The Sterling Industries tower pierced the night sky like a crystalline spear, its surface alive with swirling magical energies that painted rainbow patterns across the glass. New Year's Eve had transformed the building's top floors into a glittering wonderland of supernatural excess. Floating chandeliers dripped liquid starlight while enchanted ice sculptures moved and danced of their own accord.Marcus stepped through the main entrance, his simple black jeans and plain white shirt a stark contrast to the sea of designer gowns and tailored tuxedos surrounding him. Lamborghinis with phoenix-fire exhaust and Bentleys that hovered six inches off the ground lined the circular drive, their supernatural modifications gleaming under the mystical streetlights.The security guards—two hulking werewolves in expensive suits—barely glanced at him as he walked past. These days, even the most powerful supernatural beings often masqueraded as ordinary humans.Good, Marcus thought, surveying the opul

Marcus felt something cold and dangerous unfurling in his chest as the Sterling family's contempt washed over him. The righteous anger wasn't just human indignation—it carried the weight of divine authority that had once commanded respect across supernatural realms. He had come here to honor a sacred promise between grandfathers, not to be treated like refuse by people who should have been grateful for his family's generosity.They see weakness where there is power beyond their comprehension, he thought, feeling the divine energy that Elder Chronos had awakened beginning to stir. If only they knew what stands before them.Diana raised her hand, cutting through her parents' continued verbal assault. "Enough."The authority in her voice surprised everyone, including Marcus. When Diana Sterling spoke with that tone, even her parents listened."This spectacle has gone on long enough," Diana said, her ice-blue eyes fixing on Marcus with cold calculation. "My grandfather is currently receiv

The opulent ballroom that had moments before buzzed with champagne-fueled celebration now felt like a tomb. Crystal chandeliers cast harsh shadows across faces frozen in terror, and the magical decorations seemed to dim as if responding to the oppressive atmosphere that Victor Moon's words had created.Richard Sterling swayed on his feet, his face ashen as the full weight of his family's situation crashed down on him. His hand clutched at his chest as if he were having a heart attack, while Catherine Sterling stood rigid beside him, her perfectly applied makeup unable to hide the fear etched into her features.Diana remained frozen near Alexander Cross, who was still bleeding from Marcus's casual humiliation. Her ice-blue eyes darted between Marcus and the Moon family, calculating the implications with the sharp business mind that had built her empire.If Victor and Sarah Moon are protecting him this fiercely, the thought rippled through the crowd like wildfire, then Marcus Steele mus

Alexander Cross dabbed at his swollen lip with a silk handkerchief, his eyes burning with the need for revenge as he watched Diana Sterling's pale, defeated expression. The ballroom still echoed with the aftermath of Marcus's dramatic departure, but Alexander sensed an opportunity to salvage both their pride and their business prospects."Diana, stop looking like the world is ending," Alexander said, forcing confidence into his voice despite the humiliation still burning in his chest. "You're worried about the Hudson Valley Development Project, aren't you?"Diana's ice-blue eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Without the Moon family's backing, Sterling Industries could lose everything. That project was supposed to secure our future."Alexander's smile turned predatory. "That's where you're wrong. My father spoke with Artemis Blackwood yesterday. From Olympus Corporation."The name hit Diana like an electric shock. Her eyes widened, and for the first time since Marcus's departure, genuin

The Moon mansion radiated like a magically and snow-sealed citadel. As the convoy passed the iron gates, wards whispered protection and lighted the air around it. Marcus was the first to leave, motionless and composed, his gaze sweeping the grounds of the mansion. Not a threat. The shadows are gone. He said, "You're safe." Victor came out next, his coat blowing a little in the breeze. "And you're heading out?" Marcus remained still. "I've accomplished my goal." Victor stepped forward. "My granddaughter has been saved twice by you. You are more than gratefully owed by this house. Why don't you spend the night? Marcus remained silent. He turned his gaze to the glistening windows.Then, softly yet sharply, Sarah's voice pierced the atmosphere. She referred to it as the Elite Circle party. "You promised to come. Tomorrow evening is the date. Unreadable, he turned to her. "So stay," she continued. "Until then. One evening won't suffice. Another long silence. Marcus then let out a sma