Lord Leo roared, covering his eyes with one arm, his mane matted with smoke. "Can't see a damn thing!"Scott dropped to one knee, pistol drawn but waving blindly. "Stay together!"Through the haze, black boots thudded into the room,heavy, purposeful steps of intruders in tactical gear. Shadowy figures grabbed Whitaker, dragging him kicking and struggling toward the door, his shouts lost in the din.Jack, Scott, and Lord Leo struggled forward, coughing and waving away smoke, rushing after them into the parlor where the fog thinned slightly. Their gazes fell on two men in high-ranking uniforms,crisp, decorated with insignia,flanked by two burly henchmen in black armor, holding Whitaker down on the floor, knees pressed into his back."No!" Jack cried, his voice raw as he watched in horror. The uniformed men raised their pistols, firing two shots into Whitaker's chest,muffled cracks that echoed like thunder. Blood bloomed across his shirt, his body jerking before going limp, eyes sta

"Yeah. Jack, Allison and I will be returning to my wife. We've already booked the flights,heading out at dawn."Jack blinked, surprise flickering. "So soon?"Scott shrugged. a fond smile for his daughter. "Yeah. Family calls. We've done our part here."Lord Leo tilted his head. "Aren't you guys going to stay? They're announcing Jack as the new Grand Lord soon,big ceremony, crowns and all that pomp."Jack whipped around, eyes wide. "Say what now?"Weeks later, the grand forum in Blue Heavens city was a spectacle of opulence and tradition, a massive amphitheater carved from white marble, banners fluttering in the breeze under a clear azure sky, filled with dignitaries in tailored suits and gowns. Rows of seats brimmed with attendees: the Thomas family,Betty with her poised elegance, Lady Nicole rigid in her designer dress, Lisa whispering anxiously.Evans slouched beside her; Justin Bradley and his family, his wife cradling their infant son; lords and business magnates from across