163Darien made his way back home, the weight of the night's events heavy on his shoulders. With each step, his mind churned with thoughts of Emma and the dangerous journey ahead. He couldn't afford to fail her, not after everything she meant to him.As he entered his home, Lavinia approached him, her expression a mix of concern and hope. "Sir French, did you find her?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.Darien's heart sank as he met her gaze. "Unfortunately, no," he replied, his voice heavy with regret. "But I promise you, Lavinia, I'll do everything in my power to bring her back safely."Lavinia's eyes brimmed with tears, her hands trembling at her sides. "Oh, sir French," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "She's like family to us. I can't bear the thought of her in danger."Darien's chest tightened with emotion as he reached out to comfort her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "I know, Lavinia," he murmured, his voice soft with empathy. "But we have
164Darien's heart pounded in his chest as he dodged Gangatsu's lethal strikes, his muscles burning with exertion. He couldn't afford to lose focus now, not when victory was within reach.Gangatsu's lips curled into a cruel smile as he lunged forward once more, his movements swift and deadly. "You can't escape, Darien," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Your fate is sealed."Darien gritted his teeth, his mind racing as he searched for a way to turn the tide. He couldn't let Gangatsu win - not after all they had been through. With a determined growl, he launched himself at his opponent, fists flying in a desperate flurry of blows.Each strike landed with satisfying force, driving Gangatsu further back with every blow. But the villain was relentless, his attacks coming with ferocious speed and precision."You think you can defeat me?" Gangatsu sneered, his eyes burning with hatred. "You're nothing but a foolish child."Darien's blood boiled at the insult, fueling his determina
165One week had passed since Darien's intense battle with Gangatsu. The victory had left him physically exhausted but emotionally elated. As he sat in his study, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on his mind, he poured over maps and scrolls, searching for any clue that could lead them to Emma.Lavinia entered the room, her expression grave and her brow furrowed with worry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of how Darien would react to the news she bore."Sir French," she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "there's something you need to know."Darien glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What is it, Lavinia?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension. "What's happened?"Lavinia took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Darien's heart skipped a beat, a cold feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "Try me," he rep
164One week had passed since Darien's intense battle with Gangatsu. The victory had left him physically exhausted but emotionally elated. As he sat in his study, the weight of their recent ordeal still heavy on his mind, he poured over maps and scrolls, searching for any clue that could lead them to Emma.Lavinia entered the room, her expression grave and her brow furrowed with worry. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of how Darien would react to the news she bore."Sir French," she began, her voice soft but tinged with concern, "there's something you need to know."Darien glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. "What is it, Lavinia?" he asked, his tone tinged with apprehension. "What's happened?"Lavinia took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. "Even if I told you, you wouldn't believe me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.Darien's heart skipped a beat, a cold feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. "Try me," he re
167The mayor's eyes widened in surprise at Lavinia's bold declaration, a flicker of fear crossing his features before he quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Of course, Ms. Luciano," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I'll do everything in my power to assist you in your investigation."But as Darien and Lavinia left the mayor's office, they knew they couldn't trust him. As Darien and Lavinia exited the mayor's office, their minds still reeling from the encounter, they were suddenly confronted with an unexpected sight. Standing before them, blocking their path, were Cersei, her brother Bennett, and their mother Marcela.Darien's jaw clenched instinctively as he locked eyes with Cersei, the source of so much turmoil in their lives. He could feel Lavinia tensing beside him, her anger palpable in the air.Cersei's lips curled into a malicious smirk as she regarded Darien with contempt, her eyes flashing with animosity. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the noble
1In the big city of Usati, important government and military people gathered in a sad and serious way. They wore all-black clothes and stood quietly, showing respect with their heads bowed down. At the center of their assembly, an imposing coffin lay draped in the country's flag, a poignant symbol of the profound loss that had befallen the nation.Amidst the hushed whispers and the heavy air of mourning, President Alexander Volkov, resplendent in his own all-black suit, stepped forward to address the gathered crowd. "Our prophet," President Volkov began, his words measured and imbued with deep reverence, "is the very eyes and brain of Usati. Today, as we pay our final respects, we must remember the selfless sacrifice he made for our beloved country." Even though he sounded very sad, his determination came through and affected everyone who listened.As the president's speech reached its crescendo, the assembled officers, both civilian and military, offered their solemn affirmation. "
2Darien was about to thank the other person, but just by hearing the person's voice, he already recognized who she was. The woman who had come to his aid was Lavinia Luciano, his former subordinate. Lavinia was a tall, elegant woman with striking hazel eyes and auburn hair that fell in gentle waves around her shoulders. She felt guilty that it was because she came too late that Darien was humiliated."Sir. French, I'm so sorry," Lavinia said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I should have been here sooner. I never should have left your side."Darien offered a small, reassuring smile. "It's not your fault, Lavinia. I appreciate your concern, but what's done is done. What I need now is to get back to the hospital."Lavinia nodded, her eyes filled with sadness as she helped Darien to his feet. She had known Darien for years, and seeing him in this weakened state tore at her heart. As they made their way towards the hospital, Lavinia couldn't shake the guilt that weighed heavily upon h
3As the rejuvenating essence of the Dragon Blood Bodhi tree coursed through Darien's veins, he felt a resurgence of vitality he hadn't experienced in what felt like lifetimes. The once crippling poison that had threatened to consume him was now merely an annoyance, its potency fading against the newfound strength the Bodhi extract provided. His gaze met Lavinia's, her vigilant eyes betraying the fatigue from a night spent guarding his recovery."How do you feel, sir?" Lavinia asked, her voice laced with concern."Rejuvenated," Darien responded, his voice carrying a timbre of renewed vigor. "The Bodhi's essence... it's remarkable. The toxins are receding, but the battle isn't over. I still need to find the remaining herbs."Lavinia's eyes lit up, a reflection of her relief. "We'll find them, sir. We've overcome worse odds."Darien nodded, a determined set to his jaw. Yet, as he observed Lavinia, a faint shimmer in her aura caught his attention. His prophetic abilities, dulled by the