Ethan Kane walked through campus with a swagger that wasn't there yesterday. For years, he'd kept his head low, shoulders hunched, trying to avoid the stares, the whispers, the laughter. Now, the stares followed him for a different reason.
Girls glanced twice. Some even blushed when his crimson-tinged eyes flicked their way. Boys muttered under their breath, confused at his sudden change.
And Ethan reveled in it.
The System's power thrummed through his veins, alive and electric. His lips still carried the taste of Aria, the girl who had mocked him, now conquered. Her kisses, her trembling, her surrender—it wasn't just victory. It was evolution.
But Selene's voice reminded him there was no time to bask in one triumph.
[New Mission: Claim the woman of your rival.] [Target: Marcus Blackwood's girlfriend, Vanessa Hart.] [Reward: Charm Amplification Lv.1. Evolution Path Unlocked.]
Vanessa Hart.
The name alone sent a flicker of hunger and rage through Ethan. She was Marcus's trophy—gorgeous, untouchable, and flaunted around campus like proof of his dominance. Marcus had humiliated Ethan with Aria, but Vanessa was the crown jewel he'd never dared dream of.
Now the system demanded he take her.
And Ethan was more than willing.
Later That Day – Campus Café
Ethan spotted her instantly. Vanessa Hart was impossible to miss.
Silken black hair tumbled over her shoulders. Her sharp green eyes glimmered as she laughed with her friends, her lips painted crimson to match her dress. She sat like a queen on her throne, every man stealing glances, every woman jealous of her presence.
And yet, she belonged to Marcus Blackwood.
Ethan's jaw tightened. Marcus's arrogance echoed in his memory, that cruel laughter as the crowd cheered his humiliation.
Not for long.
He walked into the café, his presence magnetic. Conversations paused as eyes turned toward him. His Seduction Aura pulsed, subtle but irresistible, drawing attention without effort.
Vanessa's gaze flicked toward him. For a heartbeat, her smile faltered. Then curiosity filled her eyes.
Ethan smirked. Step one: accomplished.
He ordered a drink casually, then walked past her table as if she wasn't worth his attention. The move was deliberate, calculated. He felt her eyes linger on him, longer than she should have allowed.
Minutes later, fate—or the system—delivered his opening.
Vanessa rose to grab napkins from the counter, brushing past Ethan. He turned just enough to let his shoulder graze hers.
"Oh—sorry," he murmured smoothly, his crimson gaze locking onto hers.
Vanessa's lips parted slightly, her composure slipping. "It's… fine."
Ethan leaned closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "Careful. You look like you were staring at me."
Color rushed to her cheeks. "Excuse me?" she whispered, caught between offense and intrigue.
Ethan smirked, then turned away as if she didn't matter. He left her standing there, heart racing, curiosity ignited.
[Target Interest Level: 25%.]
Selene's sultry laugh echoed in his mind. "You're learning quickly, Ethan. Temptation always begins with a spark."
That Evening – Blackwood Mansion Party
Marcus loved throwing parties, flaunting his wealth and power to anyone who would watch. Ethan had never been invited before. But tonight, the system provided an invitation in the form of a text message.
From Aria.
"Marcus is hosting tonight. Vanessa will be there. You should come."
Ethan stared at the message, his lips curling into a dark grin. Aria's eagerness betrayed her confusion. She didn't know why she couldn't stop thinking about him. She didn't realize she was already his.
He arrived at the mansion dressed in black, his aura sharper than ever. The lavish halls buzzed with laughter, music, and alcohol. Marcus held court in the center, arrogant as always, his arm draped around Vanessa's waist.
Ethan's gaze locked onto her.
Vanessa looked radiant, her dress clinging to every curve, her emerald eyes catching the chandelier's light. She leaned into Marcus, smiling on the surface, but Ethan noticed the stiffness in her shoulders, the faint boredom in her gaze.
She wasn't his out of love. She was his out of convenience.
Perfect.
As Ethan moved through the crowd, Vanessa's eyes found him again. The faint crimson glow of his pupils drew her in like a moth to flame.
When their gazes met, Ethan didn't smile. He didn't acknowledge her. He simply looked at her as if he owned her already.
Her breath caught.
[Target Interest Level: 45%.]
Selene whispered, "Yes… she's already cracking. One more push."
Later – Balcony
The party raged inside, but Vanessa stepped out onto the balcony, away from the noise. The night air wrapped around her as she leaned against the railing, sipping her drink.
Ethan followed, silent as a shadow.
"Enjoying the party?" he asked smoothly.
Vanessa jumped slightly, then turned. Her eyes widened when she saw him. "You…" She hesitated, her composure slipping. "You weren't invited."
Ethan chuckled darkly. "Does it matter? I'm here."
Vanessa crossed her arms, though her eyes betrayed her curiosity. "You're Ethan, right? The one Marcus… embarrassed?"
The word stung, but Ethan smiled. "Funny. I don't feel embarrassed anymore." He stepped closer, his aura pulsing. "Do I look like a loser to you now?"
Vanessa's lips parted. Her gaze swept over him—his sharp features, the dangerous confidence in his stance. Something in her expression softened, unwillingly.
"No," she admitted, almost in a whisper.
Ethan leaned on the railing beside her, his arm brushing hers. "Then tell me… why are you still with him?"
Vanessa stiffened. "Because he's Marcus Blackwood."
Ethan tilted his head, his smile cruel. "That's not an answer. That's an excuse."
Her breath quickened. She looked away, her façade crumbling. Ethan leaned closer, his lips brushing her ear.
"You deserve better," he whispered. "And you know it."
Vanessa shivered. Her fingers tightened around her glass.
[Target Interest Level: 70%. Conquest Nearing.]
Selene's voice purred. "Push her. Break her defenses."
Ethan pulled back just enough to meet Vanessa's eyes. His hand lifted, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her cheeks flushed at his touch, her breath uneven.
"Say the word," he murmured, "and I'll make you forget he ever existed."
For a long moment, silence hung heavy between them. Vanessa's chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes locked on his.
Then, footsteps echoed from inside. Marcus's voice boomed closer.
"Vanessa? Where are you?"
Her eyes widened with panic. She glanced at the door, then back at Ethan. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
Ethan's smile widened. He leaned back, his voice low and taunting. "Don't worry. Sooner or later, you'll come to me. And when you do…" His eyes burned crimson. "…you'll never go back."
Vanessa's face flushed deep red. She turned away as Marcus appeared in the doorway, oblivious.
But Ethan had already seen it—the crack in her armor, the hunger she tried to hide.
[Conquest Progress: 80%.]
Selene's laugh filled his mind. "Delicious. She's slipping already. Soon she'll be yours—and Marcus's empire will crumble with her."
Ethan's smirk widened as he walked back into the party, leaving Vanessa breathless on the balcony.
For the first time, Marcus Blackwood wasn't untouchable.
And Ethan Kane had only just begun.