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THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 35:
Victor advanced toward Adrian, his expression resolute. “This isn’t about winning, Adrian. It’s about protecting the city, the people, and everything we’ve built.”Adrian spat blood onto the ground, his gaze filled with loathing. “You think you can save them? You’re just like me, Victor. We’re both monsters—ancient relics of a forgotten age. You can’t escape what you are.”Victor stopped just a few feet from Adrian, his voice low but firm. “I’m nothing like you, Adrian. I’ve spent centuries trying to make amends for the things I’ve done, while you’ve only sought more power. You’re blinded by your ambition, but it will be your downfall.”Adrian’s face twisted in fury, and with a last desperate effort, he summoned a torrent of dark magic, hurling it toward Victor. The air around them crackled with malevolent energy, the force of the attack strong enough to level a building.But Victor was ready.With a powerful gesture, he created a barrier of light, shielding himself and his allies fro
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 36
As the first rays of sunlight began to warm the city, Victor and his companions made their way down from the rooftop, the weight of the night’s battle still heavy on their minds. The streets below were quiet, the aftermath of the chaos evident in the scattered debris and the occasional flicker of emergency lights.Victor walked ahead, his thoughts racing. He knew the victory over Adrian was only the beginning of a new chapter in his long life—a chapter that would bring its own set of challenges. The balance he had maintained for centuries between his ancient identity and the modern world had been threatened, and now, with Adrian gone, he would have to face the consequences of that delicate equilibrium being disrupted.Selene, noticing Victor's silence, quickened her pace to walk beside him. “You’re thinking too much again,” she said with a soft smile, trying to lighten the mood.Victor glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “It’s hard not to. Adrian was just one threat. The
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 37
The days that followed were marked by an uneasy calm. The city had begun to heal from the chaos Adrian had unleashed, but the scars remained, visible in the damaged buildings and in the eyes of those who had witnessed the terror firsthand. Victor, ever vigilant, had resumed his dual life—by day, he was the enigmatic CEO of a powerful conglomerate, and by night, he was the city's silent guardian, ensuring that no new threats emerged from the shadows.In the boardrooms and skyscrapers, Victor maneuvered his company with precision, ensuring that the influence he had built over centuries remained intact. His presence was felt everywhere, from the stock markets to the most exclusive social circles, yet no one truly knew him. They saw only the polished facade, unaware of the ancient being who walked among them.But even as he immersed himself in the world of commerce and power, Victor could not shake the feeling that something was amiss. The balance he had fought so hard to maintain was fra
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 38
The following days were marked by increased tension and a flurry of activity. Victor and his team worked tirelessly to prepare for the impending threat. Lucian and Orpheus were busy reaching out to their own networks, seeking information and allies who might help them confront the new power rising in the shadows. Selene continued her own investigations, digging into ancient texts and forgotten lore that might shed light on their mysterious adversary.One evening, Victor gathered his closest allies in his penthouse, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the flickering flames in the fireplace and the soft glow of city lights outside the window.“We need to understand what we’re dealing with,” Victor said, his voice steady. “If this new force is as ancient as Selene suspects, they’ll have knowledge and abilities beyond our current understanding. We must be prepared for anything.”Lucian, who had been studying a stack of old manuscripts
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 39
As Victor and Selene drove back to their safehouse, the atmosphere in the car was tense. The ancient tome lay on the seat between them, its dark cover etched with symbols that seemed to shift and writhe in the dim light of the car.Victor glanced at Selene, his eyes reflecting the concern he felt. “We need to analyze this as soon as possible. There’s no telling what kind of power it holds or what the ritual was meant to achieve.”Selene nodded, her gaze fixed on the tome. “Agreed. The energy from it was unlike anything I’ve felt before. It’s ancient, and whatever it’s tied to could be very dangerous.”They arrived at the safehouse, a fortified hideout that had been specially designed to withstand both physical and magical threats. Victor led the way inside, and they quickly set up their workspace—a room filled with old books, ancient scrolls, and various magical artifacts.Victor placed the tome carefully on a large table, its presence dominating the room. Selene began setting up prot
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 40
The old temple stood before them, its ancient stones cloaked in shadows and overgrown with creeping vines. The celestial light, filtering through the gaps in the overhang and casting an eerie glow on the stonework, made the atmosphere even more surreal. Victor led the way, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger or traps.Selene was close behind, her fingers subtly tracing protective runes in the air as they walked, creating a barrier to shield them from any magical attacks. Lucian and Orpheus took up the rear, their senses alert for any movement or hidden threats.As they approached the entrance, Victor signaled for everyone to stop. The temple's heavy wooden doors were partially ajar, allowing faint light and the sound of chanting to seep through. Victor pressed his ear to the door, listening to the rhythmic incantations that filled the space inside."Ready?" Victor whispered, turning to his team. They nodded in unison, their faces set with grim determination.Wit
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 41
As the team returned to the safehouse, their spirits were lifted by the dawn's light but also weighed down by the knowledge that their mission was far from over. They gathered in their briefing room, the atmosphere charged with a mix of relief and determination.Victor took a seat at the head of the table, the tome now securely bound and stored in a protective case beside him. "We’ve had a significant victory tonight, but we need to address the immediate aftermath and the ongoing threats."Selene nodded, reviewing her notes. "First, we need to ensure the tome is properly contained. Its power is too dangerous to be left unguarded. I'll set up additional wards to prevent any accidental releases."Lucian looked through his list of contacts and leads. "The cult members who escaped will likely regroup. We should track them down and dismantle any remaining cells. We also need to investigate the connections to the influential families and organizations that were involved."Orpheus leaned bac
THE HIDDEN CROWN Chapter 42
Victor and his team gathered their equipment and supplies for the journey to locate the Obsidian Heart. The map, though ancient and weathered, provided a detailed path leading to a remote, secluded location deep in the wilderness. The clues in the book hinted at trials that would test their resolve and skills, making it clear that this would be a perilous journey.The team departed early the next morning, traversing through dense forests and rugged terrain. As they made their way, Victor took a moment to address his team."We're venturing into unknown territory, and we don't know what to expect. Stay alert and work together. Our primary goal is to retrieve the Obsidian Heart and ensure that its power doesn't fall into the wrong hands."The team nodded, each member prepared for the challenges ahead. The journey took them through increasingly treacherous terrain, with the landscape growing more desolate and foreboding. They camped for the night at a clearing, taking turns to keep watch