Valmont Series - Inheritance Code

Chapter 6.4 - Influence Begins Quietly

When Yves eyes landed on Aurora Waldorf, he didn't say much.

Just one quiet remark to no one in particular:

"Could use a few Solarians on the influence flank."

Spoken like someone already drafting the next phase of expansion.

"Aria," Allegra called out, the cheerful lilt in her voice laced with undeniable authority "You didn't forget your Solara Subcouncil, did you?"

Aurora gave a small nod—polite, poised, and just enough to acknowledge Celia. But her eyes moved quickly: Yves, then Aiden, then back to Aria... like she already knew whatever came next would be worth remembering.

Yves, ever the Luxem diplomat, offered a theatrical bow to the girls. "A pleasure," he said, tone dipped in just enough charm to be noticed.

Allegra accepted it with a faint smirk. Aurora said nothing—only blinked, curious.

Aria, on the other hand, let out a sharp sigh and rolled her eyes—slow, deliberate, and loud enough in gesture to count as a full-body dismissal.

"I didn't forget the Subcouncil," she muttered. "I just didn't expect you two as the welcome committee."

Allegra smiled, unbothered.

"Lyrics released your schedule for the day. First directive—Solara Subcouncil, 09:00 sharp. Aurora and I are coming with you. Apparently, they'd prefer you properly briefed."

Then, with a graceful pivot, she extended the next offer like a formality already decided.

"Shall we continue this at the Veritas Gallery?"

Aria didn't respond. She didn't need to. One glance at Yves, then a smooth turn—and she followed.

As the trio walked off, Yves called out, mock-cheerful:

"You're under observation, Lancaster. Try not to do anything... exotic. You know how the rare species get tagged."

Allegra stifled a laugh. Aurora didn't even try.

Aria didn't turn around. But her voice, when it came, was silk-laced steel.

"Enjoy your summit."

A pause, razor-thin.

"Though if you're bringing "that"—" (a faint nod toward Yves)

"—you may want to prepare a formal apology in advance."

Then, to Aiden and Celia—measured, faultless:

"See you both."

She walked off without a glance back. Allegra and Aurora followed, perfectly in step.

Behind them, Yves gave a low laugh—but even he looked mildly impressed.

Aiden watched her go.

Then the air shifted.

A quiet hiss — Maglev capsule arriving.

He hadn't called one.

Yet it hovered into place, doors sliding open with sterile precision.

No passengers.

He frowned. "Vox?"

The AI shimmered beside him. "Yes, Young Master?"

"Did I request that?"

"Affirmative."

"No, I didn't."

A pause.

Then, Vox said calmly: "System registered a motion. Capsule dispatched accordingly."

Aiden stepped forward slowly. Inside, a faint display flickered on the capsule's panel.

[USER SYNC LEVEL: UNCLASSIFIED]

[REQUEST STATUS: OVERRIDDEN]

Then it blinked out.

Vox didn't comment. The capsule waited, humming like it already knew where he'd go.

Aiden didn't step into the capsule.

He just stared at the panel, now dark again, as if it had never glitched.

Then came a voice—not from VOX, but from behind him.

"Either you're secretly elite..."

A pause, measured.

"...or Avalon's misbehaving again."

Celia Huang.

She stepped forward with the same unhurried precision that seemed coded into her posture. Her eyes flicked to the capsule, then to Aiden—curious, not surprised. As if she'd already factored anomaly into the morning.

Yves didn't look up. He was half-absorbed in his own interface, casually adjusting something that clearly wasn't core protocol.

Aiden, meanwhile, watched the capsule door slide open with a soundless sweep.

The system hadn't clarified a destination.

It hadn't needed to.

He glanced at Celia. "Was that you?"

She met his gaze, steady.

"No. And if it had been, I'd have said so."

She tilted her head slightly, then added with a soft smile, "Either way... interesting."

Next: Unscripted – This isn't a test. It's a calibration of threat.