151 "I have to go, Lavinia," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "But I promise, I'll bring Emma back safely." Lavinia nodded, her eyes filled with tears of gratitude and fear. "Be careful, Sir French," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. Darien gave her a reassuring smile before striding out of the room, his thoughts consumed by the looming confrontation ahead. As he drove towards the meeting point, Darien's mind raced with a thousand possibilities. He couldn't afford to let fear or doubt cloud his judgment now. Emma's life depended on his ability to outsmart the masked man and bring her home. Arriving at the designated location, Darien surveyed his surroundings with caution. The area was deserted, save for a lone figure standing in the shadows. Steeling himself, Darien approached, his senses on high alert. The masked man stepped forward, his features obscured by darkness. "You came," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. Darien's jaw clenched with ange

153Darien stood his ground as the mysterious figure disappeared into the shadows, leaving him alone in the dimly lit room. His mind raced with possibilities, but his resolve remained unshaken. He would find a way to rescue Emma, no matter what obstacles stood in his way.Suddenly, the heavy steel door swung open, and a group of men, around twenty, entered the room, their expressions hardened with determination. Darien eyed them with mild amusement, his lips curling into a faint smirk."Well, well, well," one of the men sneered, stepping forward with a menacing glare. "Look what we have here. A little lost puppy."Darien arched an eyebrow, unimpressed by the man's attempt at intimidation. "Is this the welcoming committee?" he quipped, his tone laced with sarcasm.The men exchanged glances, their expressions turning from hostility to disbelief. "You think this is a joke?" another man growled, stepping closer to Darien with clenched fists.Darien shrugged nonchalantly, his eyes gleaming

155Darien's heart pounded in his chest as he stared down his adversary, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. The revelation that the mysterious figure was none other than Barnet Keppler, his former comrade from the Usati army, sent shockwaves through his core. He had always suspected Barnet's jealousy, but to see him here, shrouded in darkness and malice, was a bitter blow. Some time before the attack of the Usati army, Barnet Keppler, had disappeared without leaving a trace. In fact, he had always been jealous of Darien and wanted to take his place as Hades, but unfortunately he had no prophetic powers. As Barnet's sinister grin widened, Darien felt a surge of anger and betrayal wash over him. How could someone he had once trusted with his life stoop to such depths? But amidst the anger, a flicker of determination ignited within him. He would not let Barnet's twisted ambitions endanger those he cared about, especially Emma."You've gone too far, Barnet," Darien growled, h

157As Darien fought on, the sound of the skirmish echoed throughout the dimly lit room, each strike and grunt of effort reverberating off the walls. Despite his fatigue, Darien refused to yield, his determination fueled by a fierce sense of justice and a desire to protect those he cared about.As he landed blow after blow, a plan began to form in his mind. He couldn't keep up this relentless assault forever, not against so many opponents. He needed to find a way to turn the tide in his favor, to gain the upper hand and end this confrontation once and for all.With a quick glance around the room, Darien spotted a nearby table littered with assorted objects—a lamp, a vase, and a few other items. His eyes narrowed with determination as an idea took shape. As his assailants closed in, Darien feinted left, then darted towards the table, grabbing the lamp in one fluid motion. With a swift swing, he sent it hurtling towards the nearest group of cronies, the shattering glass and sparks brie

159As Darien left the room, his mind swirled with thoughts. He knew trusting Barnet was a risk, but finding Emma took priority. He strode through the halls, footsteps echoing with purpose.Barnet scrambled after him, still shaken. "The Shadow Broker frequents The Drunken Rogue tavern at dusk," he informed. "I'll send word of your meeting. But come alone - he's paranoid."Darien stopped and turned, eyes boring into Barnet's. "This had better not be a trap. For your sake."Barnet nodded fervently. "I want this nightmare to end as much as you. Please...just spare me once you have her." Without waiting for a reply, he scurried away like a frightened rat.Darien sighed heavily. As much as he hated it, Barnet may be his only lead. He had to take the chance.Night fell as he entered the tavern. Patrons drank and gambled rowdily, paying him no mind. Scanning the dim room, his eyes fell upon a hooded figure in the corner, sipping alone.He approached cautiously. "The Shadow Broker, I presume?