the connecting hallway. Addey watched Avden leave, then started to go himself.

​

So many thoughts in his head. So many expectations. This is what he was supposed to be… so why did it almost feel like there was still doubt there in his chest, beating with his heart?

​

Something was wrong, and Addey knew exactly what it was, but it was almost like the solutions to his problems contradicted who he thought he was. Was it worth it to become a different person?

​

Was it worth it to deconstruct? Break himself down, and rebuild as the person his family needed him to become?

​

It had to be.