Cynthia leads the man into Jessica’s office. As he entered, Jessica’s face lit up with a smile. “Arthur! what are you doing here.” she exclaimed, raising up from her chair. She was surprised to see him because they talked a few nights ago and he was still in Nigeria.“Surprise!!!” he exclaimed, spreading his arm wide. Jessica rushed around her desk, into his arms embracing him warmly. Arthur chuckled, holding her tight.Jessica pulled back, “I’ve missed you so much!, how is your grandmother?” Jessica asked.‘She is doing excellent. She sends her love.” his Nigerian accent now infused with his American drawl.“Arthur! Oh my God, it has been ages.'“ Arthur chuckled, '“ if i had known you miss me this much i would have come back earlier.“Have a seat dude, what would you like to drink or eat?” she asked.“Vodka?” he said.Jessica glared at him. “seriously?”“what?!” Arthur said. “You don't need to be all serious, we are not in a math class.” he said and they both burst into laughter.“I
Liam walked into the luxurious hotel, blending into the background. He approached the reception desk, where a polite receptionist greeted him."Welcome to the Grand Plaza Hotel, sir. How may I assist you?"Liam's deep voice was polite but understated. “I'm here to collect my key. Presidential suite.”The receptionist’s eyes scanned him before asking for his name. “Your name please.”“Liam miller.”The receptionist's eyes widened as she scanned her computer screen. Her demeanor shifted from professional to servile.“I apologize, sir. I didn't realize...You're the owner of our presidential suite.”Liam's expression remained neutral, accustomed to the reaction.”it’s fine.” he said calmly“Key, please.”The receptionist hastily handed him the key, her hands trembling slightly.“Is there anything else I can do for you, sir? Complimentary champagne or—”“No, thank you,” Liam interrupted, taking the key.With a nod, he turned toward the elevators, leaving the receptionist in awe.As Liam ent
Jessica's cheeks burned bright as she realized her position.“Liam, I...I'm sorry,” she stammered, struggling to free herself.Liam's grip loosened, allowing her to stand.“What were you doing here?” Liam asked, attempting to compose himself.Jessica's eyes darted around the room. “I...I needed to talk to you.” Both of them could feel the tension between them. Liam grabbed a robe from the nearby chair and wrapped it around himself.“I am listening,” Liam said, his voice softer.“I can come back later.” she said.“It’s fine, have your seat.”“Tell me, why do you want to see me?” Liam asked, his curiosity piqued.Jessica's gaze dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. “I'm fine with it.”Liam's brow furrowed. “Fine with what?”She lifted her eyes, a hint of determination in her voice. “I'm fine with you cheating, Liam. Just don't let it get out.”Liam's eyes widened, shocked. “What do you mean cheating?” he exclaimed.Jessica's expression remained calm, her voice steady. “I told you,
“Wait,” Liam said. “ I need you to clarify something. Are you giving me permission to cheat?”Jessica's eyes widened, her expression a mix of shock and amusement. "What? No, Liam, that's not what I'm saying at all."Her response made Liam smile.Liam's brow furrowed. "Then what exactly are you saying? Because from where I'm standing, it sounds like you're giving me a free pass."Emily sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "I'm saying I trust that you'll make good choices and respect our relationship, once our relationship gets public tomorrow, everyone is going to be watching us.”Liam's gaze held hers, searching for reassurance. "And if I fail?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.“You can't afford to.” she said and slowly released his grip on her wrist.”Good night Liam.” she said and walked out of his room.-Jessica yelled upstairs, “shut up and get your ass up here!!”Arthur leisurely made his way upstairs, “I thought you said Master David will pick me up.” he yelled back whil
Theodore led his men through the winding tunnels of the Dragon's Spine mountains, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient magic. The path twisted and turned, navigating treacherous ravines and sheer drops.“Stay alert,”Theodore warned, his voice low. "The enchantments protecting this chamber are notorious.His men nodded, hands on sword hilts, eyes scanning the shadows.As they descended deeper, the air grew colder, the darkness palpable. Theodore's gaze flicked to the ancient runes etched into the walls, pulsing with a malevolent energy.Suddenly, the ground trembled. Rocks cascaded down the tunnel, blocking their path."Trap," one of Theodore's men hissed. Two men suddenly disappeared.“Boss! Milo and Alex are gone!” one of them said, making the rest of them scared.Theodore drew his sword, its blade shimmering with a faint blue light. “Will join them!.” he yelled.They nodded in union. “ I thought as much.” he said. “If not,Clear the rubble," he ordered. "We must reac
The rustling in the trees grew louder, and Theodore's men readied their weapons. Suddenly, a majestic centaur emerged from the underbrush. His equine body gleamed with strength, while his human torso shone with wisdom.“Greetings, travelers.”the centaur said, his voice resonating like thunder. Theodore stepped forward, hand still on his sword hilt. “We mean no harm. We're seeking shelter for our wounded. The centaur's gaze swept the group, lingering on the injured.“I am Kaelos, guardian of these woods.What brings you to the wood?.” he asked.Theodore's eyes locked onto Kaelo’s'. “We're after the Dragon's Grass Seal,”he said, his voice low.Kaelos's expression turned hard. “You seek to plunder the Dragon's Spine? I cannot aid you.”Theodore shrugged. “We're not here to harm the land. The seal is our only goal.”Theodore's eyes locked onto Kaelo’. “We're after the map that leads to the Dragon's Grass Seal,” he said, his voice firm.Kaelos's expression turned hard. “The map is not in t
Dere's phone rang, shrill in the study's silence. “Excuse me,”Dere said, and faced Victor.“Who is it?” he asked. Asher's eyes narrowed, sensing a shift.Victor's expression turned alert.she came closer and whispered to his ears, immediately, Dere collected the phone. He answered the caall.Dere's voice dropped to a whisper. “What? When?”Asher's curiosity piqued. Dere's face became pale. “I understand,” Dere said, hanging up.“Hope no Problem?” Asher asked.“Not at all.” Dere said composing himself.“I'm afraid our meeting must end, Dragon head, something happened at my sect that i must address immediately.”“Is there any way I can help?” Asher asked.Dere smiled. “No, i am sorry i can't see you off.” he said “Victor, please see the Dragon head off,” Victor nodded and moved to meet him.“I will escort you out sir.” she said.Asher rose, Victor gestured toward the door.“Shall we sir?” Asher nodded.Immediately outside the study, Asher faced Victor. “I need your help,”Asher whisper
“Ouch, Laim, you're hurting me.” Jessica exclaimed.Laim's gaze snapped back to hers, his eyes widening in surprise.He did not realize that his grip was too tight, he relaxed his grip, and removed his hands immediately.“I am sorry, I didn't mean to.” Liam apologized, his expression softening.Arthur rushed to Jessica's side. “Are you good?” he asked, concern etched on his face.Jessica nodded, wincing slightly. Arthur turned to Liam, his expression stern. “What the fuck, man?!”Jessica grasped Arthur's arm, holding him back. “It was an accident, not intentional, okay? Let's all just calm down and settle into our rooms, okay?”Liam looked remorseful. “I'm sorry, Jess. I didn't mean to hurt you.” he apologized again.Arthur's gaze lingered on Laim before nodding. “Alright, let's cool off,” he said, backing down.“Arthur, you should head to your room,” Jessica instructed firmly, her eyes still locked on Laim.Arthur hesitated, his gaze lingering on Laim before nodding. “Fine, but we'
The guards carefully lifted Liam's limp form and began to carry him towards the car. Jessica's eyes followed them, her expression worried. “What's wrong with him?” she asked Victor, her voice trembling.“The seal is breaking up,” Victor explained, her face grim. She thought he had more time. “And he needs your blood to get the Dragon Seal.”“I don't know if he knows that he needs your blood,” Victor said, his eyes locked on Jessica's, “but the seal's breakdown is consuming him.”Victor's eyes locked onto Jessica's. “We need to get the map,” she said, her voice low and urgent. “The one that will reveal the location of the Dragon Seal grass’s creator.”Jessica's brow furrowed in confusion. “But how do we get it?” she asked.Victor's gaze was intense. “Your blood, combined with Liam's, is the key. It's the only way to unlock the map and reveal its secrets.”“We need to get to the map before Grandalf and Valerie do,” Victor said, her eyes scanning the surrounding area as if searching fo
Luther's voice came through the comms device again, “Lord Asher, I'm reading some kind of magical barrier surrounding.”Asher pulled up to the abandoned warehouse, his mind still racing with questions about the third witch. Who could the witch be?? What was her connection to Liam?He thought to himself, “I will be there shortly,” he responded.He killed the engine and stepped out of the car, his eyes scanning the perimeter of the building. The Shadow Guards were waiting for him, their faces expressionless as they bowed in unison.He walked over to the tent where luther is, “Luther, what's the situation?” Asher asked, his voice low and urgent. “The warehouse is locked down tight,” Luther replied. “But I think I can crack the code and get us inside.” Asher nodded, his eyes fixed on the warehouse. “Do it. We need to know what's going on in there.”There was a pause, and then Luther's voice came through again. “Lord Asher. The barrier is down. But be careful, I'm reading some seriously
Asher was pacing in his room, his mind consumed by thoughts of Victor and Liam. He had expected her to arrive by now, but the silence was beginning to unnerve him.Just as he was starting to wonder if Victor had changed her mind, the door to his room burst open and his guard entered, bowing low.“A message from the Sect Leader’s bodyguard” the guard said, his voice low and urgent.Asher's pacing slowed to a stop as he turned to face the guard. “A message from the Sect Leader’s Guard?” he repeated, his eyes narrowing slightly.“Which one?” he asked, urgency laced in his voice.“The League of the Emerald Shield sir.” he said.“Are you sure?” he asked.The guard nodded. “Yes sir.” Asher walked to him and collected the wrapped paper, it was empty. He walked up to the light and ...examined the paper more closely, looking for any hidden messages or clues. He noticed that the paper had a faint scent of lavender and a small, almost imperceptible watermark of a crescent moon.He brought out an
Valerie struggled to collect herself from the ground, her head spinning from the impact. As she slowly sat up, she heard Grandalf's conversation with Jessica.“I see we underestimated your powers,” Grandfalf said, his voice dripping with anger.Jessica shot back, “Seems so, old man.”Jessica frantically scanned her surroundings for an object to use as a defense, but the area was strangely empty. Just as she was starting to lose hope, her gaze landed on Liam and a mysterious woman standing behind him.Liam's eyes locked onto Jessica's, and he mouthed silently, “Don't move.”Jessica's gaze flickered to the woman standing beside Liam, but her attention quickly snapped back to Grandford, who seemed oblivious to their arrival. Grandford sneered at Jessica, “You think you're clever and strong but you're just a foolish child playing with forces beyond your control.”Liam took a step forward, his eyes blazing with anger, and the woman beside him placed her hand on his arm. “Wait,” she whis
As the sun beat down on them, Theodore and his crew struggled to come to terms with their desperate situation. The sound they had heard earlier, which had sent shivers down their spines, turned out to be a demon bird perched atop a nearby tree. Fortunately, it seemed more interested in observing them than attacking.Theodore quickly assessed their situation and realized that their top priority was to find a way to cross the chasm that lay before them. He dispatched a team to search for sturdy sticks and branches that they could use to build a makeshift bridge.Meanwhile, the injured members of the crew cried out in agony, their wounds exacerbated by the scorching sun and the dry, cracked earth beneath them. The rest of the crew tried to comfort them, but it was clear that they needed medical attention, food, and water .Theodore's eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of rescue or a way out of this desolate place. But all he saw was the endless expanse of barren wilderne
Jessica's memories came flooding back, she felt a surge of emotions, fear, anger, and sadness. She struggled against the restraints that bound her to the bed but they held fastThere was nothing holding to the bed, yet she cannot move. The spell that immobilized her legs seemed to be growing stronger, making it harder for her to even twitch a muscle.Jessica's mind was racing, she tried to piece together the events that had led her to this point. She was at a club “Fuck” she thought to herself.“Arthur,”she muttered. She remembered her mother's death, the feeling of helplessness and despair that had consumed her. And then... and then there were the flashbacks. Memories of her mother teaching her how to cast spells, how to brew potions. Memories of her mother's frightened face as she lay dying staring at the blurred killer’s face.Jessica's eyes narrowed as she realized that her memories were not just random recollections. They were clues. Clues to her past, to her mother's secrets, a
Grandalf's voice echoed through the dimly lit chamber, his words laced with a sense of urgency. “Valerie, we must convene immediately. The girl's powers have awakened, and she's more formidable than we anticipated.”Valerie came out from the shadows, her eyes gleaming with interest. “I've been monitoring her progress, Grandalf. Her abilities are indeed impressive, but we must be cautious. If she learns to harness her powers, she could become a significant threat.”Grandalf nodded in agreement. “Precisely why we must act swiftly. We cannot allow her to become a wild card. Our plans depend on her remaining... manageable.”Valerie's expression turned calculating. “I'll take care of it, Grandalf. But we'll need to be strategic. The girl's powers are still raw, but she's resourceful. We can't underestimate her.”Grandalf's eyes narrowed. “See that you don't, Valerie. Our future depends on it.”“We need Liam's blood,” Valerie said. “That is the only thing delaying…”“And what is stopping yo
The receptionist led Arthur through a secure door behind the front desk and into a cramped control room. Banks of monitors lined the walls, displaying feeds from security cameras throughout the hotel.A gruff-looking security guard looked up from his station. “Can I help you?”The receptionist nodded. “This gentleman is looking for his friends. They're registered guests, but they're not answering their phones.”The security guard's expression softened. “Okay, let's take a look. What time did they go missing?”Arthur thought back. “We were at the club around 9 PM. I haven't heard from them since.”The security guard nodded. “Alright, let me pull up the footage from 9 PM onwards.”He began typing on his console, and the monitors flickered to life, displaying various feeds from around the hotel.Arthur's eyes scanned the screens, his heart racing with anticipationHe fast-forwarded through the recordings, stopping at various points to show Arthur people entering and leaving the hotel.Ar
Liam felt a surge of heat and energy course through his veins, like molten fire igniting his very core. His breath caught in his throat as his heart racing accelerated.At first, it was exhilarating, as if his senses had been heightened. But soon, the sensation turned intense, overwhelming. Liam's vision blurred, and his legs buckled.He stumbled, gasping for air, as a searing pain ripped through his chest. The mark, once a subtle hum, now blazed like a wildfire, fighting his way through his system.“Liam!” Victor shouted, rushing to his side.Liam's hands grasped at his chest, as if trying to contain the inferno within. “It's...burning…” he choked out, spitting black blood.Victor grabbed Liam's shoulders, holding him upright. “What's happening?”Liam's eyes rolled back, his body shuddering. “The mark...it's spreading…”Victor's grip tightened. “Fight it, Liam! Don't let it consume you!”Liam's face contorted in agony, his voice barely audible. “Can't...stop it…”Suddenly, Liam's bod