Eventually, the two reached the safe zone. An area surrounded by a tall, imposing concrete wall, reinforced with dark steel panels, exuding a sense of formidable strength. Sleek green lines traced the perimeter, glowing faintly with an eerie luminescence, highlighting the technological sophistication embedded in its structure. The surface of the wall was lined with high-tech sensors, seamlessly integrated into the steel, their presence barely discernible except for the occasional flicker of light. Above, red lights blinked steadily, casting a harsh, almost surgical glow on the polished steel, their reflections creating a stark contrast against the dark metal. The entry gate was large and automated, forged from matte black metal bars intricately etched with angular patterns that seemed to pulse with energy. The gate possessed a brutal elegance, its craftsmanship conveying both grandeur and an unmistakable aura of power and security.

As the two approached the gate, cameras scanned them, verifying their identities and x-raying them to see if they were carrying any weapons.

"Resident of the safe zone detected, gate opening in 3… 2… 1…" A robotic voice said.

Immediately, the large metal gates shook, splitting open to reveal a well-lit path before them, paved with smooth stones that seemed to shimmer under the lights. "Let's go," Violet smiled, gesturing to Zeke.

"Yeah," Zeke replied, eyeing the dozens of scanners mounted on the gate, with two large turrets mounted on top.

"Overkill," Zeke thought, looking at the fortifications. "Or maybe… we're just that disgusting to them."

The two walked forth as Zeke slowly pushed Violet's wheelchair along the pathways of the district.

As dusk descended, the streets of the safe zone came alive with a soft glow. Street lamps cast a warm light, their gentle illumination dancing across the meticulously paved sidewalks. Every corner was bathed in a soft radiance, guiding the way for residents and visitors alike.

Along the sidewalks, trees stood tall and proud, their branches adorned with delicate leaves that rustled gently in the evening breeze. Carefully planted to provide shade and serenity, these verdant guards offered a respite from the city's relentless chaos.

Above, the buildings of the safe zone rose majestically into the night sky, their facades adorned with hanging balconies that cascaded with vibrant greenery. Each balcony was a miniature oasis, a lush garden suspended in mid-air, where greenery bloomed and cascaded in a graceful dance.

"Do you know where your house is?" Zeke wondered, captivated by the atmosphere.

"You like it here, don't you?" Violet giggled.

"What?" Zeke wondered.

"I can tell since you would have normally asked that right after passing through the gates," Violet explained.

"Yeah, I think I like it here," Zeke murmured.

"It's nice, isn't it?" Violet smiled.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

"Too nice," Zeke whispered, frowning.

"Anyway, my home is in a tall black building at the very end of the central path," Violet stated.

"I think I see it over there," Zeke looked towards the distance.

"Really, what does it look like?" Violet wondered.

"Big, and dark, just like you described it," Zeke said.

"Come on! You have to be more descriptive than that," Violet beckoned.

"Do I really?" Zeke asked.

"Don't you feel bad for a blind girl like me?" Violet said, pretending to be sad.

"Fine," Zeke sighed. "The building is large, with a dark exterior. Its bottom section, spherical in design, separates the building into two parts: the bottom part is large and sleek, shrinking in diameter as it climbs higher. The top part is a perfect cylinder, surrounded by hundreds of rings orbiting around its exterior. At the place where the two meet is a lush green garden. I bet you come there sometimes. The top of the building broadens slightly before turning into a flat jagged crown, resembling the queen chess piece."

"Wow, how descriptive," Violet clapped. "You could become a writer if the whole knight thing doesn't work out."

"How did you know I was planning on becoming a knight?" Zeke wondered.

"You seemed like the type," Violet remarked.

"The type? What does that even mean?" Zeke wondered.

"It means you're someone who just can't let things be the way they are," Violet sighed. "For better or for worse."

The two soon reached the building where Violet lived.

Stepping through the towering glass doors of the building's vestibule felt like entering a realm where time holds its breath, caught in the embrace of modernity's most lavish dreams.

The marble floors, cool and smooth, glimmered beneath Zeke's feet, reflecting the soft glow of ambient lighting that bathed the space in a warm, inviting radiance. Walls of pristine white marble rose to meet the ceiling, their surfaces adorned with carefully selected works of art that lent a splash of color to the otherwise monochromatic palette. The air was redolent with the scent of freshly cut flowers, their vibrant blooms adding a touch of natural beauty to the scene.

At the heart of the vestibule stood a reception desk, crafted from gleaming black granite. Behind it, a well-dressed elderly man stood in wait, poised and attentive. To one side was a row of elevators, their sleek doors beckoning with promises of ascent to the heights of the building's lofty reaches. Each elevator car was a sanctuary of comfort and style, its interior outfitted with state-of-the-art touch-screen controls.

"Ahh, you're here, miss," the receptionist remarked after seeing Violet. "And who is this with you?" His eyes widened as he briefly inspected Zeke with his gaze. "Hello, Vince. This is Zeke, a friend from the academy," Violet explained.

"I see, and does this friend have something to do with your face being bruised?" Vince asked, his face tightening into an angry frown directed at Zeke. "This old man," Zeke thought. "He's a contractor."

"No, Vince," Violet sighed. "Zeke has nothing to do with that."

"I see. Please be more careful; your grandpa would be really worried if he saw you like this," Vince eased off his demeanor.

"I'll try," Violet paused. "By the way, Vince, is Mom home?" she asked.

"She's upstairs," Vince nodded.

"Thanks, let's go, Zeke," she said.

As Zeke walked towards the elevators, his and the old man's eyes met. Immediately, he felt pressure bombarding him from all angles, a sensation of his intestines melting and falling apart, a magic aura so heavy it pressed down on him with an unrelenting force, like invisible hands squeezing the air from his lungs and twisting his insides. His chest felt constricted, his pulse pounded in his ears, and an overwhelming sense of dread gripped him, as if he were about to be swallowed whole by an unseen abyss. "Vince," Violet called out. "That's not nice."

"Yes, I apologize, my lady," Vince said, with the gaze of a cruel predator.

Zeke breathed a sigh of relief as the two entered the elevator.

"Don't take it to heart, he's just worried about me," Violet remarked.

"Which floor?" Zeke asked, ignoring her.

"The top," she said.

"The top?!" Zeke exclaimed.

"Yes, I live in the penthouse at the very top of the building," Violet sighed.

"So you're not just rich, you're filthy fucking rich," Zeke laughed, grabbing onto his face.

"Mhm," Violet nodded with an awkward smile.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.