Beneath Forbidden Skies

PROLOGUE

The city's vibrant energy permeated the air, filling Kris's cramped apartment with a constant reminder of the dreams and aspirations that permeated the lives of its inhabitants. As he stood at the window, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon, a sense of restlessness tugged at his heart. The monotonous routine that had settled into his life after college seemed to suffocate his creative spirit.

The years he had dedicated to pursuing an interior design degree now felt like a distant memory. Kris had once been filled with hope and boundless ambition, eager to make his mark on the world. But as time went on, he found himself trapped in a cycle of unfulfilling projects and clients who lacked vision and appreciation for his craft.

The fire that had once burned brightly within him had slowly dimmed, leaving behind a hollow ache. The spaces he created no longer held the transformative power he had envisioned. It seemed as if his passion had been relegated to mere decorative choices and superficial aesthetics, losing the profound impact he had hoped to achieve.

But deep within Kris's heart, a flicker of longing remained. He yearned for a chance to reignite the creative spark that had guided him through his studies—a chance to break free from the constraints of mundane design and breathe life into spaces that would evoke emotions and change lives.

It was during one contemplative evening, as Kris stood by the window, that a notification chimed on his phone, shattering the silence. Startled, he reached for it, his eyes widening in surprise as he read the message before him. It was an invitation—an invitation to an exclusive event hosted by Halcyon Designs, a renowned and innovative design company that had been making waves in the industry.

Intrigued by the unexpected opportunity, Kris delved into researching Halcyon Enterprises. Their portfolio left him in awe, showcasing a breathtaking collection of projects seamlessly blending artistry with functionality. It was a company known for pushing boundaries and daring to imagine and create spaces that transcended the ordinary.

A glimmer of hope ignited within Kris. Could this be the chance he had been yearning for—the gateway to a new chapter in his career? With a surge of determination, he decided to attend the event, hoping to catch a glimpse of the transformative world Halcyon Enterprises had to offer.

The night of the event arrived, and Kris stepped into the grand ballroom of a luxurious hotel, the air thick with anticipation. Elegantly dressed guests mingled, their conversations filled with whispers of Halcyon's groundbreaking projects. The atmosphere crackled with possibilities, each passing moment fueling Kris's curiosity and igniting his dormant ambition.

As Kris made his way through the crowd, his senses heightened, absorbing every detail. The room pulsates with excitement, and he can't help but feel a mix of nervousness and awe. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring him to this moment—a moment that held the potential to alter the trajectory of his life and reignite the flames of his creativity.

As he approached the center of the room, he could see a stage set up with bright lights beaming down. He glanced around, taking in the scene before him, but as he did so, his eyes widened in surprise, his heart skipping a beat. There, on the stage, stood the speaker for the evening—Loki Kiann Goviere, his old college friend, someone he had lost touch with over the years. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning, and he couldn't believe his eyes.

Kris's mind began to race as he considered all of the possibilities. He thought back to their college days when Loki had always been the creative visionary who could inspire anyone with his bold ideas and charisma. Kris had often admired his friend's unyielding determination and passion for pursuing his dreams, but eventually, life had taken them in different directions.