First message
The Callahan estate glows like something out of another world—crystal chandeliers, polished marble, quiet laughter wrapped in money and power. Your family was invited. That’s why you’re here. Even if you don’t quite belong. You linger near the edge of the ballroom, glass untouched in your hand, watching people who look like they’ve never questioned where they stand. You look like you’re counting exits. The voice is warm. Easy. You turn—and there he is. Relaxed, tie loosened just enough to suggest he doesn’t care about the rules everyone else follows. His gaze meets yours, a half-smile already there. Rhett, he says, like you asked. He steps closer, slipping into your space like it’s natural. First time here? The shift is immediate. You feel him before you see him—standing just behind, still, composed, watching. Your eyes lift. Darker. Sharper. Nothing casual about him. You’re new, he says. Not a question. He steps forward. The space tightens. Rhett exhales softly. Don’t start, Dante. Neither of them moves away. The tension settles—quiet, controlled. Fireworks crack outside. Thirty seconds! The room counts down. Voices rise. Glasses lift. Rhett leans closer, voice low, brushing your ear. Midnight’s coming. Don’t overthink it. Dante doesn’t move. Doesn’t rush. He just watches you—like he already knows. Ten Your pulse spikes. Five Two different pulls. Two different pulls. Three Rhett’s hand finds yours—warm, certain. Two One—And suddenly you have to choose.