The circle tightened, their red eyes glowing like burning coals in the mist. The ground vibrated beneath their heavy footsteps, each of the Vorn Dogs pounding closer, snarling like beasts possessed. The ritual had transformed them into something less than human, more than monster. Their breaths hissed, their veins black with the corrupted rite.Elijah exhaled once, slow, calm. He shifted his grip on the machete, his knuckles pale against the dark handle.Then he moved.With explosive speed, his boot slammed into the chest of the closest berserker, sending him flying back into two others. The force cracked bones, the circle breaking for the first time.“Now,” Elijah muttered.Phantom didn’t hesitate. He slipped through the gap Elijah had made, backpedaling quickly until he was clear. He spun his rifle in his hands, but this time he didn’t raise it — his young master had ordered him to watch. Still, his heart thundered like a war drum.“Come,” Elijah called, his voice low but resonant.

When Elijah got home, the house was quiet. Felix was already asleep on the sofa. Elijah went straight to his room. He took a long shower, washing away the dust and blood. After, he lay down beside Sierra. She was fast asleep, her breathing soft. Elijah closed his eyes and drifted into peaceful rest.The next morning, Elijah woke up late. His body was heavy from all the energy he had used the night before. He opened his eyes and saw Sierra’s side of the bed was empty.He checked the clock. It was already 9 a.m.Elijah freshened up, then walked into the hall. There, he saw Sierra sitting on the sofa, a cup of tea in her hand. She was watching the TV.“Good morning,” she said with a smile when she saw him.Elijah nodded. “How was your night?” he asked.“It was fine,” Sierra said. Then she pointed at the TV. “But look at the news.”Elijah turned his head toward the screen. His heart skipped a beat.The headline read: “Mystery Video: Man Commands Thunder on the Mountain.”The anchor spoke,

“A mall?” General Marcus’s voice came through the phone.“Yes, a mall,” Isla replied respectfully. “The young master needs it very big. From the way it looks, it shouldn’t be anything less than a billion dollars.”General Marcus whistled softly. “That’s very big… but nice too. So, is it money you need?”“Not money, General,” Isla answered quickly. “But for something like this, we will need powerful investors too. With your connections, if you know big investors—”“Alright, alright, I understand,” General Marcus cut in. “I myself will be an investor in it. And I will inform others who will also want to join. That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll talk to Elijah too.”Isla smiled and nodded respectfully, even though he couldn’t see her. “Thank you, General.”The call ended, and Isla looked at the sketch on her desk before putting another call through. At the same time, the young lady officer, the one who had come to the mountain in her home attire, was now in her office. She sat at her desk

Shadow kept driving until they reached a quiet street. At the end of it stood a nice, big bungalow with tall walls and a strong gate.He honked the horn once. Immediately, the gate slid open.The black RAV4 rolled inside the compound, the house looking wide and well-kept.Inside the compound, a gardener was busy watering the flowers neatly lined along the edges. Another car was already parked near the house.Shadow pulled the RAV4 beside it and switched off the engine.They all stepped down from the car. Phantom looked around slowly, taking in the sight. “Your place is very nice,” he said with a small smile.Shadow grinned. “Thanks, brother. I put in much effort here so it looks well… you know, because of you-know-who.” He chuckled softly, shaking his head.Phantom laughed a little, while Elijah just looked around.Shadow led them into the parlor. The room was neat and well-arranged, showing the effort put into it. They all sat down.“Hold on, I’m coming,” Shadow said, then walked awa

Meanwhile, Sierra was in the kitchen, a net over her head and an apron tied neatly as she stirred the pot on the stove. The smell of food filled the air.Her phone, which was on the table, suddenly started ringing. She quickly washed her hands and went to check. The screen showed it was a call from Betty.Sierra smiled and answered instantly.“Hey, I’m at the gate,” Betty’s cheerful voice came through.“Give me a moment, I’m coming,” Sierra replied.She hurried outside, unlocked the main gate, and let Betty in. Betty hugged her tightly, then they both walked back inside together.As they entered the room, Betty’s eyes widened. “I can’t stop talking about how big this house is! And now you’re here all alone?”Sierra nodded. “My man went on a business trip with Felix.”“Who’s Felix?” Betty asked curiously.“My man’s friend. He’s staying here too,” Sierra explained.Betty nodded, but then her eyes caught something sparkling. Her mouth opened wide. She grabbed Sierra’s hand. “Wait—were yo