- Bargaining With Shadows
- Neon Nightmares
- Love’s Neon Oath
In "Bargaining With Shadows," Lee is faced with the daunting task of negotiating with the rebel group, West Tower. For this purpose, he enlists Host's expertise as a Mediator, to broker a deal for the valuable pod pieces. In his pursuit of peace, Lee finds himself entangled in a web of emotions as Song becomes the catalyst for his vulnerability, compelling him to unveil the raw truth behind his hesitations. Will Lee manage to achieve a truce in his feud with West Tower?
Deleted scene from "Reaper."
Required Reading: Reaper
Reading Order:
- Taizhou #2.3
- Taizhou: Beyond the Clouds #4
This short is a Newsletter / Patreon / Ream exclusive.
Bargaining With Shadows
The air hung thick with anticipation as Lee and Song waited for the call. The hum of neon lights filled the tense silence, casting an eerie glow on the artifacts and machinery that adorned the shop's shelves. Lee's fingers nervously tapped on the counter, under Song’s watchful glance.
The slender hands of his lover squeezed his shoulders in a gentle massage, trying to undo the knots he could feel at the base of his neck.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Song asked.
Lee nodded, silent.
READ MOREA soft tone announced the incoming call Lee had been waiting for. As Song stepped away, out of view from the camera, Lee tapped the display to accept the incoming video call. The image of Host materialized before him.
“Good mornin’, Lee,”
“Mornin’, Host” He called back, reaching for a cigarette.
“You ready for the meetin’?”
Lee grimaced. “I mean, do I have a choice?” He half-joked.
Host snorted. “You agreed to it already so,no.” The man half-joked. “Alright, I’m patching ‘em through in five.”
The screen went dark momentarily.
Lee lit a cigarette, taking a long drag of it, then blowing out the smoke in a long sigh. The five minutes ticked away slowly, and on the dot, the screen lit up again, this time a split view. On one side was Host, on the other, the stern look of a dark-skinned man with an imposing beard.
“Lee, this is Dvorak. Dvorak, this is Lee.” Host called.
Lee brought two fingers to his forehead and gave a brief salute. The man merely nodded in acknowledgment.
COLLAPSE
Part of the Taizhou series:
- Runner
- Reaper
- Neon Nightmares
- Bargaining With Shadows
- Love's Neon Oath
Trailers
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Shorts
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