Marvin’s eyes twitched.Slowly… very slowly… they began to open.Everything was blurry.Light. Movement. Shadows.He tried to blink, but even that felt like lifting a mountain. His eyelids were heavy. His body felt like stone. His chest rose and fell with a deep struggle.Then came a sound—his own breath, rough and noisy. A cough tore through his throat, loud and painful. He gasped again, coughing hard, chest shaking like thunder inside him.“Uh… you are awake,” a calm voice said.It was familiar.Faint… but familiar.Marvin blinked again, this time harder.The blur started to clear.He could now make out a face.His uncle—Uncle Christopher—was sitting beside him.The old man looked tired, but his eyes were calm, filled with relief.Marvin tried to speak, but his voice cracked. His throat was dry.“O-… oxygen,” Marvin whispered.“You’re on it,” Uncle Christopher replied, softly pressing a hand on Marvin’s shoulder. “You’re in intensive care now. You’re safe.”Marvin glanced around

Uncle Christopher’s eyes narrowed.He stepped closer to Marvin and crossed his arms.“This isn’t just about Helena… or your father,” he said. “It’s bigger than that. What you did at the last WG-8 Summit… it shook Westwood to its core.”Marvin blinked.“My speech?”Uncle Christopher nodded slowly.“You gave out information that no one thought you had access to. You exposed secret dealings, illegal contracts, and power abuses—especially from the leaders of the Power Families. The entire Council of Elders turned on them that day. You embarrassed them… and you made enemies.”Marvin’s brows furrowed.“But… why would they see me as a threat?” he asked. “I’m based here in Neovalle. I run a solar based tech company. My focus is innovation. I don’t even want anything in Westwood. Even when I finally get to hold the Astralyte… my goals haven’t changed. It's not like I intend to conquer Westwood.”Uncle Christopher gave a slow, tired nod.“I know, Marvin. I know you’re not after thrones or terri

Marvin’s eyes remained fixed on the strange man in the silver mask. His heart thumped harder with every passing second.The mark of the Synapticore glowed faintly on the man’s forehead—proof that this visitor was not just anyone. He was one of them. One of the Coven of Elders, the one who passed the decree against the extraction of the Astralyte.Marvin’s lips parted slightly, but words failed him. He tried to sit up more in bed, with eyes that were narrowed in disbelief.The man took one step forward and spoke again—his voice was smooth and calm, yet carrying an odd electric tone that seemed to buzz through the air.“Good day, Mr. Marvin,” the man greeted again, his voice sending chills down Marvin’s spine.Marvin finally found his voice, though his words came out slower than usual.“G-Good day,” he replied, still staring at the mask. “I know that mark, I know you… You’re from the Coven of Elders… from Westwood…”Before he could say more, the door opened again.Uncle Christopher ste

The sun was just rising when a sleek black Bentley Bentayga rolled smoothly out of uncle Christopher's gated mansion. Inside, Marvin sat quietly, dressed in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt underneath. A sleek, dark overcoat draped over his shoulders, and a silver wristwatch gleamed subtly on his wrist. His posture was relaxed but commanding, his clean-cut appearance giving him an air of quiet power. He looked healthy—stronger, sharper, and more focused than ever before. His eyes were cold, scanning his surroundings with precision, but inside him, a fire was burning.The driver didn’t speak. He only focused on the road. Beside Marvin, a silver suitcase sat firm, containing only what he truly needed. Two enforcers sat in the front seat—members of the elite guard chosen by Uncle Christopher himself.As they approached Neovalle Airport, the early morning light reflected off the airport’s tall glass buildings. Flights were already taking off. People rushed in and out of t

“Yes, my love,” Marvin replied gently, his voice was calm and warm. “I trust them.”But on the other end of the call, Stella’s voice trembled. Her doubt couldn’t be hidden.“Marvin… these people… they’re not like us. They play by different rules. One moment they’re your allies, and the next…” she paused, swallowing. “They stab you in the back. Please, don’t take chances. I beg you. Just say the word, let my men come and pick you from the airport instead of the Bowens.”Marvin stood still for a moment, her words were echoing in his mind. He stared into the distance, eyes were cold but thoughtful.“I understand how you feel,” he said softly. “I know you’re scared. I would be too if I were in your shoes. But you don’t have to be. I’ve prepared for this. Every step, every move—it's all planned out. Carl is part of that plan. I didn’t come here blindly, Stella. I know who to trust.”“But—” she tried to protest.“Shhh…” Marvin interrupted, his voice soothing, like a warm blanket on a cold n