Chapter 1
Somewhere beyond time...
In the heart of the universe...
Observed by no one...
Two children knelt in silence.
Jozef Ivey, eleven years old, and Anna Heard, fourteen, bowed low before a towering figure cloaked in a blood-red, leathery robe. Its face was hidden beneath a deep hood, and its immense presence made the children feel like dust floating through eternity.
The being stood motionless, one clawed hand resting on an ancient bookshelf filled with tomes older than memory. The chamber was dimly lit by glowing runes etched into the stone floor. There were two rooms in the temple: the one they knelt in—vast, cold, and quiet—and a smaller, adjacent space with a window that revealed the depths of a black, silent lake.
The atmosphere crackled with quiet tension.
Suddenly, Jozef spoke. "My lord, what do you need of us?"
The creature rose from its throne-like seat, holding a massive book in one hand. It flipped through the pages with an eerie grace, never once glancing down at them.
"Jozef Ivey. Anna Heard," the creature said with a voice like thunder rolling through a cavern. "Do you know why I've brought you here?"
Jozef and Anna exchanged a nervous glance. Anna swallowed hard, then answered softly, "We don't know, my lord..."
The creature moved closer, its hooded face lowering until it hovered just above them.
"DeMarco Daniels," it said.
Jozef's eyes widened. His breath caught in his throat.
Anna turned to him, confused. "DeMarco Daniels? Who is that?"
The creature chuckled softly. "DeMarco is Jozef's former best friend," it said. "A boy chosen by the god of dragons. A hybrid of extraordinary power... and the key to my dominion."
Jozef clenched his fists, looking down.
The being finally lowered its hood, revealing pale skin, sharp green eyes, and a mane of golden hair slicked back. A matching blond beard framed his ageless face.
"I am the Dark Dragon Lord," he declared. "In my human form, you will call me Dr. Jason T. Kane."
Jason stepped back, his robes trailing behind him like smoke.
"But DeMarco is not the only one I require," he continued. "I want eight: DeMarco Daniels, Angelo Edwards, Carlotta Lukasiak, Misa Madison, Cara Brink, Petrus Banchero, Leo Ball, and Sylvana Carpenter. These children are the pillars of the multiverse. Bring them to me... and I will spare your lives."
Jozef's breath grew ragged. His fists trembled. Tears welled in his eyes.
"I—I won't do it," he finally cried. "I won't betray them!"
Jason's eyes narrowed with amusement. "Then suffer the consequences."
Anna stood quickly and crossed to Jozef, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. Her touch calmed him instantly. Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.
Without another word, they turned and walked out of the temple—away from the swirling madness of Jason's domain, into the dark unknown of the universe.
⸻
Moments Later... On Earth
A raging storm welcomed them. Rain lashed down in sheets, thunder rolled across the heavens, and the wind howled through the trees.
As they stepped into the downpour, Jozef reached out and clasped Anna's hand. She blushed, her heart thudding in her chest, but she didn't pull away. The storm faded into a hum as a bright light enveloped them—and then, in a blink, they stood inside the grand hall of a massive mansion.
Jozef staggered slightly, wiping water from his brow. "I don't know if I can do this," he whispered. "Capture DeMarco...? He was like a brother to me."
Anna stepped beside him, thinking hard. Her mind raced through possibilities—until an idea clicked into place like a puzzle piece.
"What about Desmond Franklin?" she said.
Jozef blinked, surprised. "Desmond?"
"He's smart, loyal, powerful—and ruthless when he needs to be. He can do what you can't."
A slow smile spread across Jozef's face. "That's an incredible idea. Thank you, Anna."
She smiled back, cheeks flushed. "No problem, sir."
As Jozef disappeared deeper into the mansion, Anna stood alone on the balcony. The storm raged around her—until she raised her hand.
At her silent command, the rain stopped mid-air. Not a drop touched her. Calmly, she turned and followed Jozef inside.
⸻
In the Living Room...
Jozef and Anna entered the grand chamber, its marble floor gleaming under crystal chandeliers. A fire crackled in the hearth.
Jozef stood tall. "Desmond Franklin!"
Moments later, Desmond entered. Tall and broad-shouldered, he knelt before them with reverence. "My lords."
Jozef poured himself a glass of apple juice and took a sip before speaking. "We have a task for you, Desmond. One that requires precision, focus, and strength."
Desmond nodded. "I'm ready."
"Your mission," Anna said firmly, "is to capture DeMarco Daniels—no matter the cost. If anyone gets in your way... eliminate them."
Desmond paused. "Will I be going alone?"
"Yes," Jozef answered, setting down his glass. "This must be done with no witnesses. We trust you."
Desmond bowed low. "It will be done."
As he turned to leave, Anna glanced at Jozef with concern. "Do you really think he can pull this off?"
Jozef watched the door close behind Desmond. His eyes narrowed, a mix of pride and fear swirling inside.
"It's hard to say," he murmured. "DeMarco's not just powerful. He's... unpredictable. This will be the true test."
