2024-11-02 19:00:01Elijah stood in his study, poring over Duke West’s records that Doug had retrieved.
The name of the elusive third player remained hidden, but every detail he uncovered pointed to a force even more cunning than Duke West had ever been.
Doug entered the room, carrying a set of files.
“Marshal, I dug deeper, but this person—whoever they are—knew how to cover their tracks. The few names we found are aliases, but one of them connects to multiple arms deals and covert missions in Evendore.”
Elijah’s eyes narrowed.
“So, this isn’t just another power-hungry figurehead. They know the game well enough to sta
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The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 107. Webs of Deceit
Elijah paced in his study, the weight of the latest findings pressing heavily on him. Doug stood beside him, a file open in his hands.“Here’s what we’ve uncovered so far,” Doug said, tapping the coded messages. “Someone close to Sophia is sending intel to Duke West’s partner. Reno confessed, but this… this runs deeper.”Elijah nodded, his jaw clenched. “If Reno’s involved, he’s not alone. The family has become a conduit of information to my enemies, and it’s putting Sophia at risk.”Doug sighed, glancing up at Elijah. “What’s your next move, Marshal?”Elijah’s gaze sharpened. “We need to keep watching. Until we have proof, we can’t make a move, or they’ll just retreat further into the shadows. Right now, Sophia’s family is gathering. I’m attending that meeting with her to get a clearer view of where they all stand.”...At the Donald estate, Sophia entered the meeting room beside Elijah, her expression a mix of determination and apprehension. The room was filled with her family membe
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 108. Inner Circles
Elijah found Reno in the dimly lit library of the Donald estate, sifting through documents.Reno’s casual expression shifted when he noticed Elijah approaching, a glimmer of suspicion in his eyes.“Elijah,” Reno greeted with a forced smile.“Didn’t expect to see you here. What brings you to my corner?”Elijah didn’t waste a second. “Reno, I know you’ve been sharing information with Duke West. Your so-called ‘confession’ about feeding him Sophia’s business details wasn’t the whole story.”Reno leaned back, feigning innocence. “I already admitted my part, Elijah. Just business… nothing more. It’s hardly a crime.”Elijah’s gaze sharpened. “You’re still holding back. You implied you knew something about this shadow figure—the one who’s been connected to Duke West. Who is he?”Reno smirked, tapping his fingers thoughtfully against the arm of his chair. “And why would I give you that, Elijah? It seems like you’re more invested in protecting your own secrets than anyone else’s.”Elijah took
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 109. Shadows from the Past
Elijah sat in his study, pouring over documents from his family’s past.Each faded paper held fragments of history, hints of alliances, betrayals, and—on the edge of one of the oldest pages—a name barely legible in the aged ink: The Architect.The name had surfaced time and time again, a figure that seemed to pull strings from the shadows, orchestrating events that led to his family’s downfall.Elijah’s jaw tightened as he traced the name with his finger, a renewed determination in his eyes.“Doug,” Elijah called, not looking up. Doug stepped forward, waiting patiently.“I need you to go deeper into this. Find out everything you can about ‘The Architect.’ I don’t care how obscure the details are. This person has woven themselves into every part of our history.”Doug nodded, his gaze steady. “Understood, Marshal. If this Architect is still active, they’ll be watching every move we make.”Elijah leaned back, the weight of his family’s past heavy on his shoulders. “They’ve watched long e
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 110. A Family Betrayal
Arthur Palace was now under heightened security, each corridor lined with vigilant guards and every entrance fortified. Elijah’s gaze swept over the estate, his thoughts fixed on the growing threat of the Architect, the shadowy figure manipulating forces from behind the scenes. He had stationed guards specifically around Sophia’s quarters, restricting her movements for her safety.Doug approached him, his face set in a grim expression. “The last sweep shows nothing unusual. But Marshal, the Architect… their influence seems to be woven deep. We need to stay sharp.”Elijah nodded. “There’s no room for error, Doug. Whoever this Architect is, they’re counting on catching us off guard.” He looked toward Sophia’s quarters, his thoughts clouded with worry. “She’s the priority.”Doug gave a nod and retreated, leaving Elijah alone in his thoughts. He turned to head toward Sophia’s wing, but the sound of muffled voices caught his attention....Inside one of the drawing rooms, Sophia paused out
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 111. The Trap is Sprung
Arthur Palace was glowing in soft, warm lights, casting a comforting glow over the grand halls and gardens as the charity event began. Guests filled the rooms, their laughter mingling with the soft notes of the orchestra. Elijah moved through the crowd, his gaze constantly shifting as he kept a vigilant eye on every corner of the event.Doug appeared beside him, nodding in greeting. "Marshal," he whispered, his tone serious. "Reno and the rest of Sophia's family arrived just moments ago. Something feels… off."Elijah’s expression hardened. "I know. Keep watch on them, especially Reno. He’s been nervous, and I don’t trust him. If they try anything, we move."Doug nodded, slipping quietly back into the crowd, leaving Elijah to his tho
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 112. Lines in the Sand
The noise of battle echoed through Arthur Palace as Elijah directed his men, his voice calm but firm amid the chaos. Explosions rumbled outside, and shouts filled the halls as The Architect’s forces began their assault. Doug was close by, his gaze sharp as he awaited instructions."Doug, take Sophia to the safe room," Elijah ordered, his eyes scanning the scene. “Her safety is our priority.”Doug nodded swiftly. "Understood, Marshal. I’ll get her there safely."As Doug turned to find Sophia, Elijah called out, "And stay alert. This attack feels too calculated—there’s more here than we see."Doug nodded once more and disappeared into the thick of the battle.
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 113. Unmasking Loyalties
Elijah arrived at the exclusive restaurant where Olivia had invited him for a private meeting.He wore the familiar guise of James, maintaining the composed, enigmatic presence that had kept her interested—and off guard. Olivia was waiting, her posture poised yet her eyes restless.“James,” she greeted, her voice warm but strained. “Thank you for coming. I needed to see you, especially after… everything that’s been happening.”Elijah offered a slight nod, keeping his expression neutral. “It seems there’s much going on lately, Olivia. I was beginning to wonder where your true loyalties lie.”She arched an eyebrow, a glint of suspicion and curiosity flashing in her eyes. “What are you suggesting?”Elijah leaned in, his voice low. “I’ve heard whispers, Olivia. Whispers of connections to… The Architect. A figure deeply entangled with recent events. Is there something you haven’t told me?”Olivia’s gaze sharpened, a hint of defiance creeping into her tone. “James, there’s no need to questi
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 114. Here I am
Elijah remained calm, keeping his expression neutral. “You’re right, Olivia. I’m not who you thought I was,” he admitted, his voice low. “But maybe that’s because there’s more to me than you’d care to see.”Her eyes narrowed, a mixture of intrigue and skepticism crossing her face. “Then enlighten me, James. Why did you come into my life in the first place? You didn't tell me the truth earlier, I know that.”“Because I’ve been tracking the power games in Evendore for some time,” he replied smoothly. “And it didn’t take long to notice Duke West and his allies posing a threat to certain…interests.”She arched a brow. “And that’s why you’re h
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357. No More Goodbyes
“Elijah…” A soft voice broke the quiet evening. Elijah stood at the edge of the city, watching the last light of the sun fade into the horizon. The sky burned with hues of orange and deep crimson, a reflection of the journey that had brought him here. The wind carried a familiar scent, one that stirred memories he had buried deep. Years had passed since the war ended. Evendore had changed under his leadership, rising from the ashes of corruption into something new. The people called him a legend—the Black Dragon who had defied fate and rewritten history. Statues had been built, songs had been sung, and yet none of it truly mattered to him. Because for all his victories, a part of him had remained empty. He turned at the sound of his name, his breath catching in his chest. Sophia stood a few feet away, bathed in the golden light of dusk. She had changed, yet she was still the same—strong, beautiful, and filled with a fire that had never faded. Her eyes held a depth that spoke
356. A New Dawn
“The world is finally changing, Sir.” Doug stood beside Elijah, overlooking the city from the tallest watchtower. Below them, the streets of Evendore bustled with life. Merchants called out their wares, children played freely, and workers repaired buildings that once stood in ruins. The scars of war remained, but hope had taken root. Elijah’s gaze swept across the city. “It’s changing, but not fast enough.” Doug crossed his arms. “Progress takes time.” Elijah exhaled, his shoulders tense. “Time isn’t always on our side.” The past few months had been filled with rebuilding, restructuring, and keeping order. He had expected resistance, and he was right. Not everyone welcomed the new Evendore. Former enemies lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. A soldier approached, saluting. “Marshal, we have visitors at the southern gate. They claim to be old allies.” Elijah exchanged a look with Doug. Doug’s expression darkened. “Old allies? Or old enemies?”
355. A Leader’s Burden
“Elijah Norton, the world is waiting for your next move.” Elijah glanced up from the map spread across the table. Across from him sat an elder statesman, his expression calm but expectant. Others in the council chamber watched Elijah closely, their gazes filled with a mix of respect and uncertainty. Doug stood at Elijah’s side, his posture rigid. He could feel the tension in the room. The war was over, but leadership brought its own kind of battle. Elijah leaned back in his chair. “The world doesn’t need me to rule it,” he said. The elder gave a knowing smile. “Perhaps not. But it does need someone to guide it.” Elijah tapped a finger on the table. “Evendore must rebuild first. There are still families in mourning, cities in ruin. People need stability, not another ruler.” A younger council member frowned. “But without you at the forefront, chaos could return. Power-hungry men will see this as an opportunity.” Doug finally spoke, his voice firm. “The Marshal is not a kin
354. The Final Goodbye
“I have to leave.” Sophia’s voice was quiet but firm. The air in the room seemed to shift, as if even the walls understood the weight of her words. Elijah stood by the window, his back partially turned. He had expected this. The moment she woke up different, he knew. Still, hearing her say it felt like a blow he wasn’t ready for. Doug stood near the door, tense but silent. He watched his Marshal closely, waiting for his response. Elijah inhaled deeply before turning to face her. “Where will you go?” Sophia hesitated, as if the answer wasn’t clear even to her. “I don’t know yet. But I need to figure out who I am now.” Her fingers gripped the fabric of her sleeve. “Everything feels… wrong. Familiar, but different. I can’t stay like this.” Elijah studied her carefully. The woman before him was still Sophia, yet there was a distance between them, an invisible wall that had not been there before. Doug finally spoke, his tone careful. “Miss Sophia, the city is still in recover
353. A World Without Chains
“She’s waking up.” Elijah turned at Doug’s words. His hands, stained with ink from writing orders, clenched slightly. He had spent days dismantling the last of the corrupt families, ensuring Evendore would never fall into the same darkness again. But none of it had mattered more than this. He pushed the heavy door open, stepping into the dimly lit room. Sophia lay on the bed, her skin no longer deathly pale, but there was something… different. Her eyes, once warm and familiar, now held an eerie stillness. She blinked slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Elijah.” Relief surged through him, but it was laced with caution. He sat beside her, studying her carefully. “You’re awake.” She exhaled, as if testing the very act of breathing. “I feel… strange.” Doug remained near the door, standing guard as always. “Marshal, should I call the healer?” Elijah shook his head. “Not yet.” He looked back at Sophia. “What do you remember?” She frowned slightly, as though pulling me
352. The Price of Victory
"It's over." Doug's voice carried across the battlefield, but no one responded. The silence was heavy, broken only by the crackling flames and the distant groans of the wounded. Elijah stood still, staring at the Warden’s lifeless body. His hand was clenched at his side, his knuckles white. Victory had come, but at what cost? Doug stepped closer, his face grim. “Marshal, we should regroup.” Elijah exhaled slowly. “What’s the status?” Doug wiped the sweat and dirt from his forehead. “We won, but barely. Our forces are in bad shape. Too many losses.” He hesitated before adding, “Lando… he’s gone.” Elijah’s gaze snapped to him. “Gone?” Doug nodded. “Vanished after the fight. No one knows where he went.” Elijah’s jaw tightened. Lando had always been a threat lurking in the shadows. If he was still alive, this war wasn’t truly over. “We’ll find him,” Elijah said, though exhaustion pulled at his voice. Doug gave a firm nod. “Understood, Sir.” A sudden gasp made them tu
351. Breaking the Cycle
"You were never free, Elijah." The Warden’s voice echoed through the ruined battlefield. Dust and ash hung in the air, swirling around his towering figure. Sophia stood beside him, her expression unreadable. Elijah’s grip tightened on his sword. “Enough of your lies.” The Warden chuckled. “Lies? No, Marshal. Only the truth. You and Sophia—your entire existence has been leading to this moment.” He gestured around them. “Did you really think your survival was coincidence? That your strength was simply fate?” Elijah’s jaw clenched. He had spent years fighting, carving his own path through blood and loss. The thought that someone else had been pulling the strings made his stomach turn. Doug stepped closer, his breathing ragged. “Sir… don’t listen to him.” But Elijah had to know. “Explain.” The Warden smiled. “Very well.” He turned his gaze to Sophia. “You, my dear, are the key. The final piece of a long-buried project. Your blood, your abilities—none of it was natural.” So
350. A Battle of Ideals
“The choice was always yours, Elijah,” the Warden said, standing tall amidst the chaos. “And you chose wrong.” Elijah gritted his teeth, his fingers tightening around his sword hilt. The battlefield around them was in shambles. Soldiers clashed, blades rang, and shouts of agony filled the night. Smoke curled into the sky, and the ground was slick with blood. Doug and the others fought desperately, their forces barely holding on against the Warden’s elite warriors. The battle had tipped dangerously out of their favor, and Elijah knew it. He could hear Doug’s grunts of effort, the sharp clash of steel, but he kept his focus on the man before him. “You think I’d ever stand beside you?” Elijah growled, his eyes burning with fury. “You’ve destroyed lives, torn families apart. And for what? Power?” The Warden chuckled. “Power is what shapes this world, Marshal. Not honor. Not justice. You cling to those things like a drowning man clutching a broken raft.” He spread his arms. “But lo
349. The Last Betrayal
“Sir, we’ve got a problem,” Doug said, his voice tense as he approached Elijah. “Something’s wrong.”Elijah’s gaze shifted from the map spread out on the table to Doug, his expression already darkening. “What is it, Doug?”“There’s been a breach. A leak,” Doug said, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Someone’s been feeding information to the Warden. They knew our plans, our movements.”Elijah’s heart sank. He had always trusted the men and women under his command, but now, doubt crept in like a shadow. “Who?” he asked, his voice tight with anger.“I don’t know yet,” Doug replied, his voice steady. “But we’re working on it. We’ll find out who’s behind this.”Elijah clenched his fists. “They betrayed us. They’ve been working for him all along.”Doug nodded grimly. “Yes, Sir. The Warden knew exactly when to strike. It’s too perfect.”The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the camp, and Elijah’s attention shifted. Sophia appeared, her face pale and her eyes wide with worry. “Elijah,
