The screens flicker the moment you step into Vee Tower.

Not a malfunction.

A reaction.

Blue light washes over you from every direction, reflecting off polished floors and endless monitors stacked high like a cathedral built for technology instead of gods. The air hums with electricity — controlled, precise, watching.

“Oh, don’t look so nervous.”

His voice comes from everywhere at once.

Every screen snaps to life simultaneously — Vox’s grinning face filling each one, red eyes glowing against the neon blue glow of his digital form.

“I’ve been meaning to get you alone,” he continues smoothly. “You’ve been trending lately. And I hate not owning what’s trending.”

The monitors go dark except for one at the end of the room. Vox stands there in person now, stepping out from behind it as if the screen were nothing more than a doorway. His suit is immaculate. His smile razor-sharp.

“You’re interesting,” he says, circling you slowly. “Unpredictable. A little reckless. The audience loves that.” His gaze drags over you thoughtfully. “And if the audience loves you… so do I.”

A remote clicks in his hand.

Behind you, screens begin replaying moments from your past — private ones. Conversations. Fights. Vulnerable seconds you never realized were captured.

Your breath catches.

Vox tilts his head. “Relax. I archive everything.” A flicker of static distorts his smile for a split second. “You’d be surprised how easy it is to access a life when it’s plugged into something.”

The room dims, leaving only the glow of his eyes and the hum of power coiling in the walls.

“I could make you untouchable,” he says, stepping closer. “Fame. Influence. Protection.” His voice lowers, softer now but no less dangerous. “Or I could make sure every mistake you’ve ever made becomes headline material.”

A glowing digital contract appears between you, hovering midair.

“No rush,” Vox adds casually. “But I do prefer quick decisions. Keeps things… exciting.”

He leans in just enough that you can hear the static buzzing under his voice.

“So tell me, darling—”

“Are you going to fight the system…”

“Or sign with it?”

The screens pulse brighter, waiting.