The stubborn gear wouldn’t budge. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I strained my wrist, desperately trying to loosen the frozen metal. With a grunt, I pushed harder—the wrench creaking from the effort—but still, nothing moved.


    Just as I readied myself for another go, Mom walked into the room, her hands resting firmly on her hips.


    “Elias G. Wolfe, what do you think you’re doing? You should already be dressed and ready to meet your father!” Her voice was stern, though her eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement.


    I groaned, reluctantly setting down the wrench. “Sorry, Mom. I was just trying to fix—”


    She shook her head, gently cutting me off. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but today’s important. Dom went through a lot to convince Chief Grahm to agree to this internship. Remember?”


    The image of Chief Grahm—the severe, gruff man who always seemed to make life difficult for my father—immediately flashed through my mind. I swallowed nervously at the thought.


    Mom sighed softly and stepped closer, fixing my sleeves and straightening my collar with practiced ease. She lifted a corner of her apron to wipe a smudge of grease from my cheek, then handed me a freshly baked roll.


    “Elias, be good.”


    “Always,” I smiled back, biting into the warm bread. “And thanks for breakfast.”


    With an encouraging nod, she ushered me toward the door.


    The walk to my father’s office gave my mind plenty of time to wander, picturing all the possibilities this internship might hold. My eyes drifted upward to the massive building ahead, where bold lettering was carved deep into the smooth granite:Office of the Magistrate and Central City Enforcement


    It was more than just a building; it was a symbol, an important landmark for all of us who lived in the lower districts. I glanced toward the top floors and took a deep breath.


    “Alright, Elias,” I muttered under my breath. “Let’s make a good first impression.”


    With one last steadying breath, I stepped through the revolving doors.


    Inside was an expansive lobby, centered around a large wooden reception desk. Sitting squarely at attention behind it was a robot, eyes dimmed as if lost in thought.


    I approached cautiously. “I’m here for orientation and my internship with Dom Wolfe.”


    The robot’s head swiveled towards me instantly, its large eyes blinking to life. “Yes, yes—the Chief is expecting you.” It gestured mechanically toward the rear of the lobby, to a winding metal staircase that spiraled upward.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    “Thank you,” I replied, mildly surprised at how personable it was.


    I crossed the busy floor, weaving between desks crowded with officers absorbed in their tasks. As I passed, I noticed some of the younger officers shooting me sharp glances, eyes narrowed with clear skepticism.


    Ignoring their stares, I squared my shoulders. I’d let my actions speak for themselves.Today, everything began.


    As I reached the top of the winding staircase, I stopped outside Chief Grahm’s closed office door. A muffled voice—deep, gruff, and clearly unhappy—echoed loudly through the door, punctuated by quieter responses I instantly recognized as my father’s. I winced. The Chief definitely wasn''t pleased this morning.


    "Don’t take it personally," said a familiar, calm voice from behind me.


    I turned quickly to find Marcus standing there, impeccably dressed in his Magistrate uniform. His eyes sparkled with subtle amusement behind his glasses.


    “Morning, Marcus,” I greeted him, slightly relieved. "Is Dad always getting yelled at?"


    Marcus chuckled gently, nodding toward the closed door. “You could say it’s become a bit of a morning tradition. Let’s wait until Chief Grahm finishes his daily lecture, shall we?”


    We stepped back into a waiting area where a holoscreen displayed a steady rotation of news and alerts. Marcus folded his arms, eyes scanning the information scrolling by.


    “We’re always so busy after the Catechism and the Rankings,” Marcus sighed, a hint of exhaustion seeping through his calm demeanor. “Rankings stir the pot, you could say.”


    My attention shifted toward the holoscreen, drawn to the faces of various wanted criminals cycling through. But one face stood out—a young Caith girl with sharp, feline eyes, appearing multiple times under various warnings and charges. My eyes widened slightly as I read her name:


    NYX: Wanted for burglary, theft of classified relics. Approach with caution.


    Her expression was fierce, defiant even, but something else flickered behind her eyes—a challenge, or perhaps an invitation.


    Marcus noticed my stare and nodded thoughtfully. “Ah, Nyx. She’s become quite notorious lately. Always slipping away. She’s clever, maybe too clever.”


    I blinked, tearing my gaze away reluctantly. “Who is she?”


    Marcus sighed softly. “Someone who sees the world differently, I suppose. Either way, she’s keeping us busy.”


    The Chief’s voice boomed from inside his office again, louder than before, making me wince once more. Marcus placed a reassuring hand briefly on my shoulder.


    “Don’t worry, Elias. Dom’s used to it. And one day, perhaps, so will you.”


    The door swung open, and Dom emerged, shoulders slumped from Chief Grahm’s legendary tongue-lashing. Swallowing nervously, I stepped forward, stiffening my back, bracing myself for the storm to come.


    Chief Grahm loomed before me, his sharp eyes assessing me silently. Then, unexpectedly, his stern face cracked into a wide, hearty grin, and he burst into laughter.


    “You’re definitely Dom’s kid, alright,” he chuckled, eyes twinkling with humor. “Listen—learn everything you can from your old man, but if you ever need help, come straight to me, kid.” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Dom can be a real airhead sometimes.”


    He laughed again, loud and deep from his belly, dissolving my anxiety completely. Relief flooded through me as I relaxed, nodding eagerly. Maybe working here wouldn’t be so daunting after all.


    Excitement stirred in my chest—learning from Dad, becoming a detective, and finally seeing firsthand how awesome he really was. Yet, as Chief Grahm returned to his office and Marcus smiled reassuringly, I couldn’t help but drift back to that young Caith girl’s image on the holoscreen.


    Her fierce eyes remained locked firmly in my mind. Would I meet her someday? Did I even want to?


    Somehow, I knew the answer would come soon enough.