Javier’s declaration hung in the chamber like thunder that hadn’t yet faded. Valeria, still reeling from the revelation of the Null Crown, met his eyes, her spine straightening with quiet resolve.“No more waiting,” she said. “No more running or hiding. We end this. Tonight.”Javier gave a single, decisive nod. “Heather, activate Protocol Black Veil. Pull the Everhart Legion from international deployments. And contact Dr. Lysander—tell him we need the Soul Ward reassembled within the hour.”Heather, pale but composed, moved with purpose as she vanished through the reinforced doors, leaving Javier and Valeria alone once more.Valeria took a step closer to him, her voice steady. “You’ve protected me from the beginning. But now I fight beside you.”“You always were meant to,” Javier said quietly. “Not because you were the Key. But because you’re stronger than the darkness chasing you.”Within the next hour, Everhart Tower transformed into a fortress. Veins of glowing wards pulsed across

The sound of heavy footsteps preceded the appearance of a tall figure emerging from behind the red velvet curtain at the back of the store. A middle-aged man in a long black coat and a dark blue silk tie strode quickly to the center of the room, his eyes scanning the scene angrily.“What is going on here?! Who’s shouting like a market thug?!”Both store employees immediately reacted. The younger one, who had earlier pushed Javier, pointed at him, his voice exploding with exaggerated panic.“Him, sir! This man! He tried to steal!”Javier turned, his eyes narrowing in confusion.“What...?”“Don’t pretend to be stupid!” snapped the older employee, slapping the glass counter with his palm. “We caught him trying to slip a pendant into his pocket! It’s from the special display case! Very expensive!”“Nonsense,” Javier said flatly. “I didn’t even touch a single piece of jewelry—”“Liar!” interrupted the young employee, stepping forward with a flushed face. “We saw it with our own eyes! He wa

The officer yanked Javier’s arms behind his back, fingers pressing firmly as he began searching his coat. The second officer moved with practised efficiency, scanning the seams of his clothing, patting down his sleeves, his chest, his beltline.Everyone leaned in. Faces were tight with suspicion, eyes narrowed like they were watching a public execution.“There!” the younger officer exclaimed.The room gasped.In the officer’s hand gleamed a brilliant red-and-gold wristwatch—sleek, flawless, and instantly recognisable.“No way,” an employee muttered in disbelief. “That’s a Faleur ChronoRed. That’s... that’s impossible.”“Are you kidding me?” a customer said, blinking rapidly. “There are only five of those in the world.”The older officer examined it, his brows lifting slightly. “Confirmed. Serial number... yes. Limited edition.”The shop exploded.“I knew it!” the older employee shouted, stepping forward. “He’s a liar and a thief!”“You filthy criminal!” the younger one yelled, spittin

"What the hell were you thinking, manhandling someone like him?" Chief Inspector Darion’s voice thundered through the station.Everyone turned as the tall, broad-shouldered police chief stormed through the entrance of the station, his eyes locked in fury at the two officers still holding Javier Everhart by the arms. His dark uniform was immaculate, his badge gleaming under the pale ceiling lights.The officers flinched, exchanging uncertain glances."We—we were told he stole from a gold shop, sir," one officer stammered. "The manager filed a complaint. We were just doing our job."Chief Darion’s eyes narrowed as he turned to look at Javier. Despite the humiliation, the handcuffs, and the bruises on his wrists, Javier Everhart stood tall—his posture calm, his expression unreadable. He had not spoken a word since being dragged from the shop.The manager of the gold shop stepped forward, puffing his chest. "That’s right! He had stolen goods—gold, a watch—and dared to pretend like he was s

"You may take a seat, Mr. Everhart," said a woman with red lipstick and sharper eyes. Her voice was smooth but cold, like ice wrapped in silk.Javier stepped into the boardroom of Virelli Corp., a renowned conglomerate with international reach. The meeting had been called under mysterious circumstances, supposedly to discuss a potential partnership. But from the moment he entered, the atmosphere told him otherwise.The room was filled with executives, investors, and board members. Most wore neutral expressions. A few glared openly."We are honoured to host you," said a man at the far end, his grin clearly forced. "But before we begin any talk of partnership, there are... matters to address."Javier took the empty seat across from them, nodding politely. "Of course. I'm h