The day began like any other at Axis Goods. The sun cast long, syrupy rays across the polished windows, catching dust motes in its golden fingers. The bell above the door chimed softly as students filtered in and out with energy drinks, notebooks, and the kind of glazed stares reserved for those who had too many lectures and too little sleep.
Alexis manned the counter, sleeves rolled to his elbows, his dark hoodie blending him into the worn, muted tones of the shop. From the outside, he was just another overqualified student trapped in part-time retail.
But Iris wasn't watching from the outside anymore.
She stepped through the door with purpose, hair pinned back and eyes sharp with calculation. She didn't browse. Didn't glance at the energy bars or quirky stationery.
She walked straight to the counter and folded her arms.
"We need to talk," she said.
Alexis didn't flinch. "About snacks? We just restocked the chili chips."
"About *you*."
The pause hung like a blade between them.
He sighed theatrically. "I knew this day would come. You've discovered my darkest secret. I'm the one who finished all the mango-flavored gummies."
"Cut the act."
His smile faded, just slightly. "You're serious."
She nodded. "Dead serious. And I think you know why."
He glanced around the empty store, then leaned forward over the counter, lowering his voice. "Alright, I'll bite. What is it exactly you think you know?"
"You aren't just a student. Your digital footprint is too clean. I traced an IP ping from a deleted board back to a relay node near this building. And the rumors around Vaelore… they don't add up. No advertising, no branding, yet clients whisper about it like it's sacred. And you—you're always nearby."
Alexis tilted his head. "So you're accusing me of…?"
"Of not being who you pretend to be."
Silence.
"Iris," he said softly, almost kindly. "What if you're wrong? What if I'm just a guy trying to make tuition, and you're pulling red strings on a board with nothing but imagination?"
"Then humor me," she snapped. "Tell me you're not involved with Axis."
He blinked slowly. Then smiled.
"What's Axis?"
"Don't play dumb. The thread said, 'the rings passing across the world.
He looked genuinely amused. "So now I'm in a conspiracy theory? Should I wear a tinfoil hat?"
"Then let me see your hand."
That caught him.
"Excuse me?"
"The ring. You wear it every day. Never take it off. Let me see it."
He hesitated. Just a fraction of a second. Then he lifted his hand.
A simple gold band. Elegant. Untouched by logos or gems. Yet somehow radiant in the morning light.
She stared at it. "What does it mean?"
"Maybe it means nothing. Maybe it's just a ring."
"Then why do I feel like it means everything?"
He met her gaze directly. Something passed between them—a breathless silence, the pull of tension unspoken.
"Because you're smart. And because smart people see patterns before others."
"So I *am* right."
"You're close. But truth isn't binary, Iris. It isn't a light switch. It's a hallway with locked doors, and you just happened to find one."
"Will you open it?"
He leaned closer, voice almost a whisper.
"Are you sure you want to see what's on the other side?"
She didn't blink. "Yes."
He nodded once.
"Then walk carefully. Because once you cross that threshold, nothing looks the same again."
The doorbell rang, another student wandered in, oblivious. The moment dissipated like smoke.
Alexis turned back to the register. "First one's free if you buy two coffees. That's the real secret."
Iris didn't smile. But she didn't walk away either.
She simply said, "I'll be back."
And Alexis, his eyes unreadable, replied, "I know."
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