Speed

Chapter 18

Back in the studio, the air vibrated with creativity, notes and lyrics floating in the space between Ryan and me. It was here, amidst cables and microphones, that the chaos of the outside world fell away, leaving only the purity of music and friendship. Ryan, ever the steadfast presence, was tweaking the soundboard, his focus as sharp as the notes that spilled from the speakers.

"That's sounding great, Zac. The bridge section really hits hard now," Ryan commented, his eyes still on the levels as he adjusted them with practiced ease.

I nodded, my fingers idly strumming my guitar, the melody a familiar comfort. "Thanks, man. It feels like it's missing something, though. Can't quite put my finger on it."

As we pondered the puzzle of the song, my phone rang, cutting through the hum of equipment. Glancing at the screen, I saw Marcus's name flashing, a sudden reminder of the world beyond these walls.

"Give me a sec, it's Marcus," I said, the mention of his name casting a shadow of anticipation across the room.

Ryan nodded, his expression turning serious. "Sure thing. Wonder what he wants."

I took a deep breath and answered, bracing myself for the head of DarkPulse's no-doubt demanding tone. "Marcus, hi. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Zac, glad I caught you. We need to meet, as soon as possible," Marcus's voice was direct, the underlying urgency unmistakable.

A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. "Sure, of course. Is everything okay? Is it about the new tracks?"

"It's about more than just the tracks, Zac. It's about your next steps with DarkPulse. We've got some opportunities on the horizon that we need to discuss. And some decisions that can't wait," Marcus explained, his voice a mix of businesslike efficiency and veiled excitement.

The words sent a ripple of both excitement and apprehension through me. "Okay, I understand. When do you want to meet?"

"Tomorrow morning, first thing. My office. This isn't just another meeting, Zac. It's pivotal, for you and for DarkPulse," Marcus stated, the gravity in his voice setting the stakes even higher.

"Got it. I'll be there," I replied, the significance of the meeting settling in, heavy with potential.

Ending the call, I turned back to Ryan, who was watching me with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Looks like we're on the brink of something big. Marcus wants to meet first thing tomorrow. Says it's pivotal."

Ryan's brows furrowed, his supportive demeanor tinged with caution. "Pivotal sounds... intense. You ready for this?"

I paused, the future suddenly a blank canvas stretching out before me, exciting and daunting in equal measure. "Ready as I'll ever be. But whatever it is, I'm just glad you're here with me, man. No matter what Marcus throws my way, having you in my corner makes all the difference."

Ryan offered a reassuring smile, a silent pledge of unwavering support. "Always, Zac. We'll tackle this head-on, just like everything else. DarkPulse doesn't know who they're dealing with."

The rest of the session passed in a blur, my thoughts already on the meeting with Marcus, on the verge of a new chapter yet to be written. But no matter the uncertainties of the path ahead, the solidity of our friendship, the shared journey with Ryan, remained my anchor, a constant amidst the ever-changing tides of the music industry.

The morning sun hadn't yet chased away the chill of dawn when I found myself standing in front of the imposing structure of DarkPulse Entertainment. The building, a monolith of glass and steel, seemed to tower over me, a physical manifestation of the pivotal moment I was about to face. My heart was a drumbeat, fast and uneven, as I stepped through the revolving doors, the air inside a controlled climate that felt worlds apart from the crispness outside.