Episode 3 – A Night to Remember
The neon glow of New Orleans flickered through the rain-slicked streets, casting vivid reflections across Phoenix’s path as she made her way to the mansion. The party at VR star Darius Lark’s home had been the talk of the city for weeks, and the crowd spilling out into the courtyard was proof of its pull. Phoenix wasn’t here for the glamour, though; she was drawn by whispers of someone impersonating her, sightings that had unsettled her ever since she’d woken in the alley weeks ago.
Inside, the mansion was a mix of old-world opulence and cutting-edge tech, filled with celebrities, VR artists, and those looking to make a name. Music thumped, and holographic projections played out dramatic scenes against the walls. Phoenix moved through the crowd, her senses on high alert.
“Didn’t think you’d show,” came a familiar voice behind her. Sam Riaz, dressed in civilian clothes but unmistakable with his sharp gaze, gave her a nod. “Got word you’d be here. What’s going on, Phoenix?”
She hesitated. “I’m hearing things. Someone’s pretending to be me.”
Before Sam could respond, a loud commotion erupted near the pool. A woman screamed, and the crowd surged forward. Phoenix and Sam pushed through, hearts pounding. There, floating face-down in the shimmering water, was a young woman. The party’s carefree facade shattered instantly.
As police and emergency services arrived, the party guests were questioned, and the area was cordoned off. Sam exchanged tense words with his colleagues, his expression darkening. Phoenix stayed just outside the perimeter, scanning the scene with narrowed eyes. The victim was identified as Mia Clark, a rising influencer and part-time VR actor known for pushing boundaries in her performances.
Sam returned, eyes catching Phoenix’s. “Preliminary checks are calling it an accident, but the bruising on her neck suggests otherwise.” His jaw clenched. “We need to find out what really happened here.”
Phoenix nodded, her instincts tingling with a strange, familiar hum. The scene, the pool, the energy—it all felt deliberate.
Maya Torres met them at the precinct, eyes gleaming with curiosity as she sifted through Mia’s data. “Got a lot of encrypted files here, boss,” she said to Sam, glancing at Phoenix. “And some of it’s linked to VR tech I haven’t seen since the Marlow case. Arcana meets VR simulation.”
Phoenix’s brow furrowed. “Did Mia have enemies?”
Maya tapped a few keys, pulling up a list of contacts. “Nothing concrete, but she was involved with Ronnie ‘Sparks’ Moreau, the fixer known for getting talent into risky VR gigs. And guess what? She was scheduled to meet someone using your name, Phoenix.”
Sam shot Phoenix a look that said everything. They were onto something bigger than a murder.
The club was in an old warehouse, dressed up with neon lights and holograms that shifted with the beat of electronic music. It was Ronnie’s playground, filled with VR rigs and experimental tech. Phoenix and Sam entered cautiously, the weight of the night pressing in around them.
Ronnie met them with a lopsided grin. “Well, if it isn’t the detective and his mysterious friend. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Tell us about Mia Clark,” Sam said, voice cold.
Ronnie’s eyes flickered with recognition, but his smile faltered. “Bad business, that. She got tangled up with someone she shouldn’t have. Someone with deep pockets and an interest in identity tech.”
Phoenix felt the hair on her neck stand up. “Who?”
Ronnie hesitated, glancing around. “They call themselves The Veil. They play in shadows, and they’re after more than just fame. Mia found out too much, and whoever’s been pretending to be you? They’re part of it.”
Suddenly, a figure stepped from the shadows, half-hidden by the pulsing lights. A woman with Phoenix’s face and posture but eyes that burned with a cold fire. The imposter.
“Finally found me, did you?” the woman said, her voice like Phoenix’s but with an edge of malice. “I’ve been waiting.”
The club erupted into chaos as the imposter’s eyes glowed with arcane energy. Phoenix reacted instinctively, power surging through her as she countered with her own magic. The air crackled, and people screamed as they ducked for cover.
Sam and Maya moved swiftly, guiding bystanders to safety while keeping an eye on the confrontation. Phoenix and her doppelgänger circled each other, energy crackling between them. The imposter grinned, the same voice that had haunted Phoenix’s mind now spilling out in mocking tones.
“You don’t know who you are, do you?” the imposter taunted. “But you will.”
With a burst of energy, the imposter leaped through a window, shattering glass and disappearing into the night. Phoenix stood stunned, heart pounding as the whispers returned, louder than ever: “Find me.”
The aftermath was quieter. Ronnie was taken in for questioning, and Maya’s analysis would keep them busy for days. Sam approached Phoenix as she stared out at the storm-soaked city.
“That wasn’t just someone pretending,” Sam said. “What’s going on, Phoenix?”
Phoenix turned to him, eyes lost but determined. “I don’t know yet. But I’m going to find out.”
In the shadows, a figure watched them, a smile hidden beneath the brim of his hat.
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