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The Return of the Hades 165
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
The Return of the Hades 166
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
The Return of the Hades 167
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
The Return of the Hades Divorce
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. "
The Return of the Hades Humiliated
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
The Return of the Hades Lavinia
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
The Return of the Hades Slap
4The impact sent a shock through Cersei, leaving her momentarily speechless. Her hand flew to her cheek, the sting of the slap mingling with her surprise. "What—what was that for?" Cersei sputtered, her eyes wide with disbelief.Lavinia's hand was still raised, her chest heaving as she glared down at Cersei, who was clutching her reddened cheek in shock."Why did you do that?" Cersei demanded again, her voice quivering with a mixture of anger and confusion. Lavinia's eyes blazed with a fiery intensity, her voice steady and contemptuous. "You seem to have forgotten all that sir French has done for you over the years. Do you think you would be where you are today without his help?""What nonsense are you speaking? I achieved everything on my own merit," Cersei shot back defiantly. Lavinia met her glare steadfastly. "You are blind, Cersei. Blind to the truth that's been before your eyes all along. Every so-called triumph you've boasted of, every victory you've celebrated... It was si
The Return of the Hades Golden Apple
5Darien let out an exasperated sigh, his frustration evident. "Cersei, this is not the time for petty squabbles. We have more important matters to attend to."Cersei's eyes blazed with righteous anger. "I will not let it go, Darien! This woman, Lavinia," she sneered Lavinia's name, "needs to apologize for her unwarranted behavior. It's a matter of principle."Lavinia-Luciano maintained her composure, her voice steady. "Cersei, I understand your feelings, and I am willing to apologize if it will bring an end to this conflict. However, I propose a different solution. But perhaps we can settle this in a more... unconventional manner."Cersei raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Unconventional? What do you mean?"Lavinia-Luciano's lips curved into a sly smile. "I propose a bet."Cersei's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "A bet? What kind of nonsense are you suggesting, Lavinia?"Lavinia-Luciano's tone remained calm. "If you truly believe that it was wrong for me to slap you and accuse you, then let