2025-12-01 23:10:03
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Chapter 51
The business Mira built with the group had started as nothing more than a modest stall in the city center. They kept their identities hidden, and their presence subtle. The city was ruthless, cold, and unwelcoming to outsiders, but Mira understood something most people didn’t, power came not only from brute strength but from influence, connections, and reputation. Every morning she dragged Barry, Jace, and Celia into planning sessions, sketching strategies on pieces of paper, figuring out how to earn trust, how to draw customers, how to expand without drawing the wrong kind of attention. And somehow, through nights of trial and days of exhaustion, it worked. Bit by bit, the shop grew. Barry became the friendly face everyone liked talking to. Jace handled the quiet work, the negotiation, the behind-the-scenes trading. Celia learned quickly, she adapted to the city’s harsh rhythm, helping Mira with organization, finances, and customer handling. And Michael… Michael worked as their
Chapter 50
They had almost reached the cabin when Celia finally stopped walking, she was still hugging her arms close to her body. Her breath formed small clouds in the air as she waited for Michael to catch up. He slowed his pace when he realized she wasn’t moving anymore. Celia didn’t say anything at first. Her eyes were still slightly red, though she tried to hide it. Michael looked down, exhaling a long breath. “I’m sorry,” He said quietly. “For… everything back there. You shouldn’t have gone through that. And I should’ve been more careful. I promise, nothing like that is going to happen again.” She didn’t respond immediately. Instead, her gaze drifted down to his hand. Michael followed her eyes. His knuckles were split open and raw, small streams of dried blood clinging to the ridges. The cold air stung the exposed skin, turning the wounds an angry shade of red. He hadn’t even realized how badly they hurt until she stared at them. “Michael.” She whispered as she closer, “You can’t leave
Chapter 49
“Let her go,” Michael warned; his eyes were burning with rage at this point. The men didn’t take him seriously. They burst out laughing, loud and mocking, like hyenas circling their prey. “Look here, brat,” One of them sneered, stepping forward. “Just because you fight well doesn’t mean you get to order us around. Watch your mouth.” “Or what? What are you gonna do if we don't let her go?” Another chimed in, cracking his knuckles. The man holding Celia tightened his grip and pulled her closer as she struggled. His breath brushed her ear with a sickening and deliberate movement. “We’ll hurt this little kitten right here…” He whispered darkly, “...And make you watch.” Celia’s eyes widened in terror. Then the man disgustingly lowered his face to her neck and inhaled deeply. “Mmm… She smells like delicious berries…” He murmured with a twisted smile. “Brings back memories.” That was the moment something snapped inside Michael. He moved sharply like a storm unleashed. His fist connec
Chapter 48
Michael stepped outside into the biting cold, pulling his hooded fur jacket tighter around him as the snow crunched beneath his boots. He was dressed for another fight. Nothing fancy, just the rugged, worn clothes he’d grown accustomed to in this unforgiving city. His breath fogged through the icy air as he made his way around the side of the cabin. That’s when he spotted her. Celia was pacing back and forth on a patch of cleared snow, rubbing her gloved hands together anxiously. Her breath came in sharp bursts, like she was trying to breathe through something invisible pressing down on her. She hadn’t noticed him at all, she was too lost in her thoughts. Michael approached quietly and reached out to gently tap her shoulder. She jumped so hard she almost slipped. “Oh my gosh, Michael!” “Sorry, sorry.” He said immediately, raising his hands. “My bad.” “No, it’s fine.” She said quickly, though her voice wasn’t steady. Michael shook his head. “No. It’s not fine.” Celia froze, sur
Chapter 47
The van dropped them off at the edge of a city none of them had ever heard of. Snow covered everything, thick piles on rooftops, heavy layers on the streets, misty white flakes still falling from the sky. A freezing wind cut through their clothes the moment they stepped out. The driver rolled down his window just long enough to say, “Good luck,” before speeding away, leaving the five of them alone in a strange white world. Celia hugged her arms around her body and shivered violently. “W-Why is it so cold?” She whispered, teeth already chattering. Michael instantly reached for the zipper of his jacket. “Here, take my jacket.” She stopped him with a small shake of her head. “No. I’m fine. I brought mine.” She dug into her backpack with stiff fingers and pulled out a thick winter coat. Barry and Jace quickly followed her lead, pulling out sweaters and gloves from their own bags… They felt thankful for being prepared. Even Mira put on a simple dark jacket. When everyone was finally
Chapter 46
The next morning, a long black limo rolled up to the entrance of the Scofield estate. Michael and Mira were already outside waiting. They both wore simple clothes, plain T-shirts, jeans, and light jackets. Nothing fancy, nothing that showed who they really were. They looked like normal young adults going on a trip. The limo stopped, and Barry stepped out first. “Wow,” He whispered, stretching his arms. “That ride was so smooth. I almost fell asleep.” Jace came out after him. “Same here. I didn’t want it to end.” Celia stepped out last. She saw Michael standing near the steps and gave him a soft smile. Michael smiled back the same way. She walked toward him. “Morning.” She said. “Morning.” Michael replied. “Did you sleep well?” “Barely. Too much on my mind.” She admitted with a small laugh. “Second thoughts about coming?” He asked gently. “No,” Celia shook her head. “Just… excited. Nervous. All of it at once.” Michael nodded. “Me too.” Before the moment could stretch any lon
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