Declan said his goodbyes to the other guests in the drawing room. Master Harrison walked him to the entrance hall, still playing the gracious host despite the late hour."Safe travels," Master Harrison said, shaking his hand one final time. "Remember to contact Colonel Mitchell tomorrow.""I will. And thank you again for everything."As Declan stepped outside into the cool night air, he found Charlotte waiting by the steps leading down to where the cars were parked."I thought I'd walk you out," she said.They walked together down the stone steps and across the driveway. Declan's car sat waiting, his driver standing beside it."I enjoyed tonight," Charlotte said. "Well, most of it anyway. Nathan showing up kind of ruined things.""He has a talent for that."Charlotte smiled. "The conversation with you was good though. I hope we can be friends, even if nothing romantic develops.""I'd like that," Declan said honestly.They reached the car and stood there for a moment."I should tell y

At the same time, in a different part of the city, Frank Chen sat in a dark, smoky bar waiting.The place was a dive. Peeling paint on the walls, sticky floors, the kind of establishment where nobody asked questions and everyone minded their own business.Frank nursed a whiskey at a corner booth, his eyes on the door.He'd been fired from Apex and humiliated in front of everyone. Twenty years of building his position, gone in minutes because of that kid Declan.His hands clenched around the glass. The hatred burned in his gut like acid.The door opened and a man walked in. The man was of average height, average build, wearing a nondescript jacket and baseball cap pulled low. The kind of person you'd forget five minutes after seeing them.The man scanned the bar, spotted Frank, and walked over. He slid into the booth across from Frank without asking."You Frank Chen?" the man asked, his voice rough."Yeah.""You called about a job."Frank looked around nervously. "Can we talk here?""N

Declan stared at the phoenix ring on his finger, seeing it completely differently now. What had seemed like an interesting piece of jewelry was actually a key to a whole hidden world.His phone was still in his hand. Franklin hadn't hung up yet."One more thing, Young Master," Franklin said. "When you arrive at the Northern Border, trust the guide Master Harrison recommended. Colonel Mitchell has survived that region for decades. Follow his instructions carefully no matter how strange they might seem.""I will.""The Northern Border is full of dangers that go beyond normal military threats. There are spiritual beasts, creatures that have absorbed so much energy they've become dangerous predators. There are rogue cultivators who've abandoned all morality and prey on travelers. And there are environmental hazards that defy normal logic, areas where gravity works differently, zones where time feels distorted, places where your senses will lie to you."Declan felt a chill run down his spi

The next morning, Declan woke before dawn. His alarm hadn't even gone off yet but his eyes opened and he knew he wouldn't fall back asleep.Today was the day. Tonight he'd leave for the Northern Border.He got up and went through his final preparations methodically. Double-checked his packed bag. Made sure he had his phone charger and the contact information for Colonel Mitchell. Confirmed his passport was in his jacket pocket.The phoenix ring sat on his finger, warm against his skin. The jade charm from Sophie hung under his shirt against his chest.At seven in the morning, his phone rang. Franklin."Good morning, Young Master. I'm calling to confirm that everything is ready for your departure tonight.""I'm ready.""The plane will leave at seven this evening from the private airfield. A car will pick you up at six. Colonel Mitchell will meet you when you land at the Northern Border military base.""Understood."Franklin paused. "There's something else you should know."Declan's sto

Tom and Clarke sat frozen, their faces pale as Victoria's question hung in the air."We didn't know," Tom said finally, his voice weak. "We didn't know Declan's true importance. If we'd known he was connected to such a powerful company, we would have treated him better."Clarke nodded quickly. "Yes, exactly. We made a mistake not recognizing his potential. If we'd known what he would become—"Victoria held up a hand, cutting her off. The disgust on her face was clear."So you're admitting that you only care about people based on their usefulness and status," Victoria said coldly. "You're saying if you'd known Declan would be important someday, you would have treated him with basic decency. But because you thought he was nobody, abuse was acceptable."Tom and Clarke both started talking at once, trying to backtrack."That's not what we meant—""We just didn't understand—""It was a difficult situation—"Victoria stood up, signaling the meeting was over. "Apex Financial Group will not b