The heavy oak doors creaked as Shinon entered, closing silently behind him, ensuring no one would disturb them as they discussed business. The first thing Shinon noticed was the long mahogany table where everyone was sitting.

The room’s silence seemed to stretch, elongated by the weight of unspoken secrets. Shadows clung to the corners, and the flickering light provided only partial illumination.

Shinon felt the collective eye of the figures around the table on him, especially the man whose eyes were hidden behind a mask. It didn’t take long for Shinon to realise it was the masked leader of the Eclipse and decided it was best to ignore the man to not arouse any suspicion.

Despite the room’s dimly lit and tense ambience, Shinon proceeded as if Caleb’s presence held no personal significance for him. He couldn’t afford to reveal their relationship in this setting, especially with the Eclipse’s leader there.

Caleb, his heart pounding, kept his emotions hidden behind his emotionless face. Still, his pulse quickened as Shinon’s gaze passed over him, treating him as he would any stranger.

It was an emotional turmoil as he longed to reach out to his son, to acknowledge him, yet he understood the risks involved.

"I apologise for the delay in joining the meeting," Taking a deep breath, Shinon broke the silence. "Something held me back at the factory."

"No problem, Shinon. Better late than never," Miro nodded before introducing Shinon to them. "Gentlemen, I would like you to meet Shinon, the man behind the creations laid before us."

Shinon then turned to greet the others, his gaze eventually landing on Caleb, whose eyes, hidden behind a mask, revealed nothing of his emotions. The room seemed to grow colder.

"Good evening, everyone," Shinon nodded, treating Caleb as a stranger. "It is an honour to be here."

Masterbuilder, sensing the tension between the two, cleared his throat and decided to press on with the meeting.

"Now, let’s get to the purpose of this gathering."

"Of course." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

The room’s atmosphere began to shift. The discussion revolved around Shinon’s creations and the remarkable craftsmanship he had displayed.

Caleb leaned forward, unable to contain his curiosity, his eyes locked on Shinon.

"Intriguing creations, Shinon," Caleb smiled. "Would you care to present them?"

Shinon, still maintaining his formal distance, nodded and began explaining without any delays. Every word he spoke demonstrated his skill and knowledge, and Caleb couldn’t help but feel a fatherly sense of pride.

Shinon described the three devices he had created—a flare, a sonic disruptor, and an energy net. He explained their intended uses, their functionalities, and how he had overcome various technical challenges during their creation.

The mayor and the Eclipse leader, despite their different motives, shared a fascination for his work. Well, at least Caleb did because it was difficult to predict what the masked man was thinking.

By the time Shinon was done, the room was alive with murmurs of approval and admiration. Caleb, though ecstatic about the man his son had grown up to become, couldn’t help but feel the weight of their strained relationship.

He wanted to reach out, to bridge the chasm between them, but the presence of the Eclipse leader made it impossible for them. Caleb knew very well that the moment he showed any attention to Shinon, the Eclipse would either get rid of him or use him as a hostage to ensure his cooperation.

As the discussion continued, the formal tone persisted. Shinon’s voice remained neutral, his demeanour businesslike. Caleb found it difficult to decipher his emotions or gauge his sentiments towards his long-lost son.

Finally, as the meeting concluded, Masterbuilder wore a pleased smile.

"I believe these devices show great promise. Well done, Shinon."

"Thank you, Masterbuilder." Shinon acknowledged the praise with a nod, a respectful response as he adhered to the formality of the situation.

Soon, the meeting concluded, but the heavy atmosphere remained intact, the tension almost palpable. The moment between father and son, the chance for reconciliation, remained unseized, concealed beneath layers of masks and hidden truths.

Shinon received the contract that bound him to produce more of his unique creations. He accepted it with a nod and was ready to make his exit when the room’s silence was interrupted.

The masked leader of the Eclipse stood in his path. His gaze hid behind the dark mask, and his voice resonated with authority as he addressed Shinon.

"There’s more to discuss, Mr. Flintlock," he said calmly, his tone laced with intrigue. "I’d appreciate a moment of your time."

"Sir, I don’t think-"

Caleb and Miro, vigilant over Shinon’s safety, moved to intervene, their concern evident. However, Shinon halted them with a simple gesture, his eyes fixed on the masked leader.

"Go ahead, I’ll join you later," Shinon replied with a smile. "I’d be more than happy to entertain that request."

Leaving the room, they complied with his wishes, though their concern remained palpable.

Once they were alone, the masked man gestured toward a chair. "Please, have a seat."

But Shinon declined the invitation, opting to remain standing, his guard never waning.

"I know exactly who you are, Shinon Flintlock. In fact, I know more about you than anyone in this city," the man smirked. "I just wanted to let you know you didn’t arrive in Heaven’s Refuge of your own accord. After all, my men could have assassinated you at any time I wished."

As the words left the leader’s mouth, Shinon’s sharp mind was already at work, assessing the situation and its implications. He remained stoic, giving away no sign of surprise or concern.

Watching Shinon all quiet, the masked figure got up, drawing closer as he placed his hands on Shinon’s shoulders.

"I hope you’re smart enough not to cause any trouble inside the city and to keep yourself in check around my men. Consider this your first and final warning. My eyes are always on you..."

With that, the masked leader retreated from the room, leaving Shinon alone with his thoughts. A smile crept across his face, a subtle sign of satisfaction.

As he had suspected—the Eclipse leader’s interest in him had been piqued. The bait had been set, and now it was a matter of patience, allowing the fish to take it willingly.