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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
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 135. The Winter’s Fury
The air in Arthur Palace was thick with tension as Elijah and Sophia sat in the study, going over the latest reports Doug had delivered. The details painted a clear picture: Kate Winter was escalating her attacks, and they had to act fast. “We can’t let her keep gaining ground,” Sophia said firmly, her eyes darting over the files. “If she sabotages this deal with Lando, it’ll undo everything we’ve worked for.” Elijah nodded, his expression hard. “She’s not just coming after the business, Sophia. This is personal. She wants to make us vulnerable before striking the final blow.” Sophia closed the folder and looked at him, her tone softening. “Elijah, this isn’t just about me. She’s doing this to hurt you.” “And that’s exactly why I won’t let her succeed,” Elijah replied, his voice steady but cold. “She thinks she can use you against me, but she doesn’t understand what she’s walking into.” Sophia reached for his hand. “Then we face her together like we always do.” ...Later t
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 136. The Fire’s Truth
The revelation from Kate lingered in Elijah’s mind, a shadow that refused to dissipate. The Norton estate fire had always been a painful scar, but now, the weight of its hidden truth pressed heavier than ever. Kate’s words had stirred up memories he’d long buried, not just of loss but of survival—and the one person who had saved him when he had no hope.“Sophia,” Elijah began softly, watching her as she entered the room where he and Doug were pouring over old records. Her brow furrowed as her eyes landed on the spread of documents. “What’s going on?” Elijah hesitated, carefully choosing his words. “Kate hinted that the fire that destroyed my family wasn’t an accident. She claimed it was planned.”Sophia’s eyes widened, her hand instinctively going to her chest. “What? Why would anyone…?” “I don’t know yet,” Elijah replied, his voice steely. “But if it’s true, someone has to pay for what they did.” Sophia stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “How can I help?” Eli
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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,
