The Shadow Empire

ing shade. She felt a strange blend of exhilaration and apprehension. This was he

her. " Tell me,Ms. Russo, " he began, " what's your vision for

she explained. " It's designed to be a lamp of invention and sustainability. I fantasize a structure that

ity is a bold angle, " he said. " utmost designs concentrate on aesth

tage it leaves. New York is a megacity that constantly evolves, and we've a respon

teously. " And you believe the

the right coffers and commitment, we can ma

ent. I like that. But confidence alone is n't enough. This design will face

" But I 'm set for that. I 've faced challenges b

just a design,Ms. Russo. It's a statement. One that w

ctation. " I 'm ready to start, "

need to finalize the design. I want you to work closely with my

, " Elena said, her excitement slight

And you 're welcome. But be apprehensive, this will be

a promised, her eyes spar

eir meeting. " I look forward to seeing wha

f - a chance to prove herself on the biggest stage. But there was also a troubling sense of apprehension. Alexan

youthful man carrying a mound of documents. Papers flew far and

she blatted, kneeling to h

g as he knelt beside her. " I should

a glanced up and met his eyes. He was about he

a mound of papers. " I 'm David, by the way. D

ing his hand. " I 'm the new maste

u 're the one everyone's been talking about.

. " I hope I can live

d if you ever need any help with the figures' s

Elena said, smiling. " It's nice to

eryone then's as bogart as th

t more at ease. " Thanks, D

lied, giving her a friendly surge

and notes she had gathered from her meeting. Her excitement was tempered by the consummati

n. It was a communication from Chloe, h

did the big

d snappily comp

ot the design, and Alexander Voss

eply was

directly with the Ice King?

aughed

also. fascinating. This is

ou, Elena! We need to cele

I 'll need it after

daunting task ahead, she was agitated about what the future held. Working wi

ded to be stylish. As she prepared for bed, her studies kept drifting back to Alexander's vio

ered to herself, shaking her head. "

wonder what secrets lay behind those eyes and wh