Free Magic Born by Caethes Faron Page A

parking lot on this side of the building was more crowded than the one we had initially seen. Sitting in the spot closest to the front was a bright yellow sports car. According to a press interview, Casper had bought it when the game surpassed five million subscribers.
    When we got inside, a perky receptionist greeted us. “Mr. Rothian is expecting you. Please, follow me.” Her smile revealed the whitest teeth I had ever seen, and her ponytail swung with a cheery little clip as she twirled to her left, expecting us to follow her.
    “Turns out you did good, Rick.” I nodded in the security guard’s direction as we walked off. No need for him to worry that I’d follow through with my threat. We followed the swaying ponytail to a nearby elevator. When the doors opened, Alex and I stepped inside while the receptionist swiped her ID then pressed the button for the fifth floor. “Someone will be there to greet you. Have a great day!” She waved and twirled back in the direction from which she’d come.
    Once the doors closed, I realized the elevator was a replica of a lift from the elven capital city in the game, complete with soundtrack. Translucent, sparkly blue and green walls surrounded us, and the buttons for the floors resembled mother-of-pearl. I wished I was here under different circumstances. Casper had been right; I would enjoy the full treatment. Maybe we’d be able to get the medallion off and I could take a tour. Somehow, deep down, I knew that wouldn’t be the case. The elevator dinged and the doors opened, revealing a nearly identical bright-eyed, receptionist to the one who’d met us downstairs.
    “Welcome! Mr. Rothian is expecting you. If you’d follow me right this way?” She gestured with her arm to the left as we exited the elevator and followed her. I’d never seen anyone so perky at their job, but I guess I’d be perky too if I got to work somewhere like this.
    I had expected that the floor with Casper’s office would look like a regular, boring office building. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Just like the elevator and entryway below, the hallways here were exquisitely decorated with art from the game. The conference rooms we passed were a fascinating mixture of state-of-the-art technology and old-world fantasy. Frosted windows were etched with epic battle scenes from the game. I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch one, the smooth yet bumpy texture of the glass leaving me in even more awe.
    The receptionist halted in front of the door to a corner office. She knocked, and without waiting for an answer, opened the door and gestured for us to enter. After we crossed the threshold, she closed the door behind us, leaving us alone with the red-headed man I recognized instantly as Casper Rothian, creator of the biggest game franchise in the world.
    Casper stood and a smile lit his face as he walked around his desk with an outstretched hand. “Kat, so good to see you. I’m happy you were able to make it after all.” I shook his hand, and then he turned to Alex. “And who is this?”
    “My name is Alex. I’m a friend.”
    As soon as their hands touched, Casper’s eyes narrowed curiously. “A shifter? I’d guess you’re one of the cats.”
    “You’re correct.” Alex didn’t elaborate. Something about him seemed on edge, as if he didn’t entirely trust Casper or the situation we found ourselves in.
    Casper focused his brown eyes on me as he leaned back against his desk, crossing his ankles and folding his arms across his chest. I didn’t know if it was because he wanted to address me directly or if he felt uncomfortable beneath Alex’s scrutiny. “I take it since you brought along a shifter that this isn’t you simply wanting to redeem your prize.”
    “You’re right, although now that I’ve seen the place, I really would like a tour sometime.” I couldn’t help a nervous, goofy smile forming on my face, but Casper didn’t match it. His face settled into a serious,