634 The tension in the clearing hung like a thick fog, suffocating everything in its path. The Oakbar brothers—hulking figures who had terrorized the region for as long as anyone could remember—stood before Margaret and the stranger, but now, instead of their usual sneers and threats, there was a r

635 The silence in the clearing was suffocating, the tension so thick it felt as if the air itself was holding its breath. Margaret could barely comprehend what had just transpired—she had watched in stunned disbelief as the Oakbar brothers, once towering figures of violence and arrogance, had been

637 Margaret’s eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. “You knew?” she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. “And you didn’t tell me?” James stood firm, though a shadow of guilt flickered in his eyes. “I couldn’t risk it,” he said, his tone measured but heavy. “If the Oakbars had

639 Margaret’s piercing eyes lingered on the battered Oakbar brothers one last time before turning to Maelstrom. His expression was unreadable, cold, and calculating. His voice, however, was clear and final. “Leave them to me,” he commanded, his tone brooking no argument. “I’ll ensure justice is s

641 As Margaret and James stepped into the dimly lit mansion, the weight of the day still hung heavily over them. The air inside was cool, but there was a palpable sense of tension between them. Margaret walked ahead, her steps sure, but her thoughts clearly elsewhere. James followed, keeping his e