Valmont Series - Inheritance Code

Chapter 2.3 - Crossing Point

"Compliance and achievement will be mandatory," he added without irony.

Their ONYX pulsed softly, syncing completely with their Syntaxes.

A moment passed as the twins familiarized themselves with their Syntax and the subtle language of ONYX — gestures, commands, silent pulses. They also learned how to temporarily hide Syntax with a quick gesture on their ONYX particularly in formal situations or moments requiring discretion without added commentary.

Then, without fanfare, two objects rose quietly into view. The House Scrolls glowed softly where they rested, their surfaces alive with quiet invitation.

They did not demand.

They simply waited — like sophisticated instruments ready to sync with those deemed worthy.

Without hesitation, Aiden reached first. The moment his fingers brushed the Scroll, it unfolded with effortless grace, lines of silver light assembling rapidly and cleanly into a crest.

The design stabilized instantly, projecting a bold and precise emblem. Two ascending helixes intertwined into a towering shape, their glowing paths edged in sharp angles that radiated purpose and symmetry. At the base, faint circuitry lines extended outward like roots feeding into a vast network. The entire crest pulsed softly in electric blue—clean, cold, and undeniable.

"Suggested House: Echelon," Vox announced smoothly. "Precision. Intelligence. Mastery of systems. House of Intelligence aligns with your natural strengths."

The crest hovered softly, awaiting confirmation.

Aiden studied it for a breath. It made sense. More than that — it fit.

Without hesitation, he reached out and pressed his palm lightly to the projection.

The crest shimmered in response — locking in instantly as ONYX confirmed the sync.

"House Echelon — Initiation Approved."

Vox confirmed efficiently. "House registration complete. Syncing to ONYX and Syntax."

Beside him, Aria's scroll lit up next, blush-gold arcs dancing delicately as her crest formed.

The design unfolded with elegant simplicity — a radiant sun crowned with fine, flaring arcs that stretched outward like delicate sunbeams. Each beam varied subtly in length and curve, evoking movement and grace rather than raw power. At its center, the core glowed in warm solar gold, pulsing softly as though responding to attention. Faint concentric rings rippled outward behind the sun, like echoes of influence reaching far beyond sight.

"Suggested House: Solara," Lyric purred with satisfaction. "Expression. Influence. Cultural power. House of Culture aligns with your natural strengths."

The crest hovered in front of her, radiant and poised.

Aria hesitated just a second — then smiled faintly and touched it without second-guessing.

The crest shimmered instantly.

"House Solara — Initiation Approved."

Her ONYX glowed subtly as the crest integrated.

Almost immediately, another process initiated. Without instruction, ONYX began generating their Prestige Signature Imprint — a uniquely coded symbol shaped by legacy, risk profile, and early behavioral readings.

The symbol flickered briefly into view on their private HUD — abstract, elegant, and undeniably personal. Neither Aria nor Aiden fully understood it yet, but their Syntaxes confirmed quietly.