The Velmora Smart District stood like a vision of the future—glass towers rising, roads mapped with precision, systems nearly complete.It was supposed to be Sophia’s greatest achievement.Now—It felt like a battlefield.The moment their car stopped, Sophia stepped out without hesitation.Carl followed closely behind.Jasmine right after.Workers filled the site, but something was different. Groups were gathered, some confused, others already following new instructions.New orders.Sophia’s jaw tightened.“He’s already started…”They moved quickly through the site, heading toward the central command area.And there—They saw him.Adrian Vale stood at the center, speaking calmly with a group of engineers, tablet in hand, as if he had always belonged there.As if this was his.Carl’s eyes darkened.Sophia didn’t slow down.“Stop.”Her voice cut through the noise.Clear.Sharp.Commanding.Everyone turned.Adrian included.A slow smile appeared on his face the moment he saw her.“Sophia

Adrian didn’t go far.By the time he left Velmora, he was already on his way to a private penthouse—far above the city, where silence meant power and privacy meant control.The doors opened.And she was already there.Octavia Voss stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, the city lights reflecting in her eyes like distant flames.She didn’t turn.“Report.”Adrian smirked faintly, stepping inside.“Straight to business, as always.”Octavia remained still. “I don’t like repeating myself.”Adrian chuckled under his breath.“She’s stable,” he said. “More than expected.”That—Made her turn.Finally.“And?” Octavia asked, her gaze sharp.Adrian slid his hands into his pockets.“She reacted,” he continued. “Not like a normal Vessel. No loss of control. No breakdown.”A pause.“She even released power… instinctively.”Octavia’s eyes gleamed.“Interesting.”Adrian nodded. “Carl stabilized her himself. Used his own blood.”For a brief second—Something flickered in Octavia’s expression.Something

Inside Jackson Young’s mansion—The atmosphere was heavy.Silent.Controlled.Jackson stood in front of a massive window, overlooking the dark horizon. His hands were clasped behind his back, his expression unreadable—but his presence alone was enough to suffocate anyone in the room.Footsteps approached.His assistant stopped a few feet behind him and bowed slightly.“Sir.”Jackson didn’t turn.“What is it?”The assistant hesitated for a brief second.Then—“The Council of Embers… they’ve started making their moves.”Silence followed.Then—Jackson’s lips curved into a faint smile.“So,” he murmured. “They finally couldn’t sit still anymore.”He slowly turned around, his sharp eyes glinting.“Which ones?”“Seraphine Drax… Kael Virex… and Octavia Voss,” the assistant reported. “They’ve all begun acting independently.”Jackson chuckled softly.“Of course they have.”His gaze darkened slightly.“Greedy vultures.”The assistant remained silent.Careful.Respectful.Because everyone knew—

A wide smile spread across Seraphine’s lips the moment she saw the young woman lying unconscious on the long bench.Sophia’s hands were bound, her face covered.Slowly, almost excitedly, Seraphine approached her.She reached down—And removed the cloth covering her face.“There we are,” Seraphine murmured. “We meet again… my little guinea pig.”She lightly tapped Sophia’s nose, amused, before straightening up and turning her attention elsewhere.“You can come out now, Octavia,” Seraphine said casually. “I know you’re there.”A soft, amused laugh echoed through the room.Then—Octavia stepped out from behind Draken.Elegant.Composed.Watching everything like it was nothing more than entertainment.Seraphine rolled her eyes the moment she saw her.“Oh, you snake,” she muttered. “Don’t look so offended. I just want to watch the show. Don’t be so selfish.”Octavia smiled faintly, unfazed.“Watching is one thing,” she said smoothly. “Interfering is another.”Her gaze shifted—Landing on S

Draken was quickly taken away by Jackson’s men, disappearing into the shadows as if the fight had never happened.Now—Only two remained.Father and son.Carl stood there, his chest rising and falling heavily, anger still burning in his veins.“Where is Sophia?!” he demanded.Jackson calmly lit a cigarette, taking a slow drag as if nothing around him mattered.“I’m sorry,” he said coolly. “My council couldn’t wait.”Carl’s fists clenched tighter.Flames burst from his hands again—Brighter this time.Hotter.But Jackson merely glanced at them—Unimpressed.As if it meant nothing.Carl’s eyes burned.“You let them take her,” he said through gritted teeth.Jackson exhaled smoke slowly.“I didn’t ‘let’ them,” he replied. “I allowed the situation to unfold.”Carl took a step forward.“You’re playing games.”Jackson met his gaze.“No,” he said simply. “I’m preparing you.”Carl let out a bitter laugh.“By letting them take the woman I love?” he shot back.Jackson’s expression didn’t change.