Helios

"Nice to meet you, Ekko," she purred, extending her hand.

He hesitated. His fingers hovered over hers before finally taking it. Her skin was warm, and she held him with surprising firmness—so much that it made him feel out of place.
He wasn't sure if it was the exhaustion, the surreal vibe of the whole moment, or just her, but his heart was pounding too fast, too loud.

"Don't be scared, pretty boy," she murmured, voice soft and teasing. "I don't bite."

Then she glanced downward, her smile deepening into something playful. Knowing.
A slow tilt of the head, and a spark of wickedness lit up those vibrant pink eyes.

"Besides..." she whispered, looking back up at him,
"...you've got a loaded weapon down here."

Ekko froze, breath catching, before he finally processed what she meant.
Her laugh rang out—light and bright—echoing across the empty beach, mingling with the salt air and something strange... something dangerous.

The wind played through her wild blue hair as she slid off his lap and started toward the jungle.

"You coming or what?" she called over her shoulder, her steps light but certain, like she belonged here in a way he never could.

"Where are you going?" Ekko asked, rising from the sand.

"Home," she said calmly, without even turning.

He stood in silence, weighing his options—if he even had any.
She paused, turned slightly, and flashed a sly smile.

"Doesn't look like you've got a lotta choices, pretty boy...Don't worry, I won't eat you." She winked.

"Lick you? Sure...Bite? ...Maybe...If you ask nicely." - she murmured, voice soft and teasing.

"You look like a chocolate bar, so I think I could work yours pretty well..."

Ekko clamped a hand over her mouth.
"Can we walk in silence?"

She laughed.

"Of course we can. But will we?" She tilted her head in mock thought. "Hmm... definitely not."

"You probably have a lot of questions in that head of yours," she added cheerfully. "So don't be shy—ask."

“We’re on an island—how do I get off it?”

Jinx blinked lazily at him, then turned her gaze to the horizon where the ocean shimmered like liquid gold beneath the blazing sun.

“You don’t,” she replied, as calm as the breeze that toyed with her wild blue hair.

Ekko furrowed his brow. “What do you mean, ‘you don’t’?”

“You got here somehow…”

“I grew up here,” she said, skipping ahead and spinning once in the sunlight. “Never left. Can’t leave. And even if I could… I wouldn’t.”

Ekko stared at her like she’d sprouted another head. “You were born here? On this island?”

“Yup.”

“What about the other people?”

“They don’t wanna leave either.”

“That makes zero sense.”

Jinx turned to face him, walking backwards now, arms spread. “Ekko, this place—this whole place—it’s built to give people what they want. Their darkest, dirtiest wishes. Why the hell would they leave?”

He looked around. The jungle behind them whispered with birdsong and cicadas, the leaves overhead swaying like they were sharing secrets. The heat clung to him like a second skin. It was paradise… with a pulse.

“But you. You never wanted to leave?”

She paused. Just for a beat. Then spun back toward him, grinning wide.

“Trust me, babe. You won’t wanna leave either.”

She stepped closer, eyes glittering.

“My turn to ask something.”

She tilted her head, playful.

“You got a girlfriend?”

Ekko blinked. “I... don’t know.”

“Oh, right.” She tapped her lip. “You forgot. Any juicy flashes of memory? Maybe a hot girl with a jealous streak? Anyone slap you recently?”

“Books. I remember books. Maybe I’m a student?” Ekko said quickly. Then immediately thought, Wow. That’s the worst lie I’ve ever told.

“Ooooh, a smart guy!” Jinx purred. “I like that. I always wanted my boyfriend to be clever.”

“Boyfriend?” Ekko stopped mid-step.

She turned, slowly, with mock offense. “Yeah. You don’t want me? A few minutes ago, you were very into this.”

“You were literally grinding on me like a cat in heat!” Ekko cried. “Of course I was a little into it!”

“A little?” she grinned. “That was not ‘a little,’ that was a full-on ride or die.”

“You’re… you’re ridiculously hot,” he muttered. “I’ve never seen anyone like you.”

Jinx lit up. “Aww. From one to ten, what’s my score?”

“Whatever number you can handle,” Ekko said, rubbing the back of his neck with a tired smile.

“Oooh, smooth talker.” She leaned in. “Are we flirting now? I think we’re flirting.”

He groaned. “Wait—before you try anything else. You are of age, right?”

She gasped in mock horror. “I love the way your brain works. And yes, I’m twenty-four.”

Just like Powder… he thought. Then frowned.

“But she said she’s not Powder…” - Ekko thought.

Something twisted in his gut.

“Does the name Violet mean anything to you?” he asked softly.

“Violet? That’s a color, dummy,” she smirked.

“No—it’s—” He hesitated. Your sister, he almost said. But the words wouldn’t come out.

“You know, people where you’re from have really weird names.”

“Says the girl named Jinx.”

“Hey! My name’s awesome. Way cooler than ‘Ekko’ or ‘Powder.’ Sounds like I belong on a rocket.”

They pushed through thick vines, and suddenly, the jungle opened up—and his breath hitched.

A city stretched out across the island like something pulled from a dream—gleaming white buildings stacked like waves, lush greenery spilling from every terrace, sun-drenched plazas and narrow, winding streets. It looked like a cross between a futuristic utopia and a forgotten paradise. The air shimmered with heat and ocean salt. It was beautiful. Unreal.

Ekko’s jaw dropped. “What the hell is this place?”

“Paradise, dummy,” Jinx beamed. “Oh, and by the way…”

She leaned in, whispering like it was some grand surprise.

“You’ll need to take a lie detector test.”

“A what now?”

“A lie detector!” she giggled. “You might be some secret spy. Or a drug lord’s puppy. We’ve all got secrets.”

Ekko blinked, struggling to process. “I told you—I don’t remember anything.”

She winked. “Exactly. That’s why we test, sweet cheeks. And trust me, you better be very honest…”

Her smile turned into a grin of wicked delight.

“Because Sevika’s the one doing the test. And she’s… well…”

Jinx whistled.

“She’s a very angry woman. Strong, scary, terrifying. She’d rip your balls off faster than I can say ‘oops.’”

Ekko winced.

“And I like your balls,” Jinx added with a pout. “I already called dibs on your pistol. And believe me—I’m an excellent shot.”

....

Jinx strolled into the upscale restaurant, loud and unbothered. Behind the bar stood a guy in oversized glasses, dark hair, and a neat bartender’s suit.

“Hey, Chuck!” she called out playfully.

“I—I’m Thieram,” the guy replied, nearly jumping in place.

“Of course you are.” She smirked. “Meet Ekko. The ocean coughed him up and gave him to me.”

She gave Ekko a quick once-over.

“I need you to run the usual lie detector stuff, maybe a couple scans. But first—he needs to change. He looks about your size. Can you lend him something to wear?”

“Y-yeah, s-sure,” Thieram said awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable.

“Wait—does Sevika know?” he asked, suddenly more tense.

“Not yet,” Jinx said calmly. “But if he passes the checks, I’ll tell her. If not... someone’s gonna be target practice.”

She patted Ekko’s shoulder like it was no big deal.

“We’re not that uncivilized, right?” she laughed. “Ekko, this is Thieram. Thieram, Ekko. I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone—Isha’s probably awake and wondering where I am.”

“Isha’s with you?” Ekko asked, surprised.

“What do you mean with me?” Jinx shot back, suddenly suspicious.

“I mean—you’re just... really young to have a kid. You kinda look like one yourself,” Ekko tried to joke.

Jinx rolled her eyes. “Clean air. Good skincare. Genetics. Anyway, good luck today. I really hope you make it through—'cause damn, you are hot.”

Without warning, she leaned in, kissed him, then turned on her heels and strutted off.

Crash!

Thieram dropped two glasses behind the bar.

Ekko turned toward him, amused.

Thieram’s eyes were wide. “Ekko... how do you feel?”

“I feel fine. Why?” Ekko raised a brow. “She asked the same thing.”

Thieram chuckled nervously. “Well, yeah. She’s so hot, it’s actually dangerous.”

“Thieram, I’m soaked in saltwater. Can I please get some clothes and somewhere to rinse off?”

“Y-yeah, of course!” Thieram stammered, already moving. Then he paused, glancing at Ekko’s damp, exhausted face.

“Uh… actually, want something to eat first? You look like you haven’t had a bite in a while. I can throw something together real quick—then we’ll grab you some clothes.”

Ekko blinked, surprised—but nodded. “Yeah. That sounds great, actually. Thanks.”

Thieram smiled nervously and headed toward the kitchen, muttering under his breath, “Okay, okay, you’ve got this… just don’t faint this time…”

....

Eva was walking home from her night shift. Working as a croupier in a high-end casino meant good tips—but those tips usually came from very rich men. And sometimes, those very rich men wanted more than just a winning hand. They wanted her.

The problem with Eva was that she liked to flirt. It was in her nature. She was effortlessly attractive, all legs, red lips, and that signature smirk. But she never sold herself. Never crossed that line.

Until tonight.

Finn—one of the richest men in Asia—wanted her. The bastard had gotten drunk like a pig and passed out on top of her. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it.

Now she was wandering the streets half-drunk, heels in one hand, an expensive bottle of stolen wine in the other—the kind that screamed old money and bad decisions. Her blouse was slightly unbuttoned, her makeup slightly smudged, and she didn’t care. She was headed to Thieram’s bar.

Thieram. The only annoying constant in her life. That awkward little man who blushed every time she looked at him. If she showed a little cleavage, he practically blacked out.

Oh yes. She needed to torment Thieram a little tonight.

But then—something made her freeze. A flash of pale hair in the distance.

Too pale. Too familiar.

Ekko.

She ducked behind a parked car, heart skipping. It was him—walking just a few steps behind Thieram.

Could this night get any worse?

Eva quickly slipped her heels back on, adjusted her shirt to show just enough cleavage, and tugged her skirt higher to expose the tops of her stockings.

She needed a distraction. Fast.

Fate, however, had her back. Thieram disappeared inside the building—leaving Ekko outside alone.

She moved fast.

Grabbing his wrist, she yanked him behind the side of the building, pinning him to the wall.

“What the hell are you doing here, Ekko?” she hissed.

“Eva?” Ekko blinked, stunned. “Is that really you?”

“The one and only. Now answer the damn question—why are you here?”

“I came for you.”

“Well, I’m not going back.”

“You look like... like a prostitute.”

Eva rolled her eyes. “I had a fun night, okay?”

“We need to go back, Eva.”

“No! I’m not leaving! You know how hard I worked for the commission? I just want to live. And you could too—this place... it’s everything.”

“You’ve lost it, Eva. We need to find Isha and return.”

“She wants to stay too. She’s happy!”

“This is madness. You’ve all been drugged or something.”

“Drugged? No. Free. That’s the difference, Ekko. And if you bring Scar here—I swear—I’ll kill you. I’m finally living, and I’m not giving it up!”

“What the hell, Eva—”

A voice cut through the tension. Jinx stepped out from around the corner, Isha at her side.

Isha’s eyes widened, silent with shock.

“Oh hey, Jinx,” Eva said sweetly. “I had a bit too much fun, got a little tipsy, and this charming young man helped me out. I almost puked on a brand-new Rolls-Royce Ghost—can you imagine the cleaning bill? Anyway, he was very helpful. I’m very grateful.”

Jinx didn’t look convinced. She eyed Eva suspiciously.

“And what are you doing here?”

“Waiting for Thieram,” Eva lied with a smile.

“You’re both acting weird,” Jinx muttered. “How do you even know each other? Why, out of all people, would you, Eva, run into Ekko?”

She turned. “And you—Ekko. You know Eva?”

Isha’s eyes flicked from one face to another. Even at nine years old, she understood there were three things you couldn’t hide: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

So, she did what she could.

She dropped to the ground, gasping for air.

“Isha?!” Jinx cried out, panicking.

All three adults rushed to her.

“Help!” Jinx shouted.

Ekko scooped the girl into his arms, held her over his knee, and started patting her back. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Nice work.”

Isha smiled faintly—and began to breathe again.

Jinx pulled her into her arms, terrified. “You scared me so bad. What happened?”

Isha signed with her fingers: bug.

“Oh my god... Isha.” Jinx looked up. “Thank you, Ekko. I’m sorry I jumped on you earlier. You have no idea how much she means to me.”

A quiet voice followed behind them.

“What’s going on?” Thieram asked, stepping out of the building, keys in hand.

“She choked on a bug. Ekko saved her,” Jinx said, glancing at the time. “Shit—I have to go. Isha has class.”

She scooped the girl into her arms and dashed off.

Ekko was still catching his breath when Thieram said, “I suppose we should do the interview first... then you can come to my place and change.”

“Okay,” Ekko nodded, still stunned.

“Thieram, where are you going?” Eva asked, sauntering up beside him.

“T-to interview him,” Thieram stammered, startled.

“Wow. That sounds so interesting,” she cooed, pressing against his arm. “I think I’ll tag along.”

“What are you doing, Eva?” he whispered.

“I was angry after work, but now? I think I’m about to witness something fun,” she winked, grabbing Ekko by the arm and dragging them both toward the building.

“Eva, wait—” Thieram began.

“Shhh, don’t ruin it. Let’s interrogate him properly,” she grinned.