fiction

Chapter 7 - The New Horizon

Three months later, Crystal House had been transformed into a public research institute and historical sanctuary. The secret underground complexes were converted into geothermal energy plants that powered downtown Newport for free, a small restitution for generations of exploitation.

Ethan stood on the balcony of the newly restored east wing, watching the ferry boats cross the sparkling harbor. The glowing runes on his arm had faded into faint, silvery scars that only appeared when temperatures dropped below freezing. He was seventeen, legally emancipated, and legally recognized as the sole custodian of the Whitmore estate's remaining legitimate assets—not as a corporate tyrant, but as a trustee of the earth.

The foundation was gone, replaced by a global transparency initiative dedicated to exposing hidden monopolies and returning stolen resources to the public.

A gentle hum vibrated through the air behind him.

Ethan turned to see Elara—now physically smaller, capable of shifting her form to match the spacious halls of the estate—resting her chin on the balcony railing. Her luminous eyes blinked lazily in the spring sunlight.

They are coming, Elara’s voice resonated gently in his mind.

"Who?" Ethan asked, smiling slightly.

The delegation from the European council. They want to discuss the release of the Mediterranean archives.

Ethan sighed, though there was no weight in his chest anymore. "Tell them office hours begin on Monday. Today, I'm taking a walk along the harbor."

May you like

The dragon let out a low, rumbling sound that closely resembled a laugh. You sound more like a teenager every day, Ethan.

"I missed out on the first seventeen years," Ethan replied, turning away from the balcony to grab his jacket. "I have a lot of catching up to do."

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