Page 10 of Claws and Controllers

The audience was rapt, oohing and aahing as Ellie cycled through various character models, showing off the intricate detail and customization options.

“But Infinite Odyssey isn’t just about creating your perfect avatar,” Ellie continued, moving on to the gameplay demonstration. “It’s about the stories you create, the challenges you overcome, and the connections you forge along the way.”

She dove into an explanation of the game’s competitive missions, showcasing how players could team up or face off against each other in a variety of scenarios. The crowd gasped and cheered as she navigated her character through a particularly tricky dungeon, narrowly avoiding traps and dispatching enemies with fluid grace.

Ellie was in her zone, riding high on the energy of the crowd and her own passion for the game. Which was why the announcer’s next words hit her like a bucket of ice water.

“And now, to really put Infinite Odyssey to the test, let’s welcome a surprise challenger. Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for the CEO of Ashford Entertainment, Zyan Ashford!”

Ellie’s head snapped up, her eyes widening as she watched Zyan Ashford stride onto the stage. She’d seen him from afar yesterday, of course, but nothing had prepared her for the impact of his presence up close.

He was tall, easily towering over her petite frame, with a massive physique that spoke of regular workouts and an activelifestyle. His light brown hair was artfully tousled, and his eyes... Ellie felt her breath catch. They were a warm light brown with flecks of gold that seemed to glow under the stage lights.

Zy approached with a confident smile, extending his hand. “Ms. Madden. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you properly. I’ve heard great things about Infinite Odyssey.”

Ellie took his hand, trying to ignore the spark of electricity that jumped between them at the contact. “Mr. Ashford,” she replied, proud of how steady her voice sounded. “I’m surprised to see you here. I wouldn’t have thought you’d have time for impromptu gaming sessions, what with running an empire and all.”

His smile widened, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “I always make time for quality gaming, especially when it involves going head-to-head with such a worthy opponent.”

Her brow raised, a competitive spark igniting in her chest. “Worthy opponent, huh? We’ll see about that.”

As they took their places at the gaming stations, Ellie’s mind raced. She’d prepared for many scenarios, but facing off against Zyan Ashford hadn’t been one of them. She’d spent so long viewing Ashford Entertainment as the faceless enemy, the corporate giant that had profited from her ex-husband’s betrayal. But now, with Zy standing next to her, larger than life and undeniably charismatic, she found her carefully constructed walls of resentment beginning to crack.

“So, Ms. Madden,” Zy’s voice cut through her thoughts as they waited for the game to load, “what character shall I expect to face? A fire-breathing dragon? A cunning witch?”

Ellie smirked, some of her usual sass returning. “Wouldn’t you like to know? I think I’ll keep you guessing, Mr. Ashford. Anticipation is half the fun, after all.”

Zy chuckled, a rich, warm sound that sent an unexpected shiver down Ellie’s spine. “I do enjoy a good mystery. Andplease, call me Zy. I have a feeling we’re going to get to know each other quite well over the course of this match.”

Ellie’s cheeks heated at the subtle flirtation in his tone. “We’ll see about that... Zy,” she replied, putting a slight emphasis on his name. “I should warn you, I don’t go easy on anyone, no matter how charming they think they are.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way... Ellie,” he countered, his golden-flecked eyes twinkling with mischief.

As the game loaded, Ellie took a deep breath, centering herself. Whatever mixed feelings Zy’s presence was stirring up, she couldn’t let it distract her. This was her moment, her game. She was here to win.

The match began, and Ellie immersed herself in the world of Infinite Odyssey. She’d chosen a character she knew well – a shapeshifting fox with a talent for illusions and trickery. It was a build that rewarded quick thinking and creative problem-solving, perfect for showcasing the game’s depth.

To her surprise, Zy had selected a tiger shifter character. His choice piqued her curiosity – the tiger was one of the more challenging shifter types to master, requiring a delicate balance of raw power and strategic thinking.

“A tiger, huh?” Ellie commented, her eyes flicking briefly to Zy. “Bold choice. Not many players can handle that kind of power effectively.”

Zy’s lips curved into a small, almost secretive smile. “What can I say? I have an affinity for big cats. Plus, I enjoy a challenge.”

As they navigated through a complex maze filled with traps and puzzles, Ellie found herself genuinely impressed by Zy’s gameplay. He controlled his tiger shifter with a natural grace that seemed almost too real, seamlessly switching between human and tiger form to overcome obstacles.

FOUR

“You play that tiger like you were born to it,” Ellie remarked, unable to keep the admiration from her voice.

Zy chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent an unexpected shiver down Ellie’s spine. “Maybe in another life. For now, I’m just enjoying exploring this incredible world you’ve created.”

The sincerity in his voice caught Ellie off guard. She’d expected corporate platitudes, not genuine appreciation. “I... thank you,” she managed, her focus momentarily slipping.

Zy seized the opportunity, his tiger character pouncing in a surprise attack that nearly overwhelmed Ellie’s defenses. She recovered quickly, retaliating with a clever combination of illusions and quick strikes.

“Sneaky,” Ellie commented, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. “I’ll have to watch out for those claws.”

“All’s fair in love and war,” Zy quipped, his shoulder brushing against hers as he leaned in to execute a particularly tricky maneuver.

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