Jessica gasped, “Elijah!” and Felix’s eyes widened, but it all happened so fast that no one had time to move. Aurora’s dagger cut through the air with a deadly whistle, her wounded body fueled by pure rage and humiliation.The moment the dagger’s tip was just an inch from Elijah’s back, he moved — faster than anyone could see.In one smooth motion, he turned, his left hand catching Aurora midair, his palm gripping her waist tightly, pulling her toward him. His right hand rose effortlessly, stopping the dagger just as the cold metal brushed against his palm.For a second, time froze.Jessica gasped, eyes wide. “W–What the…” she whispered, voice trembling.Felix muttered under his breath, stunned, “He caught her— in the air?”Lucian, jaw dropped, stuttered, “That’s… that’s impossible…”Aurora’s eyes widened in disbelief, her breath shaky as she realized her entire strike had been caught like nothing. Her dagger hand trembled in Elijah’s firm grip, and she could feel the raw strength in

Aurora stayed silent, her arms folded as she tried to keep her thoughts steady. Just then, the heavy doors at the end of the corridor opened, and Elder Master Edmund Halden walked out, his gold-engraved walking stick tapping firmly against the floor.Beside him was Jonas Reed, ever composed, hands clasped neatly behind his back. But what caught Aurora and Lucian off guard wasn’t the butler—it was the three people following behind.A tall man in a dark suit with a sharp, commanding presence—Dorian Halden, their father. Beside him walked a graceful woman dressed in an elegant navy gown—Isolde Halden, their mother. And just behind them was another woman, wearing a black coat and silver jewelry—Geneva Halden, their aunt, known for her strict and intimidating aura.Both Aurora and Lucian froze in shock. They hadn’t expected this at all. Their parents were supposed to be abroad, overseeing a family branch business.“Mother? Father?” Lucian muttered, straightening instantly.Isolde smiled fa

Jessica led Elijah down a quiet side street that gradually opened up into a wide, lively night market glowing with colorful lights.The air was full of warm smells — grilled meat, roasted corn, spicy noodles, and sweet pastries — all blending together in a mouthwatering mix. Long rows of stalls lined both sides of the street, each one covered with bright awnings and paper lanterns.Vendors called out cheerfully, waving at customers as they passed. Some sold fried plantain and skewered chicken, others had baskets of fruit, freshly squeezed juices, and local desserts displayed in glass cases. A group of children ran by holding cotton candy, laughing as they went.Farther ahead, small shops displayed bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and handcrafted bags, all glimmering under the string lights. A tailor worked beside a tiny stall selling colorful fabrics, and nearby, a woman sold paintings and small sculptures.Jessica smiled as she looked around. “See? I told you the street market here is

The leader sneered and took a step closer, looking Elijah up and down.“Eat your ice cream and leave,” he spat. “Or we’ll turn you into ice and make you scream.”The other men laughed low and pushed their rods a little nearer.Their voices were rough and full of menace.Elijah did not flinch. He swallowed his spoonful of ice cream slowly and set the cup down.His eyes stayed calm as he looked at the leader.Jessica swallowed hard and gripped his sleeve. “Please, let’s go,” she whispered, voice shaking.Uncle Fester begged again, “Please, please—don’t cause trouble here. We’re small people.”The leader spat on the ground. “This is your last warning. Move.”Elijah’s hand shot up fast. He slapped the leader hard across the face.“Get lost,” he said coolly.Gasp! Mouths opened wide. The whole market went very quiet.“Who's this guy? He dared slap him?”“He's dead for real.”The other gang members all started breathing in anger.The leader’s face burned red. He touched his cheek and snarle

Jessica smiled faintly, looking at him out of the corner of her eye. “You really don’t like taking credit, do you?”Elijah shrugged. “No need to. The fight was nothing special.”Jessica laughed quietly, still amazed. “Nothing special? You just dismantled eight armed men like you were swatting flies, and you call it nothing special?”Elijah didn’t answer — he just smiled again, looking ahead.Meanwhile, Sierra and Betty’s BMW rolled smoothly into the bright parking lot of Aurum Lounge — the same luxurious club where Sophia Bennett had once come to meet Kaizer a month ago. The golden letters of the name shimmered above the wide entrance, and the rhythmic bass of distant music thumped through the cool night air.Betty stepped out first, her heels clicking softly on the tiled ground. “Wow,” she said, glancing around at the neon-lit palm trees and the line of luxury cars — a Mercedes G-Wagon, a Porsche, even a matte black Lamborghini. “This place looks nice. How come I’ve never heard of it