Catelyn's cheeks flamed with color. "Well, if you say so…"Ashton's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "If this is your idea of a seduction ploy, does that mean you're at my mercy now?"Catelyn's heart raced with anxiety. "What are you planning to do?""Oh, nothing too wild. Maybe book a hotel room for some fun experiments." Ashton chuckled."In your dreams!" Catelyn's face went ghostly white."Look at you. You're not even savvy enough for the basics, yet you're trying to play the seductress. It takes more than a costume change and a pretty pose to make that work." Ashton teased casually.Catelyn looked down, her face a battleground of emotions. She seemed to steel herself, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Fine, I'll play along with your little game. Let's go to that room and get this experiment started."She buried her face in her hands; her cheeks burned so hot she thought they might drip with shame.To her surprise, Ashton's interest waned. He laughed and turned away, w

Rowen's expression shifted quickly. "What are you implying, Mister Levin? I'm lost. Is the treasure not to your liking?"Before Rowen could say more, a fierce wind slammed into him and knocked him to the ground in terror."What's your game? Soho Manor is a no-fight zone. You're breaking the rules!" Rowen yelled.Ashton was unfazed as he sat calmly and gave Alex a grim command. "Take him out."Alex loomed large. His step caused the ground to quake. He reached for Rowen, but the man was not about to go down without a fight."You've gone too far!"With a grimace, Rowen drew a pellet drum from his chest, its odd scent wafting through the air. It was painted with a demonic face in red—one side weeping, the other laughing.As he rattled the drum, a wave of pain crashed through everyone's skulls. It was like their brains were trying to burst free."It's a mind blast! He's one of Wilder Huntsville's goons!"They clutched their heads; their eyes bulged with agony.Ashton flashed a wic

Rowena was seething as she watched him, so serene and untroubled. If the scandal broke, it would not just be her downfall; her master and Medicine Valley would be dragged down with her. She would become the ultimate villain.Ashton faced her with a relaxed smile. "I have no beef with Medicine Valley, but you sent someone to steal my belongings last night, and today, your people tried to trap me. Looks like we've officially got a feud on our hands."Look, I'm all about fairness. Just hand over five 500-year-old and one 1000-year-old ancient medicines, and I'll forget all about this mess. Plus, I won't pry into this whole Wilder Huntsville business. Trust me, it's a fair trade for you."Rowena could not help but laugh at that. "I've seen some bold demands in my time, this? Sorry, but granting your wish is beyond my power. Besides, we're not here to discuss whether Medicine Valley owes you anything. We're here to talk about the steep price you'll pay for spreading lies about us!"Asht

"He actually showed up?""Wow, I thought that lady was stalling. I never imagined she'd bring a Medicine Valley elder here. That's someone who practices the mystic arts at a high level. We might be in for some real trouble today, the kind where a couple of casualties won't cut it."The estate buzzed with noise, then fell eerily silent.Only a few whispers of astonishment lingered."It's Dorian! He's a renowned sorcerer, even from 20 years ago. He challenged Caelus on Harbor Island; their magical duel lasted a day and a night with no victor. He's a living legend in the mystic arts. Now, his powers are likely even more profound. Without tapping into the essence of the land itself, even Caelus might not stand a chance against him."After the last of the onlookers left, an elder with cloud-like white hair entered the manor. Attendants flanked him, and a welcoming committee greeted him quickly to avoid disrespect.He strode down the path, and the crowd parted like the sea before him.

Ashton remained seated, unmoved. A slight smile played on his lips, his face a mask of calm without a hint of fear.Rowena watched and mentally shook her head. 'Some people just don't know when to quit. He's clearly in deep trouble, yet he's putting on a brave face. But acting cool won't change the fact that he's about to become our captive. And the more arrogant he is now, the harder he will fall. Everyone's just itching to see him knocked down a peg.'"This murderer has slain one of our brothers, an unforgivable act that demands the harshest punishment. The Octa Diagram Sect of Eldrith Vale insists on being part of the judgment.""Our elder fell to his treachery just last night. The Praying Mantis Sect demands a seat at the trial.""And let's not forget about the Heptaraid Sect.""Master Dorian, tell us, and we'll strike. If we are united, we will hold enough sway that even the lord of Soho Manor will think twice before crossing us."The gathered crowd turned their eyes to Dori