VELVET CHAINS REVIVE

The limousine glided through the Vienna night, stars blurred in the tinted windows. Luca adjusted his tie, eyes fixed ahead, jaw tight.

"This gala," he said at last, "it's not just fashion. It's… a revival. For the forgotten elite. I used to be part of that circle."

Ayden glanced over. "And now?"

"I'm an exile walking back into a throne room I burned down."

Ayden reached for his hand. "We burn new paths. Together."

The gala was held at an old opera house, restored into a catwalk stage bathed in crimson light and perfumed smoke. Gowns shimmered like illusions, music throbbed like a heart losing rhythm.

And then — silence.

A voice boomed: "Tonight, we welcome back Vienna's most notorious prodigy… Luca Valen."

The crowd parted.

Standing atop the staircase, wrapped in black satin and a glass smile, was Julien Rosier — Luca's former lover and rival designer.

Ayden stiffened. Luca froze.

Julien descended like a specter, eyes locked on Luca's.

"My darling disaster," he purred, extending a hand. "Still beautiful. Still broken?"

Luca didn't take it. "Julien."

Julien's smirk deepened. "Oh, how we've missed you."

Ayden stepped in, calm but firm. "He's not alone anymore."

Julien's eyes flicked to Ayden. "Ah. The new muse."

"More than that," Luca said, voice steady. "He's the reason I came back."

Julien's face twitched. "We'll see if you stay."

The night burned on. As they walked away, Ayden whispered, "Should I be worried?"

Luca turned to him, eyes soft. "He's a ghost. And I'm choosing life."

Ayden pulled him into the shadows — and kissed him like proof.

Side Story: Eden × Ren

The abandoned chapel stood on the edge of the old district, cloaked in ivy and secrets. Ren parked the bike, removing his helmet with a flick.

Eden hesitated at the steps.

"Are you ready?" Ren asked.

"No," Eden whispered. "But I'm done running."

They entered together.

Sebastian waited in the pews — all silk and shadows, a glass of wine in hand.

"My boys," he cooed. "One ran. One hides behind a gun."

Ren's voice was low. "Try me."

Sebastian laughed. "No need for violence. I only want closure."

Eden stepped forward. "Then talk."

"You left behind a mess, Eden," Sebastian said. "You owe me for the secrets you stole."

"I owe you nothing but silence."

"But silence," Sebastian stood, circling them, "has a price."

Ren stepped between them. "You lay a hand on him, and I swear—"

Sebastian's smile dropped. "You think love makes you strong? No. It makes you predictable."

Just then, headlights beamed through the chapel windows.

Backup.

Eden's plan worked.

Sirens. Sebastian froze.

"You tipped them off?" he hissed.

Eden's voice was clear. "This is me taking my voice back."

As officers stormed the chapel, Ren pulled Eden into his arms. "You did it."

Eden clung to him, shaking. "We did."