The Mercers arrived at the bar which was their only meeting spot, and outside the door, two cloaked, hooded figures stood waiting.Cecil clutched the blanket-wrapped infants tighter, her heart thudding painfully against her ribs. Every time they came here, she felt the cold, sickening chill that clung to these people. The darkness that followed them like a stain.Frederick, as usual, wore his pride like armor, even in the face of fear. With folded arms and that same twisted smirk, he spoke up.“We brought something I’m sure your sick-minded order will love. The lives of two infants. I mean, since you people can steal children that have never been born yet, surely these ones are right up your alley.”The cloaked men didn’t flinch. The hoods covered their faces, shadows swallowing their expressions, and the night around them only made their presence more menacing.After a moment of silence, the taller figure made a small motion with his gloved hand, and his companion stepped forward to

Ezekiel Gates burst out of his study like a man on fire and flung open the double doors of the meeting chamber, startling everyone inside. The room was full with dozens of figures dressed in white robes, seated around a long rectangular table, mid-discussion. All their murmurs halted “Ezekiel!” Seraphina, the woman seated at the head of the table, in her mid-thirties, shot up in alarm and anger. “You know you cannot interrupt while the Council is in session!” But Ezekiel was breathless, eyes wide, barely even aware of her rebuke. He was still holding the phone to his ear, hand trembling slightly as he spoke. “Azrael… I mean, Lord Azrael, the God of Dominion is literally on the phone… Seraphina, on call with me… right now…” He marched toward the center of the long table and placed the phone down like it was holy. All eyes turned to it. The room went still. Several members rose instinctively from their seats, jaws agape. Seraphina blinked. “What?” she muttered, her voice

It was a new day at Lancaster Enterprises, and inside the sleek, glass-walled CEO office at the top floor, David Lancaster sat frozen, his phone pressed to his ear. “WHAT?!” he shouted, his voice echoing through the room. His expression twisted with fury. He slammed the phone down on his desk with a sharp thud and shot to his feet, his chair scraping backward. His whole body vibrated with disbelief. “No way. No friggin way! Hah, that bastard! Does he think I’m just going to sit back and let it happen? No friggin way!” As he stormed out of his office, his secretary stepped in with a tablet in hand. “Sir, you have a meeting scheduled with the Singaporean partners in ten minutes.” “Reschedule it,” he snapped without slowing down. “But sir…” she started, but he was already past her and out the office. She rolled her eyes and muttered to herself with a sigh, “Unbelievable. I wonder what has gotten his panties up a notch this time.” Half an hour later, David had called for an emerge

“You’re back!” Alanah beamed with excitement, her hands still loosely wrapped around him. “I’ve been waiting for you.” Leon raised a brow, amused by her sudden enthusiasm. “Really? And why’s that?” he asked. “What are you doing here?” Alanah finally pulled away from the hug, brushing her hair behind her ear as she gave a small, bashful smile. “Is it bad to visit you?” Leon narrowed his eyes a bit, tilting his head as he studied her. “I don’t know… maybe. Look at the time.” His gaze shifted slightly behind her. “And more importantly, how did you even find out where I live?” Alanah looked around in awe, not even trying to hide her fascination with his estate. “I have my ways,” she said softly. “And your home is really huge… and pretty, Leon.” She turned back to him quickly. “Can I call you Leon? Or should I say Mr. Ashford? Or maybe Mr. Ashford since you, you know… saved my grandpa and all that. I should be respectful, right? I mean, I don’t want to cross any boundaries…” Leon star

Inside a dimly lit warehouse, three women sat down on separate chairs, their hands and legs bound tightly against their wooden chairs. Blindfolds covered their eyes, and gags muffled any attempt at speech. Armed men stood in vigilance, their eyes trained on the struggling figures. Their captives writhed and twisted, desperate to break free, but couldn't. “That girl on the left,” one of the men began, gesturing with a tilt of his head, “that’s Alanah Hale. Granddaughter of Arnold Hale, the wealthiest man in Pledis City, Avenport State.” He then pointed to the woman in the center. “That’s Isabella Harswell. Her family’s name carries weight here in Brookdale.” Finally, his gaze turned to the woman on the far right. “And that one is Diane Lancaster. Comes from one of Brookdale’s top ten richest families.” Harry gave a low whistle and nodded slowly. “Damn. All elite. This Azrael guy sure doesn’t pick ‘em cheap, does he?” Levi didn’t respond immediately. His brows furrowed in thought,