Novels by nujabah01

Inside the dark command room near the edge of the city, glowing computer screens lit up the concrete walls. Cold rain tapped steadily against the steel roof as military officers in black uniforms worked quickly at their desks.Gideon Knox stood before the center monitor, his dark coat still damp from the graveyard. Commander Alistair Kane leaned over a glass table, typing rapidly with both hands as green lines of data scrolled across the glass."Commander, we broke through their radar shield," Kane reported, pointing to a flashing red marker on the sea map. "The Caldwell family hid their offshore base behind an old storm zone forty miles out. It is called the Blackwater Citadel. We believe your sisters are being kept in the territory."Serena Ashford stood half a step behind Gideon, her clean face pale under the white ceiling lights. She stared at the satellite image of the heavy concrete fortress, her fists clenching tightly at her sides."That island is completely surrounded by deep

The ballroom doors opened again, and a tall, middle-aged man in a dark blue naval uniform walked into the room, flanked by four federal security officers. The gold stars on his collar gleamed brightly under the chandeliers."It is Commissioner Anthony Drake!" someone in the crowd whispered in awe. "The Head of the State Maritime Authority! He is the one who decides who gets the contract tonight!"Dominic’s face lit up with greedy excitement as he straightened his white tie. He immediately turned his back on Serena and walked forward with an outstretched hand, wearing his most charming smile."Commissioner Drake!" Dominic said loudly, bowing his head slightly in greeting. "I am Dominic Caldwell. My family has prepared everything for your arrival. We are ready to sign the channel development agreement right now."Commissioner Drake did not even glance at Dominic's extended hand. He walked straight past him as if the young heir did not exist, his eyes scanning the crowd until they sudden

The grand ballroom of the Grand Regency Hotel was filled with bright lights and soft music. Hundreds of wealthy business owners and city leaders stood in small circles, drinking wine and talking about the upcoming harbor trade deals.Dominic Caldwell walked through the center of the hall with his chin held high, wearing a dark silk suit. Beside him walked Cassandra Reed, dressed in a red evening dress with a ruby necklace shining against her throat."Relax, Cassandra," Dominic whispered with a smug grin, patting her hand on his arm. "Tonight, the state maritime authority will give our family the exclusive rights to the outer deep-water channels. That contract is worth ten billion dollars."Cassandra smiled proudly, looking around at the wealthy women who were watching her with jealous eyes. She loved the attention, feeling as though she had finally reached the very top of Port Valenford society."Did you take care of the paperwork?" Cassandra asked softly, tilting her head toward him.

Midnight fell over the central graveyard of Port Valenford. Cold rain poured from the black clouds, soaking the tall grass and running down the cracked stones. Gideon Knox walked quietly through the mud, his boots leaving deep prints in the wet earth.He stopped before a plain gray stone standing near the top of the hill. Beneath the wet grass lay the ashes of his father, Arthur Knox, and his two older brothers who had died ten years ago. Gideon took a small metal flask from his coat, unscrewed the cap, and poured the strong drink over the dark soil."Father, I am finally back," Gideon whispered into the freezing wind, his chest tight with sorrow. "I am sorry I took ten long years to come here. I spent all this time fighting wars in the north, while you and my brothers slept alone in the cold dirt."He knelt in the wet mud, pressing his bare hand flat against the cold stone. "Mother has suffered so much, Father. Dominic Caldwell and Cassandra kept her locked in a dark cellar, and they

The heavy iron door at the back of the hall creaked open with a loud groan. Two guards dragged an old woman into the bright glare of the floodlights, tossing her roughly onto the wet floorboards. She lay in the dirt like a discarded sack, shivering against the cold wind.She wore thin, dirty rags that smelled of sour water and grease. Her gray hair hung in wet clumps, and her hands were covered in raw red burns from years of scrubbing heavy pots with harsh soap. Her shoulders were hunched, and her bare feet were bruised and cut.Gideon looked down at the frail woman shivering on the floor, and his breath caught in his throat. The entire world seemed to stop moving as he recognized the gentle face beneath the soot and scars. A sharp, burning ache ripped through his chest, tearing deeper than any war wound."Mother?" Gideon whispered, his deep voice cracking with sudden, overwhelming pain. He took a trembling step forward across the wet boards, dropping heavily to his knees in the dirt.

Gideon kicked the broken front door open and walked into the dark hall. Cold rain dripped from his coat as he looked around the ruined house. Broken glass lay all over the wet floorboards, and the freezing wind blew through the open doorway.In the middle of the room sat a single wooden chair. Cassandra was tied to it with thick ropes, her dress torn and her hair hanging over her face. A dark purple mark covered her cheek, and her body shook in the cold."Gideon!" Cassandra screamed the second she saw him, bursting into loud sobs. "You came back! Please hurry! Dominic and his men took Lily and Maya away to the docks!"Gideon rushed forward across the wet floor, dropping to one knee beside her. Seeing the woman he loved hurt and tied up made his heart ache with deep pain. For ten long years in the cold north, the thought of keeping her safe had kept him alive."I am here now, Cassandra," Gideon whispered softly, reaching for the rough ropes around her chest. "Do not be afraid anymore.