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Published:
2025-08-20
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2025-09-06
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4/?
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Beneath the City Stars

Summary:

Riftan, a former special ops turned security detail, was assigned to guard Maxillian Girtha Croix, the mysterious daughter of two of the most powerful political families in the country. But there seemed to be something more to the mystery of this influential family's daughter. With Riftan being drawn to her for reasons he couldn't understand, and her behaving nothing like the cunning man her father is, he doesn't know what will become of his stagnant, colourless world.

Notes:

I have edited and changed the structure and chapter order to flow a little better than before. This is all thanks to the great feedback and motivation y'all gave me! I now have a better idea of how to write moving forward, so I hope that all of you will join me in this journey and hopefully enjoy it too!

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter 1: THE ASSIGNMENT

Summary:

The morning of the assignment.

Notes:

Please be patient with meeeee
I changed a few things and the order of the chapters because of writer's block! I hope it'll flow better now.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

THE ASSIGNMENT

It was a gloomy morning. It had been raining the whole night, too, but the clouds had finally started to disperse, letting the sun shine dimly. He did not enjoy this weather. It reminded him of the day he was staring death in the face, reminded of his wretched state, and an even more pathetic and helpless demise he would face.

Stop thinking of that!

Still, he had to get out of bed and get on with his life. No matter what he might be suffering from, life goes on. He also had to keep moving forward.

Although I no longer know why…

Shaking off his spiraling thoughts with a shake of his head, he got up from the bed and prepped for his morning workout. Come what may, his discipline can’t be shaken. His routine kept him going. Besides, he had to stay as sharp as a blade in his line of work if he wanted to keep his job.

Riftan Calypse is a former special ops, now working for a private security firm called Wedon Security. His job was simple. Escort. He was the covert part of the security detail. Ensuring the client's safety and not engaging unless absolutely necessary. It was perfect for him. His experience from all those high-stakes stealth operations during his army service made these jobs extremely simple. There was also the bonus of not needing to interact with anyone unless necessary. He didn’t like talking to people. His attitude, he was aware, could come across as cold and brusque, and he had no intention of going around explaining himself or watching what he said for the sake of someone else. His demeanor was a result of the life he had led, and he preferred this over being hurt because of unnecessary emotions swaying him.

DING

As his workout came to an end, his work phone pinged. He was supposed to receive a new assignment today. He was briefed on the client and given basic information on the subject he had to escort. She was a 25-year-old woman, Maximillian Girtha Croix, the eldest daughter of Senator Ision Croix, and a woman shrouded in mystery. He was given a description of her appearance, but not a single photo, nor could any be found online. She was in town for her second PhD, Literature, her first PhD being in Psychology. From the information he received, he could tell that she was quite accomplished academically. Her father, on the other hand, was infuriating and disgusting to say the least.

He was a calculating and cunning man who had entered into a political marriage with the sole daughter of the Girtha family. The Girthas were technically not active in the ruling party, but a majority of the members of the senate were loyal to them. Croixs, on the other hand, were quite active, leading multiple projects and climbing to some of the most powerful positions within the ruling party. Senator Croix needed the support of the faction still loyal to the Girthas, hence his marriage to the only daughter of the family. She passed away soon after giving birth, leaving their daughter, Maximillian Girtha Croix, behind. It was famously known that Senator Croix was very protective of his eldest daughter for many reasons. She was said to be sickly since birth, after all. But Riftan could bet that it was because of his love for his daughter, stemming from her distinguished lineage. Senator Croix’s marriage may be political, but his daughter, born to two of the most established and distinguished families in the country, was probably the reason for his love and over-protectiveness towards her. He hated that man, and people like him, for that matter.

People who sit atop their thrones, believing themselves to have the authority to weigh human lives for their benefit, justifying it by saying that it was for the ‘greater good’. He unfortunately came across many such people and witnessed the atrocities caused by such people’s decisions while he was participating in active war. Such people’s arrogance knows no bounds. They think that their lineage makes them better than others, that they can sit far away in the safety of their homes and decide the fate of hundreds, if not thousands, as if they were mere chess pieces.

Will she be just as arrogant?

Her activities didn’t stand out, almost as if she were deliberately trying not to grab anybody’s attention. She was the Senator’s cherished daughter; surely she would have inherited his arrogance and haughtiness, at least that is what usually happens… but the more he went through the information he was given, the more strange it seemed. It wasn’t something anybody could just pick up on at first glance, but he could tell, thanks to his strong intuitions and observation skills he developed during his years in the military. Also, maybe, because of his personal experiences… she was cautious, extremely so… and…

Lonely..?

He felt a little stupid for thinking of the words ‘lonely’ and ‘cautious’ about the daughter of one of the most influential figures in current-day politics… but he felt something odd, familiar, almost drawn to her. He wanted to ask her if she was okay…

Smack

He facepalmed.

I must be going crazy!
Maybe I really should consider going to a psychologist!

He sighed. Just this morning, he was glad about the nature of his job and the benefits of not interacting with the subjects, but now he wanted to ask her if she was okay. He really must be going insane from his loneliness if he were trying to find himself in others.

I guess I should call Hebaron and get that doctor’s number after all.

He sighed again at the thought of that exhausting ginger-headed man and started prepping to go to work after pushing the unfamiliar feelings to the back of his mind.

He had a job to get to.

Notes:

Feedback or any comment is appreciated!

Chapter 2: THE WOMAN

Summary:

First impression.

Notes:

Like I mentioned in the previous chapter, I have changed the order of chapters and also made a few more edits so the story flows better. This one is basically the prologue with a few edits to make it smoother and relevant, so if you have already read this, you can skim it over to get a better idea of what is to happen going forward. It's fine even if you don't wanna tho!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

THE WOMAN

It was the kind of early spring that smelled of wet asphalt and the last remnants of rain. The city hummed with its usual rhythm – honking cars, the slow buzz of the streetlamps flickering to life, the distant sound spilling out of the ballroom, outside of which he was waiting for… her…

She was just another job. Another paycheck. He repeated that to himself.

It felt odd, though…

Of course, this wasn't the first time he thought his job was borderline creepy. It would be stalking if the clients didn’t hire them and provided consent… Obviously. But it was legal, paid well, and most importantly, he could stay away from people.

Maybe that’s why this job was making him uneasy… he didn’t feel the need to stay away from her. If anything, he wanted to meet her… ask her if she was lonely too…

ENOUGH ALREADY!

She was the daughter of Senator Croix, Maximillian Girtha Croix. Someone who probably grew up with the utmost love and care, with everything she ever desired. She was the complete opposite of who he was – broken.

Lonely my ass! Stop deluding yourself. She probably just doesn’t interact with anybody because she thinks of them as beneath her.

He wasn't really envious. ‘It is what it is' he thought. But when he was reading up on the basic research that he needed to keep an eye on her, he noticed she felt like an isolated person, too scared to be close with someone, just like him. It was a stupid thought, he knew that. How could someone with such a distinguished background, living a comfortable life, be anything like him?

But her behaviour, her activities… they aren't that of an arrogant rich kid that I expected.
If anything, it was similar to that of a cautious recluse…
Maybe I was being too prejudiced about my opinion of her...

Still… to think she would feel anything similar to my emptiness is just delusional of me!
Why would I even think that? Focus! This is a job that you need to get done.
That’s it!
Don’t overthink things.

His mind was a mess, completely contrasting his usual disciplined self.

“Subject will exit in T-minus thirty seconds.”

The low machine-like voice in his right ear’s earpiece jolted him out of his contradictory thoughts. Right, subject, that’s what she was. Kind of shitty to be objectifying a person that way, but it was part of the job to avoid breaking discipline and to fulfill the mission successfully and efficiently.

He didn't receive any pictures of her. Something about compromising her safety in case the photographs were to leak. There wasn't a single photo of the eldest daughter of Senator Croix anywhere to be found. It was strictly controlled. He was just told that she had auburn hair and was wearing a silver dress. He kept an eye on both his watch and the exit of the Ballroom. Thirty seconds were almost up, she should be out any second now —

Then she walked out.

The world seemed to slow down. The sounds of the city, which were grating on his nerves, dulled. There she was. A woman in a silver dress and auburn hair, as the description mentioned.

But the description seemed to have failed to mention that her hair wasn’t just auburn, it was a mix of fiery red, auburn, and wine coloured curls cascading down her fragile-looking shoulders… her shoulders were hunched… that was unexpected.

The more he watched, the more entrancing her movements became; her hair moved like a wild fire dancing wildly in the wind, revealing multiple shades ranging from golden orange to deep wine, depending on where the street lights hit, sometimes shining in a way that made it look like golden strands were dancing elegantly in a raging fire.

She was dressed in a simple but elegant silver, off-shoulder, boat-neck, A-line dress with sparkly yet tasteful crystal adornments. She looked otherworldly. So otherworldly that it caught him off guard. The information he was given DID NOT mention anything about her incredible beauty.

Granted, this wasn't the first time he had seen beautiful people. He had met people from across the board, celebrities, models, athletes, and many others who were considered beautiful by the majority of the public, and they were truly beautiful people. But something about Maximillian was more than just ‘Beautiful’, she was radiant, ethereal, yet so cautious that she looked fragile and vulnerable.

“Subject has exited the building. Confirm visual.”

The command reminded him of the actual job he had to do, which was NOT creepily staring at an innocent yet extremely beautiful girl like a vulture… DAMMIT!

“Confirmed.”, he murmured in a rough voice.

“Escort only. Do not engage unless necessary”, the voice commanded.

Yes. Escort only. No need to be all shaken up. So what if she is beautiful? I’ve seen beautiful people before. Nothing new. I just need to keep my discipline and do what I’ve always done best.

She looks tense…

There is tension in her shoulders, the nervous swallow of her throat, as if she were constantly in the middle of a battlefield…

I know how that feels…

NO! NO! You are being stupid again!
She is probably like that because of her sheltered upbringing.

Yes, that must be it.

He shook himself back to reality and kept a keen eye on her and her surroundings while holding himself back from going to her and getting a closer look, asking her if she was okay, comforting her, and letting her know that she was safe, that he would protect her if she ever needed him.

He tried his best not to engage. He really did. But her heel got stuck in the pavement, she stumbled forward, and he moved like his body wasn't his own. It was instinctual, but he reached her in three large strides, firmly grabbed her arm, and pulled her back… leading her to fall back and lean on his chest. She winced and looked back. That’s when he finally got to see her… truly see her…

Notes:

Thank you for reading! I will be uploading the next chapter in a day or two. I am sorry it took me this long to upload or even edit this. I hit a really bad writer's block, but now I finally have inspiration to write lol! I'll try to upload often. Also, I greatly appreciate any comments or feedback that you give! Love from my side!

Chapter 3: LOCKING EYES

Summary:

Seeing her up close.

Notes:

First and foremost, thank you, "Ilovenonexistentmen" for your feedback about the order of the chapters. It helped me deal with the block that I had hit! Also, a huge thanks to everyone else as well for giving me the motivation and ideas to write more! After changing up the structure and editing a little here and there, I finally present to you the 3rd chapter! It's a little short, but I promise to write longer chapters going forward! I hope you enjoy!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

She was short. So much shorter that she had to look up to see who held her back from falling. She looked startled, maybe even scared.

She had big doe-like eyes—silver irises like a frozen lake on a snowy winter day. Golden brown freckles dusted her cheek and the bridge of her nose. Every part of her was so beautiful that he almost forgot to breathe. She looked like a nymph or an angel that descended from heaven. Ethereal. Lovely… Unbelievable…

She was trembling.

Is she cold? Is she scared? Did something happen?

His grip on the curl of her elbow tightened reflexively. She winced. He immediately let go, causing her to stumble a little.

Right. I am a stranger holding her arm in the middle of the night. Of course, she is scared.
You creepy idiot!

“You alright?”, he asked in the calmest voice he could muster.

Surprised, she looked up.

“Y-Yes, I w-w-wasn’t lo-o-ooking.”, she said while still trembling a little. Her voice was soft, sweet, barely audible, but it sounded like music to his ears.

“You need to be.”, he replied sharply, way too sharply. He was so entranced by her face and voice that he just replied in his usual gruff way. He regretted that immediately, though, because Maximillian was now shaking like a leaf and looked like she was on the verge of crying. She hunched her shoulders more than she already had and mumbled an apology.

“I-I-I am s-s-sor-r-ry”

NO! NONONO!
Dammit! Why are you apologizing? I spoke to you like a dick!
God dammit! What do I say now?! Why isn’t she getting mad at me? That would be loads better!

He had never once had qualms about his brusque way of speaking or gruff words. They got the job done, and he never really cared what others thought. Sure, he never intentionally said something to hurt others, but he never felt the need to watch what he said or how he said it. This attitude seems to have come back to bite him in his ass. He quickly tried to come up with something to say that could calm her down and not make her cry, for god’s sake!

“I mean… the city doesn’t slow down for anyone, my lady.”, he said in a softer, more playful tone. At least he tried.

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?! MY LADY?! WHAT IS THIS? THE 18OOS??
God fucking dammit all! Hebaron and Gabel would’ve laughed their asses off if they saw this, and I wouldn’t even be able to rebuke them!

Riftan was internally screaming, but when he looked back towards Maximillian, she wasn’t shaking anymore. She looked surprised, amused even. She gave him a very tiny, subtle smile. It was barely a smile, but it somehow showed in her eyes.

I guess she found that funny. Wasn’t my intention to turn into an 1800s clown, but if that helps, then sure…
Did her eyes just twinkle? They twinkled! She must be an angel…

“Th-th-thank y-you… um…?”

Her pleasant voice brought him out of his thoughts of her admiration.

He paused. Can he give her his name? He wasn’t supposed to interact with the subjects, but she was more than a subject to him at this point. He felt a pull when he looked at her expectant eyes.

We aren’t supposed to come in contact. This is trouble. I shouldn’t get involved. I should-

“Riftan”, he blurted out before he could even realize what he did.

Fuck

“I s-see. Th-thank y-y-you, R-Riftan”, she said with another tiny smile. All his thoughts and worries were forgotten the second he heard her say his name.

Everything was hazy after that. Her getting into her car, him reporting her status, something else about the route that he doesn’t even remember anymore, and him getting back to his house. Nothing. All that he could remember was her. He was screwed.

I am screwed.

Notes:

Thank you so much for reading. All comments and feedback are welcome and appreciated! I will try to upload more often and longer chapters! Do let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear them!
COMMENTS=LIFE JUICE 🤪😉

Chapter 4: NOTICE

Summary:

Riftan had a habit of being overly critical of himself. He had been told so by many, but he thought it better that he correct himself than let others find fault in him. It was his way of improving himself. This habit was becoming especially apparent while he wrestled with his strange mix of emotions about this redheaded girl.

After agonizing and feeling guilty for what felt like hours, he was roused from his jumbled thoughts when he heard a ring from his work phone.

“Report to the head office, tomorrow at 0900 hours.”

That was all. They hung up.

Chapter Text

Hey, I know you wanna read the 4th chapter and not some note from me instead, but please hear me out. I am really sorry for the delay in posting. I was actually almost done with chapter 4 on the day I uploaded chapter 3, but the very next day, my mother collapsed and I had to rush her to the hospital. I am currently in the hospital writing this while she sleeps. She has been battling cancer for a while now. Now the main point. I really didn't want to do this, but I could use some extra cash, so I decided to upload the 4th chapter on Ko-Fi. I'll attach the link at the end. I am sorry for doing this. I just wanted to share my fanfiction, which I really enjoyed writing, with all of you, but I need to get medicine for my mother. Once we get back home, I'll work on writing Chapter 5 and upload Chapter 4 here for free once it is done. But till then, I request that if you really enjoyed my story, then please support me in any way possible. Thank you for listening to my long chattering. I am sorry to have ruined your mood when you came here to relax. As a way to cheer you up, take my tiny hearts! 💕💕💕
We'll all overcome all our problems!

https://ko-fi.com/s/3291cc208e

Notes:

Thank you for reading! Any feedback or comments are appreciated! I'll try to upload more often, so I hope you'll stick around to enjoy this wild ride with me!