The Kestrel’s Crossroad
Cal Faros sat in his luxurious mansion, sipping a glass of Cal Cola, watching the skyline of Thundarr City. The city was alive—chaotic, crime-ridden, and unpredictable—just the way he liked it. But tonight, his greatest challenge wasn’t a masked villain or a criminal syndicate. It was Rosy Woldur.
Rosy, the brilliant aerospace engineer, was the only woman who truly saw through him. She wasn’t interested in his wealth or playboy reputation. She loved him for the man behind the mask—the restless, reckless, and lonely soul hidden beneath layers of charm and bravado.
“Cal,” she said softly, sitting across from him. “I don’t want to pressure you, but… do you ever think about the future? About us?”
Cal sighed, rubbing his temple. “Rosy, you know I care about you. But I’m not the kind of guy who settles down, buys a house, and raises kids. Not now.”
Her eyes searched his face. “Then when, Cal? When you’re too old to enjoy life? When you’ve lost too much to even try?”
Albort, ever the loyal butler, walked in just then, clearing his throat. “Master Cal, if I may… Rosy is a fine woman. Perhaps it’s time to consider a more stable life rather than—”
Cal smirked. “Rather than jumping off rooftops, slicing through criminals, and making enemies? No thanks, Albort.”
Later that night, he met Rita at her usual spot in a high-end café. She studied him with knowing eyes. “Rosy’s different, isn’t she?”
Cal frowned. “She is. And that’s the problem.”
Rita leaned forward. “You don’t want to lose her, but you also don’t want to stop being Kestrel. That’s the real issue, isn’t it?”
He exhaled sharply. “I can’t be tied down, Rita. Not while this city needs me.”
Rita smirked. “You think this city will ever stop needing you? Crime will never end, Cal. But Rosy might walk away if you don’t figure this out.”
Later that night, as Kestrel, he perched on the edge of a rooftop, looking down at the streets below. Was he really willing to sacrifice love for the thrill of the fight?
Rosy deserved a man who could give her a future. But he wasn’t sure he could ever be that man.
For now, he would keep flying.
A Night of Love and Trouble
The evening began perfectly. Cal Faros had arranged an exclusive dinner at the SkyLuxe Tower, the highest restaurant in Thundarr City, where the view stretched beyond the glowing skyline. Rosy Woldur sat across from him in an elegant red dress, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders.
“For once, you’re not running off in the middle of dinner,” she teased, sipping her wine.
Cal smirked. “For you? I’ll make an exception.”
Rosy’s eyes softened. “Maybe you could make more exceptions. A little more time for us. For something real.”
Cal leaned forward, brushing his fingers against hers. “Tonight, it’s just you and me, Rosy. No distractions.”
The date continued with laughter, stolen kisses, and a moonlit drive in Cal’s sleek black convertible. By the time they reached his million-dollar mansion, Rosy was in his arms, lost in the thrill of being with him.
As they stepped inside, she traced his jawline with her fingers. “You know, I could get used to this.”
Cal pulled her close. “Then stay.”
But just as things were heating up, the front door swung open.
A woman stood there, her arms crossed, her high heels clicking against the marble floor. Walmy.
Rosy stiffened, turning to face the unexpected guest. “And who is this?”
Cal sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Rosy, meet Walmy. Walmy, this is—”
“I know who she is,” Walmy snapped, eyes flashing with jealousy. “I didn’t expect to find you playing house, Cal.”
Rosy’s face darkened. “So much for ‘just me and you.’”
Cal gritted his teeth. “This isn’t what it looks like.”
Rosy folded her arms. “Oh, really? Because it looks exactly like what I should’ve expected.”
Walmy smirked. “Looks like your playboy days aren’t over, Cal.”
Rosy grabbed her purse. “I should’ve known better.”
Cal reached for her, but she pulled away. “Don’t.”
She stormed out, leaving Cal standing between his past and his possible future.
Walmy sighed, shaking her head. “You really should’ve kept your schedule clear, lover boy.”
Cal exhaled. He was Kestrel, the fearless warrior of the night—but in this moment, he had no idea how to fight for what truly mattered.
