The train ride into Jinstain was a beautiful sight, the city’s skyline appearing on the horizon like jagged teeth rising from the sea. The sun hung low, casting long shadows over the bustling metropolis.Autumn had touched the city gently; a cool breeze blew in from the ocean, but it was a far cry from the colder mountain winds of Velyki. The air was warm enough to remind them that summer had only recently departed.As the train pulled into the station, Conor and Kerrigan exchanged a knowing glance. They were in enemy territory now, navigating a province where Gregor Benedict’s influence reigned supreme. Jinstain was a city of power and secrets, and the Benedicts had their hands in both.The dragoons moved efficiently, escorting Conor, Kerrigan, and the team off the train and into waiting SUVs. Faolan padded silently at their side, her keen eyes darting around as she sniffed the air. Sorcha and Reilynn were immediately on high alert, scanning every shadow, every rooftop.“This place h

The late afternoon sun bathed the grounds of Kerrigan’s Jinstain home in a warm, golden glow, casting long shadows that danced with the gentle sway of the trumpet vine blossoms.The vibrant flowers, still clinging to life in the early days of autumn, painted the landscape with bursts of red and orange. Hummingbirds flitted from bloom to bloom, their wings a blur of iridescent color, and the crisp air carried the faint scent of pine and earth.Kerrigan and Conor stepped away from the house, leaving behind the bustle of their team as they crossed the lawn. Conor had signaled to the Dragoons subtly, and one by one, they drifted toward the edges of the property, giving him and Kerrigan a moment of privacy.Reilynn and Sorcha stood a few yards away, Reilynn giving Sorcha a quick lesson on commands for Faolan, who bounded playfully through the grass, her ears perked up and tail wagging.“This place is stunning,” Conor said, taking in the surroundings. “I can see why you chose it.”Kerrigan

Sandra Banks sat at the head of the table, surrounded by the city’s elite. The private dining room of Jinstain’s most exclusive country club was a lavish affair, complete with sparkling chandeliers and plush velvet chairs. It was a favorite haunt for the city’s most influential women—the wives, mothers, and daughters of power, the unseen architects of Jinstain’s social fabric.Seated beside Sandra was Cynthia Cochan, looking every bit the matriarch in her tailored cream suit, her fingers adorned with sparkling jewels that caught the afternoon light.Her daughter, Jessica Cochan, sat next to her, radiating an air of detached elegance. The conversation flowed freely, a blend of gossip, veiled insults, and thinly disguised power plays that filled the room with an undercurrent of competition.Sandra watched the interaction with satisfaction. These lunches were about more than socializing; they were about reinforcing alliances, gauging weaknesses, and planning the next move. Today, her fo

The team arrived at the original community center, a modest, weather-beaten building that stood in stark contrast to the new, nearly finished structure a few blocks away.The old center had seen better days; its faded paint, cracked windows, and the worn steps at the entrance were testaments to the years of service it had provided to the people of Jinstain.Despite its rundown appearance, the building buzzed with life, and the spirit of the community’s youth thrived within its walls.Conor stepped out of the car first, taking in the sight with a mix of nostalgia and determination. This was where it all began for his mother—her vision of a place where children and families could find support, learn, and grow.Kerrigan followed close behind, her eyes scanning the surroundings, always alert but softened by the familiar warmth of this place. Faolan bounded out, sniffing the air with her usual curiosity, while Sorcha and Reilynn moved to take their positions, staying vigilant yet discreet.

Nyman Banks entered Kelan’s private box in the dimly lit nightclub, the air thick with the smell of expensive cigars and spilled liquor. Music thumped in the background, but inside the glass-walled room, the sound was muted, creating a bubble of tense quiet. Nyman’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the opulence—the plush leather seats, the low amber lighting, and Kelan Benedict lounging like a king on his throne.Kelan didn’t bother to look up as Nyman entered. Instead, he tossed a crumpled newspaper across the table. The headline screamed back at Nyman: DRAGON CORPORATION BOARD MEMBERS INDICTED—CORRUPTION AND CRIME EXPOSED. The photos of David Grain, Walter Kagan, and Ron Sophel were plastered under the bold letters, their faces marked with the wear of men whose dirty secrets had been dragged into the light.“That bitch Kerrigan is mucking up my plans,” Kelan spat, his voice dripping with fury. “Please tell me you have some good news.”Nyman hesitated, feeling the weight of Kelan’s a