The remaining men, despite their fear, still attempted to attack.They were fools.Then I extended my palm outward, and a pulse of energy surged through my veins. The force of my hand pressed them against the ground.They struggled; their bodies were trembling under my grip, which was invincible to them. Their faces contorted in agony; their limbs were pinned down on the ground.They gasped for breath; they looked so scared. Then, with a flick of my wrist, I released them.Instantly, they were flung into the air like feathers.Their bodies crashed onto the pavement, and they all groaned in pain. Some of them tumbled like a ragdoll, while others landed in a heap and groaned in pain.The man I still held by the throat began to wheeze, "P-Please… I might actually die…"I released him, letting his body collapse onto the ground.He rolled over and coughed violently. He clutched his hands at his throat as he sucked in air.I crouched beside him. "Go back to Carter."He flinched, his body st

Elias leaned in close; He lowered his voice so only I could hear. "Kael, listen carefully," he whispered. "That man over there—Ethan Blackwood—is the most powerful man in this city. "He’s well-connected, and if you want to survive here, you’ll have to pass through him at some point."I kept my expression neutral. He didn't know I knew Ethan very well, but I let Elias continue."I don’t know what Mr. Reginald did to you," Elias went on, "but whatever it is, try your best not to cross Ethan Blackwood. And whatever you do, don’t be rude to him or Magnus, his personal bodyguard. Magnus is just as dangerous as he is."But just as he finished speaking, there was a low chuckle.We turned our heads slightly.Magnus was smirking."Did you really think I wouldn’t hear that?" Magnus said. He sounded amused. He shook his head and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "I never expected people to be afraid of me like this." He chuckled again, looking around at the others. "But let me make somethin

All competitors, take your positions!"The announcer’s voice echoed through the speakers across the competition field.The crowd murmured; they were anticipating the game to start. The archers moved to their designated spots. I leaned forward slightly; my eyes were on Natalia. She walked onto the field. The announcer continued, "The competition will consist of three stages. Each competitor will fire three arrows per stage. Accuracy determines the score. May the best archer win!"The first round was about to begin."First up, Natalia Blackwood."There was a wave of cheers among the audience. She was the crowd favorite.Natalia squared her shoulders, she exhaled as she raised her bow. From where I was seated, I could see the slight tremble in her fingers as she nocked her first arrow. She pulled back the string, she taunted her muscles, she kept her eyes focused at the distant target.She inhaled before she released.Thwack!The arrow sliced through the air and struck just outside the

After the competition, I had dinner with Ethan and Natalia. The dinner was fine. The food was good, the company was loud, and Natalia looked so happy about her win. Magnus had tried to poke at me about my little trick earlier, but I let it slide. I wasn’t here to impress anyone. I did what I did because I wanted to, not because I cared about recognition.After eating, I decided it was time to leave, but before I could leave, Natalia appeared in front of me."Let me take you home," she said.I raised a brow. "You don’t have to.""But I want to," she insisted, she insisted.Ethan chuckled from behind. "Let the girl have her way, Ryder. It won’t kill you."I looked at Natalia. She looked so determined. If I refused, she would probably just argue until I gave in."Fine," I muttered.She grinned and led the way to the car. I was about to get in the passenger seat, but I changed my mind and went to the back instead.I figured it would be easier to keep some distance that way. Natalia start

Ryder, come with me to the store,” she said.I blinked at her. “What?”“I need to get some clothes,” she repeated.I sighed. “Go alone.” I leaned against the doorway. “Why are you disturbing me at this hour?”Delilah scoffed. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because last time I went out alone, Alistair nearly killed me? Or have you forgotten about the Rutherford family lurking around, waiting for another chance to strike?” She narrowed her eyes at me. “Or do you want me to get attacked again?”I exhaled. “Fine. I’m coming.”“Great,” she said, just then she gripped the door. “Come out like that.”I looked down at myself—sweatpants, no shirt. “I need to change.”She waved her hand. “No, just come as you are. It’s late; no one will care.”“I’m not stepping out like this,” I insisted. Before I could turn back into my room, Delilah grabbed my wrist and pulled me outside. “Too late. "You’re already out,” she said with a smirk.I sighed, but I didn’t resist her. I know she won't give in. At the st