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The Return of the Hades Nightshade and Ironclad: Two beasts
70Viktor Kozlov, having witnessed Darien's unexpected prowess, let out a laugh devoid of any humor. With a dismissive flick of his hand, he summoned what appeared to be his final challenge. "You think you've won already? Let's see how you fare against my best," he sneered, a cold smirk spreading across his face.At his signal, the heavy door to the mansion creaked open, and two figures emerged, silhouetted against the dim light from inside. They were unlike any of the men Darien had faced so far; their presence alone seemed to thicken the air with tension.The mercenary stepped forward, presenting the duo with a flourish. "May I introduce the beast known as Ironclad, and his counterpart, the terror of the east, Nightshade."Ironclad, the first of the duo, was a towering mass of muscle, a beast. Muscles bulging under his tight shirt, his bald head gleaming under the courtyard lights. Next to him, Nightshade appeared slightly shorter but broader, with long, unkempt hair and a beard th
The Return of the Hades Capture Marco Gentile?
71"Why are you here, really?" Viktor finally asked, the fight gone from his voice. "What's so important about this herb?"Darien, catching his breath, walked over to Viktor, his demeanor shifting from the confident fighter to the determined seeker. "I need it for something very important," he said, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity that hadn't been there before. "I would have preferred to avoid this confrontation, but I am willing to face anything for the herb."The tense silence that had descended upon the courtyard was shattered by Darien’s voice, calm yet dripping with authority. “We had a deal, Viktor. Your men have fallen. Now, honor your word and give me the Valeriana herb.”Viktor, who had been momentarily lost in disbelief, recovered his wits with a sly twist of his lips. “Changed my mind,” he sneered, his eyes dancing with malice. “The herb stays with me. It's too valuable to just hand over." Darien clenched his fists, anger swelling in his chest. "You would go back
The Return of the Hades Invitation
72The ride home was a tense one, Darien's knuckles white on the steering wheel as he replayed the day's events in his mind. When he arrived, Lavinia took one look at his stony expression and knew something was wrong."What happened?" she asked, her brow furrowing with concern. Darien sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Viktor agreed at first, but then changed the deal. The only way to get the Valeriana now is by capturing one of his enemies, a man named Marco Gentile."Lavinia gasped. "A mafia boss? Darien, that's too dangerous. We'll find another way." But Darien was already shaking his head."There is no other way. I'm so close, Lavinia. If I get this herb, I'll only need 8 more. Please, try to understand." His eyes, usually so calm, were stormy with frustration. Lavinia saw the desperation in his face and knew arguing was futile. "Alright," she conceded reluctantly. "But promise me you'll be careful. This Gentile - who knows what he's capable of?"She pulled out her laptop
The Return of the Hades Arrogant bastard!
73Darien felt a flash of anger but kept his expression neutral, waiting for Eveline's lead."He's a friend," Eveline replied, her voice steady but Darien could sense the tension in her posture."A friend," Charles repeated, his tone suggesting anything but friendship. "Well, I must say, I didn't expect to find you in such... quaint company, Eveline."Eveline's jaw tightened, and Darien saw her inhale deeply, a clear effort to maintain her composure. "Darien has been a great help to my family. More than I can say for some," she retorted, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and defiance.Charles's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Is that so? Well, I suppose everyone needs a pet project."The tension at the table spiked as Charles stood there, a smirk playing on his lips. Darien kept his cool, focusing on Eveline, who seemed to gather herself for the storm ahead."Charles," Eveline said, her voice icy, "what do you want?"Charles turned his smirk into a full-on grin, though it didn't rea
The Return of the Hades Say that again! I dare you!
74"Say that again! I dare you!" Charles growled.Eveline's hand reached out, touching Darien's arm lightly, a silent plea for restraint. Darien gave her a brief, reassuring glance before turning back to Charles, unflinching."As I said, respect goes a long way. You should learn it."Eveline stood up, placing herself between them. "Enough, Charles. Leave. Now."Charles's face was a picture of fury, his voice rising with each word. "I said, say that again!"Darien looked back at him, the picture of calm. "Respect, Charles. It's important."Charles sneered, not backing down. "You think you can make me?"Darien's lips twitched into a smirk. "Not worth the effort, honestly."Around them, the room buzzed with whispers."Did you see that? This guy is not even breaking a sweat," one patron murmured to another pointing at Darien."I'd pay to see Charles try something," another chuckled, sipping their wine.Charles, oblivious to the murmurs, jabbed a finger in Darien's direction. "You think yo
The Return of the Hades At the party!
75Once outside, the cool night air felt refreshing after the stifling tension of the restaurant. Eveline took a deep breath, seeming to shake off the encounter. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Darien. Charles... he's someone my family wants me to marry, but I can't stand him. He's arrogant and, frankly, cruel."Darien looked down at her, understanding dawning. "You don't have to explain. It's clear you deserve much better than someone like that."Eveline smiled weakly, her earlier vivacity dimmed by the encounter. "Thank you, Darien. For everything."He nodded, feeling a protective surge. "Anytime, Eveline."Eveline smiled up at Darien, though it did not reach her eyes which still showed traces of worry from the earlier confrontation. "Thank you again for your company tonight, I apologize our dinner was interrupted. I know this party on Saturday is rather last minute but it would mean so much to have you there. My family will be in attendance and it may help deter Charles from causin
The Return of the Hades Nailed him
76 With burning eyes, Darien drew himself to his full height and glared at Charles, his voice was laced with slight amusement while he spoke, “Is that supposed to be a threat Mr. Taylor? Are you threatening me in an open place?”, Darien folded his arms and lifted his brow in question, Looking Charles straight in the eyes, he asked again, with confidence, “Do I need to call my lawyer and inform him of a threat to my life?" Charles bursted into a loud chortle, with tears streaming down his eyes, as he laughed to his heart content, Darien's questioning sounded ludicrous to his ears and he couldn't help the laughter, Lifting his head to look at Darien, with the amused look still etched on his face, he stammered through the laughter, “Y-you’re more delusional than I thought, it's one thing to know what a lawyer is and another to be able to afford one. Sincerely speaking, I'm quite amazed that you even know what a lawyer is and their job as well.” Darien shook his head and scoffed a
The Return of the Hades Lady Elizabeth' fury?
77 Charles, with venom dripping from his voice barely above a whisper, glared at Darien. "This isn't over, not by a long shot," he hissed, punctuating his threat with a look that could freeze hell over. As he recalibrated his composure, Lady Elizabeth took the stage, her eyes scanning the crowd until they locked onto Darien, igniting into flames of unspoken fury. Her face, a picture of anger, twisted further as her lips contorted into a disdainful sneer. A storm brewed within her as she silently questioned, 'What is that man doing here?' With no words exchanged, she pivoted on her heels, her movements sharp and determined as she advanced towards Eveline. Eveline, observing the approaching storm that was her mother, drew a deep, steadying breath, bracing herself for the impending confrontation. "Mom, what's the problem?" "Cut the pleasantries, Eveline," Lady Elizabeth snapped back, venom lacing her words. "Why on earth would you invite 'that' man, Darien, to my ball?" she demande
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- 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
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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
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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
164
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
- The Return of the Hades
163
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
- The Return of the Hades
162
162Gangatsu staggered backwards under the force of Darien's onslaught, surprise and fury mingling on his bloodied face. "How?!" he spat through clenched teeth. "The poison should have weakened you!"Darien drove forward with relentless intensity. "It'll take more than that to keep me down," he growled. Gangatsu rallied, blocking the blows with growing desperation. But Darien was in his element now, striking with lightning speed and laser focus. Gangatsu's defenses slowly crumbled under the assault.Finding an opening, Darien landed a crushing blow to Gangatsu's jaw, followed by a punishing kick to his midsection. Gangatsu crashed to the ground, gasping for breath. But he was far from beaten. With a roar of rage, he swept his leg in an attempt to trip Darien. Darien leapt nimbly over the attack and responded with a flurry of punches, driving Gangatsu further back. "Give up!" Darien demanded through gritted teeth. But Gangatsu only snarled, launching himself back into the fray with
- The Return of the Hades
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Darien squared his shoulders, his gaze unwavering as he met Gangatsu's chilling stare. "I'm here, Gangatsu," he replied, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "Ready to settle this once and for all."Gangatsu's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Bold words, Sir French. But words won't save you now." He gestured towards the clearing where they stood, surrounded by the towering trees of the forest. "Shall we begin?"Darien nodded, his hand hovering near the holster of his gun. "Let's not waste any time."Without a word, Gangatsu lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. Darien barely had time to react, ducking and weaving to avoid the flurry of blows raining down on him. His heart pounded in his chest as he fought to keep pace with Gangatsu's relentless assault."You're not bad, French," Gangatsu taunted, his voice dripping with condescension. "But you're out of your league here."Darien gritted his teeth, his muscles burning wi
- The Return of the Hades
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160Darien 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
- The Return of the Hades
159
159As Darien left the room, his mind swirled with thoughts. He knew trusting Barnet was a risk, but finding Emma took priority. He strode through the halls, footsteps echoing with purpose.Barnet scrambled after him, still shaken. "The Shadow Broker frequents The Drunken Rogue tavern at dusk," he informed. "I'll send word of your meeting. But come alone - he's paranoid."Darien stopped and turned, eyes boring into Barnet's. "This had better not be a trap. For your sake."Barnet nodded fervently. "I want this nightmare to end as much as you. Please...just spare me once you have her." Without waiting for a reply, he scurried away like a frightened rat.Darien sighed heavily. As much as he hated it, Barnet may be his only lead. He had to take the chance.Night fell as he entered the tavern. Patrons drank and gambled rowdily, paying him no mind. Scanning the dim room, his eyes fell upon a hooded figure in the corner, sipping alone.He approached cautiously. "The Shadow Broker, I presume?
