The air around Arthur Palace buzzed with tension as the first waves of Kate Winter’s forces descended. Explosions rattled the estate, and Elijah stood at the forefront, commanding his men with precision. His voice carried above the chaos, calm but firm, rallying his team. “Position the sentries on the east wall,” Elijah ordered Doug, his eyes scanning the horizon. “We can’t let them breach the main courtyard.” Doug nodded, gripping his comms device tightly. “On it. But, Marshal, the numbers don’t look good. They’re hitting us with everything they’ve got.” Elijah’s gaze hardened. “Then we’ll hit harder.” Sophia emerged from the main hall, her face a mix of determination and concern. “I want to help,” she said, approaching Elijah. “Sophia, no,” Elijah replied immediately, stepping toward her. “I need you safe.” “I can’t just sit back while they tear through our home,” she insisted, her tone unwavering. “I’m not leaving you to fight this alone.” Elijah hesitated, torn betwe

The aftermath of Kate Winter’s death left an eerie calm at Arthur Palace. Elijah stood by the window in his study, staring out at the fading embers of the battle. The memory of Kate’s final words replayed in his mind like a haunting melody: ~The Lava’s Heart… it’s the key.Doug entered quietly, holding a tablet. “I’ve been digging into Kate’s claims,” he began, his tone serious. “It wasn’t just talk. Mary Shaw… she’s alive. Our doubt about her death after Duke West was wrong. And she’s been busy.” Elijah turned, his expression sharpening. “Where is she?” “Secluded estate outside Evendore,” Doug replied. “It’s heavily fortified, almost like she was expecting you to come eventually.” Elijah clenched his fists, the years of suppressed anger bubbling beneath the surface. “She knew this day would come. She’s the last piece of this puzzle, Doug. The Lava’s Heart—everything ties back to her.” Doug nodded but hesitated. “Elijah, are you sure you’re ready for this? Facing her might not

Elijah stood in the dimly lit room, the faint glow of the moon streaming through the cracked windows. Mary sat across from him, her expression calm but calculating. The tension between them was palpable, years of hatred and betrayal bubbling beneath the surface.   “You’ve always been good at manipulation, Mary,” Elijah said, his tone sharp. “But that won’t work on me anymore. Tell me where the Lava’s Heart is.”   Mary chuckled softly, leaning back in her chair. “You think I’m the only monster in this story, Elijah? That heirloom destroyed your family because of their obsession with power. And now, here you are, following in their footsteps.”   “I don’t want power,” Eli