The OSA (Office of Supernatural Affairs) was a globally recognized organization within the supernatural world. Its primary role was to regulate the coexistence between the various clans and the great founding families. Led by President Norahm Van, it also maintained ties with the entities controlling black markets and shadow cults. The OSA was aware of every activity, rivalry, and major event unfolding across the supernatural world.
The organization kept a close watch on the head of each clan and organized a King Meet every three years, gathering all clan leaders at its headquarters to discuss matters of importance affecting the clans and their relations. However, this meeting was monitored with extreme vigilance by the organization's members, as clan leaders were as unpredictable as nature itself. If there was one thing these powerful figures all had in common, it was their effortless ability to destroy everything around them. Six in number, the clan leaders were feared and respected by all.
The first clan, VERTAS, was renowned for its elemental mastery of earth and air, and had built its reputation on the healing of incurable ailments and curses. Its people were welcoming, peaceful, and neutral which made them natural mediators between the other clans. At its head stood Princess Miliana ESMERA, a woman whose gentleness was spellbinding and whose sense of leadership was entirely innate.
Next came the AQUARIS clan, renowned for its loyalty to its own kind and its allies. Their mastery of water, as well as their ability to assert themselves and neutralize dominance, was their greatest weapon. They safeguarded the greatest treasures of every clan within a submerged temple protected by guardians. Yet their kindness was matched only by their cunning. The clan was led by Leonas AQUARIS who was also Céline ANGOMA's half-brother, a man in perpetual thirst for power, sharp in both frankness and deception.
The BELLATORUM clan was known for its exceptional physical abilities and its mastery of the fighting arts. High-level strategists whose hearts united in times of war, and whose moral values stood as an example to all other clans. At its head stood Elijah MANOGE.
The SHADOW clan harbored more mysteries within itself than the night ever could. No information about their daily lives or their members ever leaked beyond their territory, save for their mastery of dark forces and occult sciences. They represented the shadowed face of the supernatural world and shielded the misdeeds of certain cults, including the Black Lodge. At its command stood E-lise CALYPSO, widow of the late clan leader Aaron CALYPSO, a woman of strong character whose angelic appearance concealed a razor-sharp mind.
Finally came the ALPHA clan, the most well-known, most respected, and above all most feared of all clans. It was composed of dominants whose charisma was matched only by their ease in taking a life. Elusive beings best avoided, lest one end up six feet underground. The clan possessed the largest territory and the greatest wealth in the supernatural world, and beyond that, a unique power coveted by every other clan by any means necessary: the ARAPAGON. It was led by the ANGOMA brothers, Josh and Hassan.
Located in MELOS, a neutral state positioned at the crossroads of the five territories, the OSA was meticulously preparing to receive all clan leaders for the gathering of the year. The entire state was on high alert, attending to every last detail.
First, every border within the state was sealed. Intensive checkpoints were established to prevent renegades and other suspicious individuals from entering the territory for the duration of the event.
Second, two invisible spheres were erected around the OSA building to reinforce security on-site. The first was designed to detect any unknown presence attempting to infiltrate the premises or lurking nearby, made possible by a device capable of filtering energetic signatures. No spell could breach the barrier from outside, and no one could observe what took place within. The second barrier prevented any spell cast from the inside from spreading outward. Both barriers were powered by a high-density energy source anchored in the building's foundations, forming a natural reserve.
Third, an energetic vibration probe was implanted at the heart of the meeting room, deep within its core. It was capable of detecting any foreign energy and establishing clan identification from the DNA imprinted on every particle of its carrier.
Given the unpredictable nature of the guests, even the smallest provocation could justify destruction across a wide perimeter. Every measure was essential to guarantee the safety of the city's inhabitants.
In short, a day under tension that would say much about what was to come.
***
KALANK, Political Capital of the ALPHA Clan, Central Office
"You're not planning to attend tomorrow's meeting ?" Hassan asked his brother.
"No. It would serve absolutely no purpose and besides, you'll be there."
"I can see you intend to see your objective through to the end."
Josh drained his glass of bourbon and gazed out at the city from the sofa. Hassan, leaning against the wall, pulled his attention away from the documents he was leafing through and turned it toward his brother. He studied him carefully with his mismatched eyes before pouring himself a glass as well.
"I can guess what you're thinking, brother, but things are under control," Josh said.
"You couldn't be more wrong. The last time you said that, your former fiancée's body was lying in the middle of your living room. And of course, the only reaction from the man himself was to finish his glass of bourbon. Do you feel guilty, brother ?" he asked in a mocking tone.
Josh smiled with satisfaction as he rose to his feet.
"Not in the slightest. She was foolish to believe I wouldn't notice her betrayal. Hearing her scream in pain was satisfying."
"If your wife truly is involved in our sister's death, what will you do ?"
Hassan was genuinely uncertain about the feelings Josh harbored for Céline. Because as far as he could tell, Josh appeared to feel nothing romantic toward his wife. And yet, Josh had remained faithful to her in every sense, for reasons Hassan had yet to understand.
"I couldn't tell you, Hassan."
Josh ran a hand over his face, his irises flickering between two shades.
"You do have feelings for her and that is going to be your downfall. I understand that Georgia crossed a line and that Céline is your wife but did you really have to go that far ? Honestly, I don't understand the need for what you did."
"First, what exists between my wife and me is none of your concern. Just as whatever exists between you and your soulmate is none of mine. Second, I know what I'm doing, at the risk of repeating myself. And third, you are my brother, which means you don't need to understand. You need to support me, whatever happens."
Hassan sighed, finishing his glass before shrugging on his jacket.
"Calypso will be annoyed not to see you at the meeting. As for the OSA delegation, they'll be more than pleased by your absence this year, given the damage you caused on their premises last time. I genuinely wonder how your wife puts up with the madman you are."
"The same could be said of yours, blind to your true nature. I'll see you in three days. In the meantime, find the information we need. It's time to make certain people understand that looking down on us has consequences," he said, placing a hand on Hassan's shoulder.