Christmas was already history, and Sapphire City was preparing for the New Year celebrations. Restaurants, clubs, hotels, and homes were dressed like brides. There was an economic boom in Sapphire City that year. It created more billionaires and millionaires than in the entire last half-century. Almost every middle-class family was flush with cash, and they didn’t shy away from spending it on holidays. Almost every family. It was the evening of Christmas Eve. A little boy no older than seven walked along the street with an excited smile dancing on his face. A single coin was firmly lodged in his pocket. The boy’s family was poor, and his father struggled with his new garment shop. The man dreamt of building a mall, which was a distant dream. Moreover, the family recently had a baby girl. Money was tight. Christmas had been a lousy affair as they couldn’t afford a Christmas tree, turkey, or gifts. However, the kid’s mother generously gave him a fifty-cent coin as a holiday allowanc

Tyler considered it for a moment and then turned away. “Maybe some other day. Please enjoy the party. The girls are lounging in the living room.”He left, leaving the beauty hanging. Isabella arrived shortly after, excited to talk to him. Tyler exchanged pleasantries with her but again refused to engage privately.The final guest was someone in a hood. The veil lifted to reveal Gina Perry, the international celebrity.“You can’t imagine how difficult it was to dodge the paparazzi and come here,” she grumbled. “It’s in the middle of nowhere! At least give me a hug!”Gina’s ambition was shattered, and she had to settle for a handshake. Only Yara Mathews was missing from the picture, but it was known she was away on important business.After all party preparations were completed, Tracy, Maya, and Britta joined the other girls in the living room. They chatted wildly like old friends and played cards, board games, and charades to pass the time.The men gathered in the kitchen, drinking bee

Tyler swooped down and landed just outside the garden grove in Emperor's Cove. It was a massive estate, the largest in Sapphire City. From above, its map looked like a city by itself.As Tyler's wings retreated into his back, he lowered Natalie to the ground. As soon as the young woman's feet touched the soil, she acted like a feral animal.The young woman jumped into an attack stance and shoved Tyler hard. She rained a dozen punches on his chest. Naturally, the girly attack had no effect on him. It was battling against a mountain."What the hell was that?" Natalie raged. "You have wings?""What if you had dropped me? What are we doing in Emperor's Cove?"Natalie's questions and complaints were numerous and whiny. They went on for an entire minute. She stopped speaking only after she was gasping for breath.Tyler had been watching Natalie silently with a thin smile. Noticing she had stopped acting like a beast, he stepped forward.The young man cupped and nursed her cheek affectionate

Tyler looked down at Lilith with his best poker face so as not to betray his genuine emotions. Was Tezcatlipoca, the Mayan goddess he called Kat, really on her way to his location?After the epic battle of El Abyssium, Tyler instructed Kat to bring Britta to the Salvatore estate. She did as she was told without protest.The young man expected her to stay behind for Butch Salvatore's funeral. He remembered how heartbroken she was after their divorce and wanted an amicable conversation about it.However, unexpectedly, Kat left the estate before Tyler arrived. She only left a word behind with Britta that she was going on a soul-searching journey. What was that supposed to mean?The young man hadn't heard of her until tonight. Where did she disappear to? What were her present intentions?"Are you sure about this, Lilith? How would Kat know where I am?"The demoness lowered her head a bit. "I'm afraid I don't have that information, My Lord. I detected your ex-wife's presence from a few mil

Tyler emerged from the water with clothes drenched and dripping. His well-defined muscles rippled under the wet fabric, that would ordinarily be a treat for any woman. However, there was no audience for this spectacle.Tyler had swum across the river to the other side of Emperor's Cove. He had landed at one of the other two luxurious estates in the Crest tier of Sterling Hill.Sterling Hill had three tiers of living spaces. The Foothills was the lowest, with standard apartments and houses. The Midlands had villas and mansions. The Andersons' estate was situated there.Finally, the Crest tier was the most premium and expensive level, with only three estates, one of which was owned by Tyler—Emperor's Cove.The second estate belonged to the royal Petra family, where he stood right now.Rustle! Rustle! Something rushed towards him at a frightening speed in the grass—a large wild animal, based on the tremors and growls. Tyler stood his ground because he knew what it was.Roar! A massive pi