Echoes of Immortality

Astra stepped out of the car and entered the hotel, her spirits high. Leaving her grandmother's house with the certificate confirming her as the primary shareholder had lightened her mood. As the majority shareholder, she now felt unburdened.

With this newfound control, she could pursue her desires without seeking permission from her father or facing opposition from the board of directors.

Holding the title of company president didn't equate to absolute power; accountability to the board of directors remained.

Traditionally, the one with the most shares would lead, while others followed suit. However, in this instance, Silas and the previous major shareholder shared a close friendship, signifying that Astra would be accountable to Silas.

She'd prefer any alternative. When Astra sensed another's gaze upon her during her walk to the elevator, she checked Archana.

Observing shadow guards tailing her caused her heart rate to surge. Despite her grandmother's assurance of having a network of support within the shadow, Astra never expected this would include shadow guards.

They spent the entire day together, yet Camilla made no mention of it. Astra's excitement was so immense she felt like leaping in the air. Her grandmother's countless stories about the shadow guards had captivated her since childhood.

Astra's fixation drove her to investigate them, but she mostly encountered unsubstantiated rumors. At least her grandmother's accounts held actual value in her eyes.

Astra saw in the system that right after breakfast, Camilla messaged someone, requesting protection within the shadow. Elias Veritas' name caught her eyes.

Searching for Elias on Archana, she halted her movement, astounded. Astra's astonishment was palpable upon realizing that her grandmother had personally acquainted herself with the leader of the shadow guards.

The rumors about him had lingered in her mind. Among them was the belief that Elias possessed a longevity unparalleled by anyone else, potentially having discovered a method to transcend mortal bounds.

Before obtaining Archana, a tool revealing knowledge across the multiverse, she might have dismissed these notions as mere gossip. Now, she embraced them wholeheartedly.

Moreover, her investigations into Elias yielded validation. This individual, akin to a deity or immortal, had existed for over three millennia. His identity as an everlasting cultivator elucidated his ability to train exceptional spies and assassins.

Evidently, he had assumed the body of Elias Veritas five years ago. The previous persona, Elias Veritas, enjoyed luxury and privilege, bearing the legacy of a prestigious family.

The trajectory of his life was preordained for wealth and influence, beginning with his first breath.

His father's sprawling real estate realm, Veritas Estate, stretched across expansive landscapes and towering skyscrapers. The essence was sculpting spaces that intertwined luxury and coziness, as if turning dreams tangible.

After graduating, he chose not to pursue a university education, opting instead to steer the company. His father initially hesitated, yet swiftly reversed his stance after witnessing the young leader's prodigious talents.

Having lived for an extended span, the shadow guard leader possessed unparalleled wisdom, ensuring inevitable success. His enlightenment transcended limitations; no challenge eluded him.

Astra continued her stride, intrigued by his actual name. Discovering it as Liangyi, she found the name resonating beautifully. With a smile, she pressed the elevator button.

Upon the doors' parting, she entered and noticed her phone buzzing, prompting her to reply to Zoe's message. Confirming their forthcoming meeting in an hour was crucial.

Missing the rendezvous wasn't an option, considering Astra's eagerness to share and her intention to be unreservedly honest with her grandmother and Zoe. An apology was also due.

As a man entered, Astra's gaze remained fixed on her phone screen. After dispatching the text, she prepared to press the elevator button, only to witness the adjacent person's hand reaching for the same. Reacting swiftly, the man withdrew his hand, allowing Astra to make her selection.

Just as she was about to refocus on her phone, it started ringing, evoking annoyance. Alexander's name flashed on the screen, igniting an inexplicable desire to vent her frustration by throttling him through the device.

Summoning a composed breath, she answered, her tone curt, "What?"

Alexander's astonishment at Astra's response was palpable. Hours of calls and messages had gone unanswered, prompting him to anticipate voicemail.

"Hi, how are you?" he inquired.

Astra's retort was direct, "Irritated, Alexander, that's my state. I took this call solely to request that you cease your incessant calls and texts. Wasn't my stance clear on my birthday?"

Attempting to explain, Alexander conveyed, "I know you're still upset, and I understand, but I was hoping we could have dinner tonight."

Astra maintained her resolve, "I've already mentioned I have plans for tonight, a date."

Unyielding, Alexander countered, "How can you say that when we're engaged, and our wedding is around the corner?"

Astra's expression remained unflinching, "The fact that we're engaged and heading for marriage soon holds no weight for me."

The individual next to Astra glanced her way, yet she brushed off the attention. Alexander's plea came next, "Can we talk, please? It's all I'm asking. Don't you know how much I love you?"

Astra's laughter erupted. The notion that she had ever believed Alexander truly loved her was now comical, causing her to snort amidst her laughter.

"I understand your doubts after those texts, but I truly do," Alexander insisted.

After her laughter subsided, Astra responded, "We can meet for dinner tomorrow. If anything, at least it'll be a good laugh."

Alexander's breath escaped in relief as he replied, "Thank you, Astra. I'll manage the reservation and send you the details."

However, Astra had a different plan. "No need; if you choose the place, I'll be bored to tears. My assistant will provide the information once it's arranged."

Before Alexander could react, Astra disconnected the call, leaving him brooding. Placing his phone down, he wore a grim expression.

Astra would return to reality after their dinner conversation, especially when he disclosed the reason behind Violet's lies.

Initially infuriated with Violet, he softened upon hearing her remorseful explanation. Sharing this insight with their friends, who also empathized, had been a wise decision.

Silas' overt favoritism towards Astra, when Violet lacked a father figure, stung. Astra's taunts before she had started filming had been the breaking point, understandably.

He was determined that Astra would learn not to repeat such behavior towards Violet or talk to him disrespectfully again.

Astra composed a text to her assistant, relishing in the refreshing laughter she had experienced.

Though she might have been self-conscious about snorting while laughing in the past, that concern now eluded her.

"Do you always snort when you laugh?" The man beside her inquired.

Astra sent her text, then raised her gaze slowly, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. Despite his emotionless tone, she sensed an air of judgment emanating from him.

Astra's reply was swift, though her tone was defensive, "What's it to you? Mind your own..."

Astra's retort tapered off abruptly as her eyes widened. Elias' presence froze her, her heart racing as she locked eyes with him.

Elias, in his early twenties, exuded an irresistible allure that captivated Astra's attention. His raven-dark hair cascaded with an untamed elegance, casting a shadow across his forehead that emphasized his striking emerald eyes, starkly contrasting his features.

Each glance into those eyes felt like a journey into uncharted realms, an unspoken invitation to unravel the mysteries concealed within.

His supple, well-defined physique mirrored the dedication of one who had meticulously honed his body, a testament to countless hours of effort and discipline.

Draped in an impeccably tailored three-piece suit, his attire effortlessly fused traditional elegance with contemporary charm, radiating an innate refinement.

In Astra's mind's eye, he stood atop a mountain peak, an enigmatic leader commanding his shadow guards with a detached air.

His very presence seemed to emanate the profound wisdom of an immortal cultivator who had transcended the confines of ordinary existence.

Astra trembled as an inexplicable gust of wind encircled them. The breeze appeared to dance in reverence around Elias, acknowledging his link to the universal energy currents.

His gaze, remote and reflective, traversed her form, conveying detachment from trivial human affairs.

It was as if he observed not just his surroundings but the intricate interplay of life's tapestry—the threads of fate weaving and unweaving beneath him.

Elias bore himself with the gravitas of ages, an air of quiet confidence that spoke of mastery over self and the cosmos.

His presence exuded not arrogance, but a subtle dominance reminiscent of a sage who had transcended mortal boundaries and tread the immortal path.

When Astra realized she had not only snorted but also spoken disrespectfully to an immortal cultivator, her face paled; a mere gesture from him could end her life in an instant. The realization sent a shiver down her spine.

As Elias pressed a button and the elevator halted, Astra's heart sank. The sense of impending doom washed over her. Just as she'd been given a fresh start, it seemed to be slipping away in an instant.