2024-11-12 23:32:22
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 127. A Desperate Search
Elijah's heart pounded, his breath coming short as he scoured the resort, his gaze darting sharply around each hallway, every garden path, and shadowed corner. The realization that Sophia had gone for her morning walk but hadn’t returned sank in like a heavy weight, each passing minute intensifying his panic. Each missed corner and empty corridor chipped away at his calm, leaving an unfamiliar, raw anxiety clawing at him. He strode up to the front desk, trying to keep his tone level but barely managing it. "Did anyone see my wife this morning?” His voice came out sharper than intended. “Sophia… she’s been gone for hours.”The receptionist blinked, startled, before nodding cautiously. “Let me check with security, sir,” she said, glancing at his strained expression. “A few guests did mention seeing a woman who fits her description early this morning…”She was cut off by a nearby security guard who stepped closer, looking uncertain. “Sir, I remember seeing someone who looked like her. S
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 128. Trails of Deception
Elijah's eyes narrowed as he examined the crumpled note once more, the words taunting him with Sophia’s fate. Doug watched him closely, sensing the cold fury simmering beneath Elijah's calm demeanor."We start here," Elijah said quietly, pointing to the edge of the resort on the map they'd spread across the car hood. "The cliffs… that’s the direction they said she was last seen."Doug nodded, checking his gear. “It’s a narrow trail down to the edge—only one way in or out. If they’re still here, we’ll catch them.”Elijah’s jaw clenched, his gaze hardening. “Then let’s move. I’m not leaving this island without her.”They moved in silence, their senses sharpened, scanning every shadow and faint footprint in the dusty trail. It wasn’t long before they found signs—deep footprints, likely from two people, veering off the main path and into a dense patch of trees.Elijah knelt, inspecting the dirt. “These aren’t hers,” he muttered, examining the boot impressions. “Whoever’s with her, they’re
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 129. The Unexpected Ally
Elijah paced along the cliffside, his phone gripped tightly in his hand as he replayed every hint and clue, desperate to piece together the mystery of Sophia’s capture. Each passing second heightened his tension.A sudden buzz in his hand made him pause. He glanced down to see an unfamiliar number lighting up his screen. He answered cautiously.“Elijah Norton,” came a voice from his past, rich with a mixture of familiarity and a tone he hadn’t heard in years. “It’s been too long, hasn’t it?”Elijah’s jaw tightened. “Connor,” he replied, disbelief evident in his tone. “Why on earth are you calling me?”A quiet chuckle echoed from the other end. “I think you already know, Elijah. Word travels fast around Evendore, and it’s reached my ears that you’ve misplaced someone important to you.” Connor’s voice softened slightly, but the smugness remained. “I can help you… if you’re willing to listen.”Elijah’s hand clenched around his phone. Connor Aldridge had once been a close confidant, but t
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 130. A Line in the Sand
Elijah’s footsteps echoed through the abandoned warehouse, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. His heart was pounding, both from anger and desperation. He had finally tracked down the man responsible for Sophia’s disappearance."Kate Winter, I will deal with you later if you are not here but for now I will crush everything in front of me," Elijah muttered to himself.Doug was stationed outside, keeping a lookout while Elijah confronted the man alone.In the middle of the darkened room, a tall figure stood waiting. His face was partially obscured in shadow, but the sneer on his lips was unmistakable as Elijah approached.“Elijah Norton,” the man greeted mockingly. “The last of the great Norton family, charging into enemy territory yet again. You really don’t learn, do you?”Elijah’s voice was low and dangerous. “Where is she? What did you do to Sophia?”The man chuckled, folding his arms across his chest. “Why so eager to find her? Isn’t this all the grand destiny y
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 131. Shadows Converge
Elijah’s breaths were steady but sharp as he raced through the dense, unfamiliar terrain, following the lead to Sophia’s location. Doug’s voice crackled through his earpiece. “Marshal, you’re getting closer. The hideout is approximately 500 meters to the east,” Doug reported. Elijah tightened his grip on the hilt of his knife. “Keep tracking. If anything changes, alert me immediately,” he replied, his tone clipped and focused. Meanwhile, in the dimly lit hideout, Sophia sat in the corner of a cold, damp room, her wrists bound. She had spent hours carefully loosening the ropes using a jagged piece of metal she’d found. Her captors, distracted and overconfident, hadn’t noticed her subtle efforts. “Think, Sophia,” she whispered to herself, glancing at the small vent near the ceiling. The faint sound of voices filtered through. They were discussing Elijah—waiting for him.Suddenly, one of the captors entered the room, a tall man with a sneer etched across his face. “Still sittin
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 132. Threads of the Past
Elijah sat in his study, the photograph resting on the desk before him. The cryptic note scrawled on the back seemed to mock him with its vague threat. Doug stood nearby, arms crossed, watching Elijah’s furrowed brow as he scrutinized the image. “Marshal,” Doug began cautiously, “this doesn’t feel random. Whoever left that note knows exactly how to get under your skin.” Elijah nodded, his fingers tracing the edge of the photo. It was an old, faded image of his family’s estate before the fire—a place he hadn’t thought about in years. But the writing on the back held his attention. “‘Every spark begins with a betrayal,’” Elijah read aloud, his voice low. His jaw tightened as memories of that night threatened to resurface. “They’re taunting me.” Doug stepped closer, his voice steady. “Do you think this is someone from The Architect’s network? Or… someone connected to your family?” Elijah’s eyes darkened. “It could be both. The Architect’s network thrived on exploiting old wou
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 133. The Hidden Betrayal
Elijah sat at the edge of his desk, the leather-bound journal open in front of him. His fingers traced the faded ink of his father’s words, each entry like a piece of a fragmented puzzle. "The Thompson Accord," the phrase jumped out at him repeatedly, tangled within mentions of alliances, whispers of betrayal, and ominous notes about a spark that would lead to ruin. “What’s the Thompson Accord?” Sophia asked from across the room, her voice soft but curious. Elijah glanced up, his expression grim. “It’s a name my father mentioned several times. It’s tied to the people who betrayed us—but he didn’t leave details. Just hints.” Sophia moved closer, her gaze scanning the journal over his shoulder. “Thompson… Jareth Thompson?” Elijah stiffened at the mention of the elder’s name. “It’s possible. The Thompsons were connected to almost every major family in Evendore back then, including yours. Did your family ever work with them?” Sophia frowned, tapping her chin in thought. “I rem
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 134. Shadows Resurface
Elijah sat in his study, the dim light from the desk lamp casting shadows across the room as he read through a file Doug had handed him. Each page revealed fragments of the Thompson Accord—a secret pact that tied the Winters, Donalds, and Nortons in a web of power and betrayal. Sophia stood behind him, her arms crossed. “What exactly was the Accord meant to do?” Elijah sighed, flipping to the next page. “It was supposed to ensure mutual protection and dominance over Evendore’s industries. But somewhere along the line, greed took over. My family became the scapegoat when things started falling apart.” Sophia leaned against the desk, her eyes scanning the notes. “And you think my family had a hand in this?” Elijah’s gaze softened as he looked up at her. “I don’t want to believe that. But the more we uncover, the more it points to the Donalds being involved. At the very least, Ethan and Hague knew more than they let on.” Sophia exhaled deeply, her frustration evident. “It’s not
Latest Chapter
337. A Monster Awakens
“Elijah… don’t come any closer.” Sophia’s voice trembled, but her power did not. Energy crackled around her like a storm barely contained, making the air thick with heat and tension. Her hair floated, her irises burning with an unnatural glow. The ground beneath her feet cracked, pulsing with the force threatening to break free. Elijah stood just a few feet away, his body bloodied and worn. He could barely keep himself upright, but he refused to back down. “I’m not leaving you.” Behind him, Doug steadied Cassian, whose wounds were severe. Lando stood further back, eyes flicking between Sophia and The Warden, calculating his next move. The Warden merely smiled, watching like a proud creator admiring his masterpiece. “Ah, there she is. The real Sophia.” Sophia clutched her head, her breathing ragged. Voices flooded her mind—memories, pain, whispers of power demanding to be used. She could feel herself slipping, drowning in it. “I don’t want this,” she whispered. “But you d
336. The Warden’s Game
“Welcome, Marshal Norton.” Elijah barely had time to react before the floor beneath him erupted. A series of hidden charges detonated, sending shockwaves through the corridor. Smoke and dust filled the air as his team scrambled for cover. “Elijah!” Cassian shouted, gripping his injured shoulder as he stumbled back. Doug pulled him up, eyes scanning for threats. “Sir, it’s a trap!” Elijah wiped blood from his forehead, his expression hardening. “Of course it is.” A voice crackled through the speakers lining the walls. The Warden’s voice—calm, mocking. “I must admit, I expected you to be more cautious. Charging in so recklessly… I’m disappointed.” Elijah tightened his grip on his blade. “Where is she?” The Warden chuckled. “Sophia? She’s watching.” A monitor flickered on in the debris-covered hall, revealing Sophia bound inside a reinforced containment room. Her breathing was unsteady, her eyes wild with barely restrained energy. “Elijah—” she began, but the screen c
335. Into the Lion’s Den
“We’re running out of time,” Elijah said, his voice sharp as he surveyed the dimly lit hideout. “We move tonight.” Doug stood at his side, nodding. “Understood, Marshal. But we still don’t know what we’re walking into.” “That’s where I come in,” Lando said smoothly from across the room, leaning against a crate. Elijah turned his cold gaze to him. “And why should I trust you?” Lando smirked. “Because you don’t have a choice. I know the layout of The Warden’s stronghold. I know how to get you inside without triggering every alarm in the place.” Doug’s hand hovered near his weapon. “And what do you want in return?” Lando’s expression darkened slightly. “A future. One where The Warden doesn’t control everything. Like it or not, our goals align—for now.” Elijah studied him, weighing his words. He hated relying on a man like Lando, but time was slipping away. Sophia needed him. “Fine,” Elijah said at last. “But if you try anything, I will put a bullet in you myself.” Lando
334. Captured by Darkness
"Take her! Now!" one of The Warden’s men shouted. Sophia barely had the strength to fight back as rough hands grabbed her. Blood soaked her shoulder where Lando’s bullet had struck, and her vision blurred. She tried to summon her power, but it flickered weakly, slipping through her grasp. “Elijah—” Her voice barely left her lips before a sharp blow to the back of her head sent her world spinning. Elijah’s roar of fury echoed across the battlefield. He lunged forward, cutting through the soldiers in his path, but there were too many. The Warden’s forces were prepared this time. Smoke grenades exploded around him, choking the air with thick fog. "Marshal!" Doug yanked him back just as a group of enemy soldiers fired in their direction. "We have to move!" Elijah fought against Doug’s grip, his breathing ragged. "They're taking her!" Doug gritted his teeth, dragging Elijah behind a broken wall. "Sir, listen to me. We can’t fight them like this! We’re outnumbered, and you’re wo
333. The Breaking Point
"Fall back! Now!" Doug's voice barely carried over the roar of the explosion. The blast sent waves of fire and debris through the battlefield, throwing men off their feet. Smoke choked the air as Elijah pushed forward, ignoring the pain in his shoulder where shrapnel had sliced through his coat. He couldn't stop—not when Sophia was still out there. "Marshal! We have to regroup!" Doug caught up, his face streaked with ash and blood. "No," Elijah growled. His eyes burned with fury. "She's here. I can feel it." Doug hesitated, then nodded. "Then we fight through." They moved with ruthless efficiency, cutting down enemy soldiers who tried to block their way. Gunfire rattled through the air, but Elijah barely heard it. His focus was on one thing—getting to Sophia. Across the battlefield, Sophia stumbled. Her hands trembled, her breath ragged. The energy inside her pulsed like a living thing, hungry and desperate. She clutched her head, trying to suppress the unbearable pressur
332. No Safe Haven
“Elijah.” Sophia’s voice was hoarse as she stumbled forward, exhaustion evident in her every step. The moment she saw him, something inside her steadied. Elijah turned, his sharp gaze locking onto her. Relief flickered in his eyes, but only for a moment. He stepped toward her, scanning her face. “You’re hurt.” “I’m fine,” she said, though the trembling in her limbs told a different story. Doug kept his rifle raised as he surveyed the others. “Marshal, we need to move. Now.” Lando scoffed, brushing snow off his coat. “Move where? We’re boxed in.” Elijah ignored him, his mind already working through the problem. They were outnumbered, trapped in the ruins of a dead village with no easy way out. But surrender wasn’t an option. Cassian stepped forward, his face grim. “We spotted patrols in every direction. They’re closing in.” Sophia’s stomach clenched. “He’s here, isn’t he?” Cassian nodded. “The Warden is leading them himself.” A heavy silence settled over the group.
331. A Ghost from the Past
“This place gives me the creeps, Marshal,” Doug muttered, stepping carefully over the snow-covered ground. Elijah didn’t respond immediately. His sharp eyes scanned the abandoned village, taking in the half-collapsed roofs, the broken windows, and the eerie silence. The storm had buried much of it under ice and snow, but traces of its past remained—scattered tools, torn banners, faded carvings on the walls. A place forgotten by time. Elijah crouched, brushing away snow from a wooden sign. The words beneath were barely legible, but he could make them out. RavengateHe frowned. “I’ve heard this name before.” Doug tightened his grip on his rifle. “What is this place, sir?” Elijah’s fingers trailed over the letters. “A research site. One of The Warden’s early bases.” Doug stiffened. “You think Sophia was here?” Elijah stood, his expression unreadable. “Maybe. Or someone like her.” They moved carefully through the ruins, their boots crunching over ice. The deeper they wen
330. The Price of Power
“Elijah! Can you hear me?” Doug’s voice was hoarse, barely cutting through the howling wind.Elijah groaned, his body half-buried in the snow. His limbs ached, and his head throbbed from the impact. He forced himself upright, shaking off the dizziness. The avalanche had separated them from the others, leaving nothing but a wasteland of ice and silence.“I’m here,” Elijah rasped, wiping blood from his forehead.Doug exhaled in relief and moved toward him, limping slightly. “Thank the gods. I thought you were buried alive.”Elijah steadied himself and scanned their surroundings. The sheer cliffs stretched endlessly, s
329. Into the Storm
“This is madness,” Lando muttered, tightening his cloak against the bitter wind. “A frozen death trap waiting to swallow us whole.” “No other way,” Elijah said, his voice firm as he led the group through the narrow path. The wind howled through the ravine, a brutal force against their already exhausted bodies. Doug kept pace beside him, eyes scanning the ridges above. “Marshal, we’re exposed here. Too easy to ambush.” Elijah knew he was right. The walls of ice loomed over them like towering prison bars, offering no cover. Every step forward felt like an invitation for an attack. Sophia shivered, pulling her arms tightly around herself. The cold was relentless, seeping through her bones. Her body still ached from the last fight, her mind even more so. She could feel the power inside her, restless and hungry. Cassian trailed behind, checking their back. “No movement yet. But it’s too quiet.” “Always is,” Lando said grimly. “Right before the knife sinks in.” The wind picked
