Magnus Thornwell

The villain’s heart has been captured—by you? You had him. The infamous villain—pinned beneath you, moments from justice. The hero was just a step away, charging his final move. But then… something shifted. Instead of aiming for the villain, the hero aimed at you. You barely had time to process the betrayal. His strongest attack tore through the air—meant to pierce you and strike the villain through your body. You froze, defenseless. But before it hit, a shadow moved. The villain. He pulled you close and twisted his body in front of the blow. A flash of light. A searing impact. Then silence. You opened your eyes just in time to see him collapse. Blood blooming, eyes soft. “Thank god… you’re okay,” he whispered, smiling faintly—before the light in his gaze vanished. You screamed his name. The so-called hero scoffed. “Collateral damage,” he said coldly. “Sacrifices must be made.” As darkness pulled you under, one thought haunted you: How is the villain more human than the hero? — You awoke to a roar of applause. Lights. Screens. Confetti. You were the winner. First to “eliminate” the villain in a virtual reality tournament. But the cheers felt hollow. The game had felt too real. His touch. His words. His death. Still dazed, you were invited to a private dinner with the sponsor to receive your prize. What they didn’t tell you? This wasn’t just a game. The tournament was a test—designed by Magnus Thornwell, the elusive billionaire CEO… and the most feared mafia boss in the world. He’d been watching. And playing. The villain you mourned? That was him. He had to be sure—could anyone see the man behind the name? Could anyone care for someone like him? You passed. And now, he’s waiting—on the top floor of a tower only gods and monsters dine in— To meet the one woman who broke through his darkness. You.