Silas watched them set to work before returning to his daughter, his expression softening.“When Lieutenant Stone told me this morning that you still hadn’t submitted a report to the higher-ups, I knew I had to come here myself. You hadn’t even formally acknowledged the capture of that high-profile criminal beyond the rumours already reaching their ears.”He glanced at the unconscious Shadow of Death as he added, “This isn’t just any criminal you can keep at a training base, Tessa.”“Hmph! Are you scolding me?” she demanded.“It’s not what you think, Tessa.” Silas sighed. “This man is extremely dangerous, and he works for people who are even more dangerous. Our border military isn’t the only one hearing the whispers about his capture.”He surveyed the assassins his soldiers were restraining, his face losing the softness it had held while he spoke to her.“The Whispering Shadow Alliance has no restraint whatsoever. Just because we don’t want to go to war with them and give enemy nation

Serena froze in her seat, blinking as she turned back to her mother. For a moment, she wondered whether she had heard correctly. She leaned closer, struggling to keep her voice low. “Mom, what are you talking about?” “You must have forgotten because of the accident, sweetheart,” Margaret answered without hesitation. “But don’t worry, your lovely mother is always here to remind you of anything you might have forgotten.” Serena said nothing as she searched through the days before the accident, trying to recall something. “Listen, Serena.” Margaret reached across the table. “Don’t ruin your relationship with Mr. Allen simply because you can’t remember it anymore. He’s a good man, and he even paid your hospital bills. He couldn’t make it to the date two days ago, but he’ll be here soon.” “No… No, no!” Serena shook her head and rose from her seat. “Mom, I remember who Frank Allen is. I remember what he has done f

Back in East Sorevia, a taxi pulled up outside Crescent Park in Moonlight City. Elijah Langston stepped onto the sidewalk and watched it drive away before examining the park entrance.The streets were unusually quiet. Hardly any pedestrians were about. Crescent Park was no different. Its gates were locked, and the pathways beyond them appeared deserted, with nobody waiting near the entrance.Elijah stood at the gates, looking for Mother. They had agreed to meet here, and although he was considerably late, he doubted Celeste would leave that quickly. He moved closer to inspect the insides when a brilliant light flooded his vision from one side. Turning to face it, he saw the headlights of a red luxury car dim and go out. The vehicle was parked a short distance away, its sleek body and low profile resembling a Ferrari, though something about the design was unfamiliar.A young woman leaned against it with her arms folded. She wore the Zeni

Elijah Langston scarcely heard a word of Rowan’s warning. He was leaning towards the cable car’s window, absorbed in the extraordinary civilization spread across the valley below.Even now hearing that this was the home of the Zenith Sisterhood, he could hardly believe what he was seeing. He had imagined an ancient residence secluded somewhere in the mountains, with training grounds.Considering how thoroughly its members had separated themselves from the outside world, he certainly hadn’t expected anything on this scale.Houses stretched across the valley in orderly arrangements, with pathways running between them and courtyards opening onto the streets. Elijah wondered how much planning and work must have gone into building such a place.Almost every structure appeared to be made of wood, fashioned in styles that belonged to a much older age. The concrete, glass, and steel of modern cities were absent here. Sloping roofs sheltered beautifully crafted houses, while carved pillars li

Elijah took a step forward and acknowledged Mother’s greeting with a slight nod. Celeste gestured to the young disciple beside her bed, dismissing her without a word before addressing Rowan.“Rowan, I need you to leave with your sisters. There’s no need for anyone to stand guard at my door right now.”“Mother, we—” Rowan began, her expression changing at the instruction.“Please respect my wishes, Rowan,” Celeste interrupted gently. “I want to be alone with Elijah. If I need anything, I’ll call for you.”Rowan stepped closer to the bed, unwilling to leave them together. “Mother, but he’s—”“Rowan.” Celeste spoke without anger, but the firmness in her voice stopped any further argument.Rowan pressed her lips together, struggling to conceal her displeasure before she finally lowered her head and stepped back. “Yes, Mother.”She gave Elijah a murderous glare as she turned to leave. On her way past him, she deliberately struck his shoulder with hers, putting enough strength into the mov