Chapter 52 – The Unseen Gambit The tension in the Hall of Echoes was suffocating. The glow of the ancient runes cast flickering shadows against the stone walls, but the real darkness in the room came from Lucien’s presence. His confidence was like an oppressive force, a silent declaration that he was the one who dictated the game’s outcome. Lance, however, had no intention of playing along. Trapped in the glowing cage, he calmly assessed the situation, his mind working with ruthless efficiency. Elias and Kiera stood tense beside him, their hands inching toward their weapons, but Lance lifted a finger ever so slightly—a silent command to wait. Lucien’s smirk deepened. “Look at you. Trapped. Vulnerable. You’ve played your part well, Lance, but you should have known that the moment you reached for something beyond your grasp, you’d be putting yourself in check.” Lance tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. “Check?” His lips curved into a smirk. “That’s a bold assu

Chapter 54 – Shifting TidesThe atmosphere inside the ruined city of Lysander had changed. Even though Lucien had vanished, his final words still lingered in the air, like an ominous echo that refused to fade. "Enjoy your victory, Lance. You won’t be celebrating for long."Kiera exhaled, tucking her dagger away. “So, are we just going to ignore that part, or…?” Elias stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders. “Eh. I say we enjoy the win for a few minutes before worrying about the next impending disaster.” Lance remained quiet. His fingers absentmindedly tapped against the artifact hidden beneath his coat. Something was coming. He could feel it in his bones. Lucien’s words hadn’t been a mere bluff. Lance had made too much noise—his name would soon spread through the right circles, attracting attention he wasn’t ready for yet. Or perhaps, he mused, they weren’t ready for me. Still, he needed to prepare. Kiera’s gaze was sharp as she studied him. “You’ve been quiet.”

Chapter 56 – The Beginning of the Power Struggle Amid an eerie silence stood the ruined city of Lysander, with its ancient buildings now draped in the dim light of the crescent moon. Below the dark ceiling of the sanctuary, the group gathered silently, somberly observing the canvas-like weight the revelation lay there for them upon.The Ouroboros Syndicate was watching. Not just watching—targeting Lance. To most, this would be a reason to retreat. To reconsider their approach. But to Lance? It was an opportunity. Elias sighed, rubbing his temples. “So, let me get this straight. The Warden Council—basically the law enforcers of the supernatural world—are keeping an eye on us. The Ashen Society—powerful elites who think they can control everything—are aware of you. And now, the Ouroboros Syndicate—the people who don’t just acquire power but own it—have taken an interest in you?” Selena chuckled. “Sounds about right.” Evelyn didn’t share in the amusement. Her arms remai

Chapter 58 – A Game of Shadows A storm brewed on the horizon—not in the skies, but in the undercurrents of power shifting between forces unseen. Lance sat in a dimly lit chamber beneath the outpost, his fingers drumming lightly against the armrest of his chair. Across from him, Evelyn stood with her arms crossed, her eyes cold but intrigued. Vex and Selena were lounging nearby, their usual air of amusement masking their keen attention. Elias, ever the strategist, leaned against the wall, his arms folded. The game had begun, and now, they were waiting for the first move. And it came sooner than expected. A hooded figure entered the chamber, his movements smooth, unhurried. A trained operative—someone sent by the Ouroboros Syndicate to test their ‘control’ over Lance. The man bowed slightly. “Lady Evelyn. Lord Lance. The Syndicate extends an invitation.” Lance smirked. Here we go. Invitation to the Spider’s Lair Evelyn played her part flawlessly. She narrowed her eyes