STARBOUND BILLIONAIRE

The shuttle doors slid open silently, revealing the gleaming skyline of Elysion. Ariadne Kyros took one hesitant step forward, momentarily overwhelmed by the city's blinding beauty. Her heart beat fast, quicker than she'd expected. It was as if this surreal city, suspended among the stars, existed solely to mock the modest colony she had left behind.

Ariadne paused on the landing pad, her breath visible against the cool recycled air. It felt foreign, artificial like everything else she'd seen since leaving Thalassa. Yet it also held a strange allure. Lights from luxurious towers glittered in the distance, each one a testament to unimaginable wealth. The orbiting city was nothing less than a spectacle, something straight from the dreams Ariadne never dared have.

She straightened her spine, pulling her sleek coat tighter around her slender yet shapely frame. The crisp white fabric accented curves she often tried to downplay. Auburn hair fell in soft waves around a face framed by high cheekbones and amber eyes filled with wary curiosity. Her gaze darted around, scanning the other passengers swiftly exiting the shuttle. They moved with practiced ease, each stride confident and carefree so unlike her own.

"First time in Elysion?"

Ariadne turned abruptly toward the voice. A tall, distinguished man with neatly styled silver hair and steel-gray eyes stood beside her, observing her openly with mild interest. His black tailored suit and the polished silver insignia pinned to his lapel clearly marked him as someone important.

She hesitated briefly, then summoned a polite smile. "It's that obvious?"

"Only slightly." His answering grin was kind, almost fatherly. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Nikolas Argyros, one of the administrators here. Your name?"

"Ariadne. Ariadne Kyros," she replied, holding out her hand. His handshake was firm, reassuring.

"Kyros... Ah yes, from Thalassa," he said, recognition lighting his eyes. "You've been invited here for your research, correct?"

"Exactly." Ariadne shifted her weight, suddenly self-conscious beneath his thoughtful scrutiny. "To be honest, I was a little surprised by the invitation."

Nikolas's laugh was genuine, disarming. "Well, Elysion does have a taste for innovation. We rarely miss a chance to bring new talent to our skies. Now, if you'll follow me, we'll arrange your entry clearance."

Ariadne fell into step beside him, heels clicking softly on polished marble. Everywhere around her, people moved elegantly, faces serene and composed. Luxury was as natural here as breathing, yet beneath the dazzling surfaces, Ariadne sensed something fragile. Artificial smiles. Tightly controlled voices. As if every graceful gesture concealed deeper tensions.

As they entered the high-ceilinged hall of the arrivals terminal, Ariadne's breath caught at the beauty that unfolded around her. Towering crystal sculptures cascaded like frozen waterfalls, shimmering softly beneath the translucent ceiling through which the endless cosmos glittered brilliantly. People dressed in clothing she'd only imagined passed her by, their eyes lingering momentarily, curiosity or indifference flickering briefly before moving on.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Nikolas asked, noting her reaction.

"Yes, it is. A little overwhelming," Ariadne admitted softly.

"You'll soon grow accustomed," he assured her. "Everyone does."

They reached a security checkpoint, sleek glass panels humming softly as scanners assessed each person who passed. Ariadne placed her palm against the cool surface, shivering slightly as a soft light danced across her skin. The screen flashed green, and the barrier opened. She glanced at Nikolas, who nodded approvingly.

Beyond the checkpoint, massive windows revealed an even more breathtaking sight: the sprawling city stretched endlessly, illuminated by ethereal lights and vibrant advertisements that projected softly onto clouds formed from controlled moisture. Each tower stood like a proud monument to opulence and power.

"You're fortunate, Ariadne," Nikolas remarked thoughtfully as they walked further. "Not everyone has this chance. You'll meet extraordinary people, influential individuals perhaps even someone who might change your life."

"Change my life?" She glanced at him cautiously. "I came here to work. Romance isn't on my itinerary."

Nikolas laughed gently, his expression amused yet knowing. "Sometimes life doesn't follow the plans we've set. It has its own way of interfering."

Before Ariadne could respond, a slender woman with raven hair and elegant silver-blue attire approached them swiftly, heels clicking sharply with authority. Her cool eyes assessed Ariadne, taking in her appearance from head to toe. Ariadne held her breath, resisting the urge to squirm beneath the scrutiny.

"Welcome, Miss Kyros," the woman finally said, her voice smooth yet cool. "My name is Callista Maris. I manage visitor relations. I trust your journey was pleasant?"

"It was, thank you," Ariadne replied, matching Callista's confident tone despite feeling distinctly underdressed.

"Excellent. I've arranged transportation to your quarters." Callista paused briefly, casting a knowing glance toward Nikolas. "Tonight, you'll attend the opening gala. Attendance is mandatory. Your invitation and formal attire will be delivered to your suite shortly."

"Gala?" Ariadne's pulse quickened in mild panic. "I wasn't told "

"It's customary for newcomers," Callista interrupted smoothly, her eyes cool yet not unkind. "You'll adjust soon enough."

Ariadne forced a polite nod. "I'm sure I will."

Callista gestured elegantly toward a waiting luxury transport. Ariadne moved toward it uncertainly, turning back briefly toward Nikolas, whose reassuring nod calmed her nerves slightly.

Sliding into the plush seat, Ariadne watched as Elysion blurred past in brilliant colors. Her heart thundered anxiously. She'd come here seeking opportunity, expecting nothing more than to quietly do her research. Yet the undercurrent she sensed within Elysion whispered of intrigue and hidden dangers she couldn't yet name.

Her transport paused smoothly before an imposing tower, its mirrored surface gleaming like liquid silver beneath the glittering stars. A sense of surreal awe filled her chest.

Stepping inside the suite Callista arranged, Ariadne caught her breath. It was breathtakingly luxurious yet felt somehow sterile, untouched. This was a temporary dream, surely nothing more. But as she approached a glass wall overlooking the city's sprawling beauty, doubts whispered softly in the corners of her mind.

A knock at her door broke her thoughts. A neatly wrapped package waited quietly on the table. Ariadne unwrapped it hesitantly, pulling forth a gown of shimmering midnight silk. It was the most stunning garment she'd ever touched, perfectly tailored to her shape. A brief note inside read:

"Welcome to Elysion. Tonight, your future awaits."