Jacob stood in the center of an abandoned warehouse on Seron's industrial outskirts, watching Anna practice offensive energy projection. She had progressed from barely manifesting visible power to creating focused blasts that could dent reinforced steel. But individual ability, however impressive, was not their goal anymore."That is good work," Jacob said as Anna's latest energy strike punched through a concrete support pillar. "But we need to move beyond separate techniques. The historical texts describe Krigg and Chen guardians fighting as unified forces, their powers combining into something greater than individual abilities."Anna wiped sweat from her forehead, breathing hard from sustained energy channeling. "How does that work? Our abilities seem fundamentally different—yours are more controlled and tactical while mine are raw power.""Which is exactly why combining them creates something new," Jacob replied. He walked to stand beside her, raising his hand to manifest golden en

The days following Anna's breakthrough in shield mastery took on a rhythm that felt almost normal despite the constant threat hanging over them. Mornings began with intense training sessions where Jacob pushed Anna to expand her mystical repertoire. Afternoons were spent reviewing intelligence reports and planning responses to their enemies' movements. But the evenings belonged to them alone—quiet hours where they could simply be husband and wife rather than warriors preparing for battle.Tonight, Anna sat on the balcony of their safe house, watching the sun set over Seron's skyline. Jacob joined her carrying two cups of tea, settling into the chair beside hers with a comfortable silence that spoke of growing familiarity."Your offensive techniques are improving rapidly," Jacob said after several minutes of peaceful quiet. "The energy projection exercise this morning showed control I did not expect to see for another week.""I have a good teacher," Anna replied, accepting the tea with

The morning after Bishop's failed assault brought deceptive calm to the safe house. Jacob spent hours reviewing damage reports and coordinating with Leo to ensure their security systems had not been compromised. Anna practiced her energy manipulation techniques, pushing herself to master offensive capabilities that might prove crucial in coming battles.By afternoon, basic supplies were running low. The attack had damaged several storage areas, and they needed to restock before the gala in three days."I will handle the supply run," Leo offered, reviewing the shopping list Jacob had compiled. "You two should stay here where defenses are strongest.""No," Jacob decided. "We need to maintain some normalcy, and hiding completely tells our enemies their attack succeeded in making us afraid. Anna and I will go together. You coordinate security upgrades here."Leo looked uncertain but nodded. "At least take the armored vehicle and maintain communication throughout. First sign of trouble, yo

Jacob stared at the news broadcast even after Leo muted it, his mind working through the implications of Bishop's public challenge. The timing was deliberate—announce the gala displaying Krigg artifacts just as Jacob and Anna formalized their commitment to each other."He wants to force our hand," Anna observed, standing beside Jacob with her new engagement ring catching the light. "Make us choose between our wedding and recovering the artifacts.""He does not understand that they are the same choice," Jacob replied. "Our wedding represents building a future beyond revenge. But that future is impossible while my family's killers walk free and hold stolen power."Leo cleared his throat diplomatically. "With respect, sir, perhaps you should consider postponing your ceremony until after we deal with Bishop's trap. Getting married days before walking into obvious danger seems inadvisable.""No," Anna said firmly, surprising both men with her vehemence. "We move forward with the wedding. I

Jacob read the intercepted message three times, his expression showing none of the anger Anna expected. Instead, something like satisfaction crossed his features as he reviewed details of Marcus Nico's planned assault."One hundred men," Jacob murmured, studying the tactical breakdown Leo had provided. "Heavy weapons, coordinated strike teams, and explosives sufficient to level the temple. Marcus really wants me dead.""This is not funny," Anna said, watching her fiancé analyze the threat like it was an interesting puzzle rather than imminent danger. "We need to postpone the ceremony or change the venue or—""No," Jacob interrupted, looking up with that cold smile she recognized from the Dark Blade. "We do exactly what we planned. We get married at sunset in the Himulan temple, exactly as scheduled.""Are you insane?" Roseline demanded, reading over Anna's shoulder. "Marcus knows the location, the timing, and apparently has enough firepower to overwhelm any reasonable defense. Walking