Deviant: No Longer Human

As the designated hour came and went, the anticipation that had electrified the air slowly ebbed away, leaving a sense of disappointment.

Gabriel, masked his frustration well, but the tightness in his jaw betrayed his inner turmoil.

"One more potential soul gone to waste," he muttered, almost to himself, his voice echoing slightly in the cavernous room.

The statement crashed against the air, a somber acknowledgment of Wang Xiao\'s absence.

"Sir, perhaps he had his reasons. He is known for his... unpredictability," ventured a subordinate, a young woman with keen eyes and a presence that commanded respect despite her youth.

Gabriel turned to her, his gaze sharp. "Unpredictability is a luxury we can can\'t afford," he replied, his voice steady but laced with an edge. "In our quest, every piece must fall into place with precision. He represented more than just potential; he embodied an element of power that is rare and invaluable."

He paused, turning to gaze out of a large, one-way glass panel that looked upon an artificial night sky, a perpetual darkness that mirrored the secrecy of their operations. "But the New World Order does not hinge on the whims of one individual. We adapt, we evolve, and we move forward."

Clara nodded, understanding the weight of Gabriel\'s words. "Shall we initiate contingency plans, then?" she asked, her voice a mix of determination and curiosity.

Gabriel\'s response was a slight nod, his mind already racing through scenarios and strategies. "Yes. Begin the preparations. And keep a close watch on Wang Xiao\'s movements."

As Clara nodded, swiftly relaying the tasks to their operatives, she followed Gabriel through the dark corridors of their underground headquarters.

The metallic door hissed open, revealing an elongated tunnel shrouded in shadows, its walls echoing the soft hum of distant machinery.

"Hey, ! Gabriel, are we really going to let the 8th Prince slip through our fingers so easily?" Clara\'s voice, laced with urgency, echoed slightly as she quickened her pace to catch up with him.

Gabriel, his stride unfaltering and wrapped in an aura of calculated calm, slowed slightly at her inquiry.

The corners of his mouth twitched into a faint, sinister smile—a fleeting glimpse of malevolence that vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving one to wonder if it had been there at all.

"For now, yes," he responded, his voice a blend of cold command and veiled motives. "Focus on setting our plans into motion. As for the 8th Prince, ensure he doesn\'t interfere with our operations. We can\'t afford to draw undue attention at this stage. The Guardians have already sensed our presence."

Clara\'s lips twisted in a mild expression of disdain. "Tch, those Guardians underestimate us," she retorted, her blue eyes sparkling with a cunning intensity. "And as for that little prince, leave him to me."

Gabriel paused, casting a sideways glance at Clara, his gaze piercing the dim lighting. "Don\'t underestimate him," he cautioned, his tone carrying an undercurrent of warning.

With that, he stepped into a room that seemed to swallow all traces of light, its darkness absolute.

Clara\'s smirk deepened at Gabriel\'s warning.

Fear a prince?

The very idea was laughable to her.

If the Guardians, those ancient watchers of balance, deemed it necessary to keep a wary eye on their movements, what concern should she have for a mere prince?

Her confidence was unshakable, her resolve as sharp as the blade she was ready to wield against any who stood in their way.

Indeed, the emergence of Wang Xiao\'s name within the circles of power hadn\'t been a mere coincidence but a consequence of a series of calculated moves, all set into motion by Luna\'s sudden appearance.

Her attempt to shield him from prying eyes and radars demanded an explanation, a narrative to justify his sudden prominence.

Thus, a proposal was put forth, nominating him as the eighth guardian—a title that could only be ratified with the consensus of other powerful entities.

In the interim, given Atlantia\'s small dominion and the complexities of its political landscape, he was accorded the title of Prince.

This designation not only elevated his status but also cast a spotlight on him, making his identity known to many, while simultaneously rendering him untouchable by others who now viewed him with a mix of interest and caution.

________

In the dimly lit corridors of the old building, Wang Xiao\'s confusion deepened as Seraphine, gliding like a shadow in the night, stealthily led him through the maze-like passages. His brows furrowed involuntarily as he struggled to comprehend her mysterious intentions.

"Why are you taking me?" Wang Xiao\'s voice was a whisper, barely audible over the soft shuffle of their footsteps against the cold stone floor.

Seraphine\'s eyes sparkled mischievously as she glanced back at him, her lips curling into a secretive smile. "Trust me, it\'ll be fun," she murmured, her voice barely more than a breath.

"..."

Wang Xiao found himself at a loss for words, his mind racing with questions.

Had this woman forgotten how to act her age?

As they crept along, Seraphine suddenly halted, pressing a finger to her lips in a gesture of silence.

"Shh! She might hear us," she whispered, her eyes darting nervously around the deserted corridor.

Unconsciously, she nibbled on her lower lip, her apprehension growing.

"I helped you get your work done; at least give me a favor," she pleaded in a hushed tone.

??

Wang Xiao scowled, wondering if she had consumed a gallon of nonsense today. "A favor from me would cost you — your life," he retorted.

"..."

"..."

There was an awkward silence between them, broken only by the distant echo of their footsteps reverberating through the empty halls.

Seraphine struggled to find the right words, her mind racing to come up with a convincing argument. "Do you dislike women?" she ventured tentatively, her voice tinged with annoyance.

"I dislike them when they talk too much," Wang Xiao replied, unflinched .

Seraphine let out a frustrated sigh. "I meant their bodies! You can\'t possibly tell me you\'re not even attracted to the female bodies? You do like women, don\'t you?" she asked in resignation.

Wang Xiao\'s gaze bore into her with skepticism. "I\'m straight," he affirmed.

Seraphine persisted, "Good! Then come with me!"