2024-10-21 09:45:28Elijah, dressed in his James Hamesworth persona, stepped into the lavish ballroom, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd.
The grand chandeliers cast a golden glow over the room, where the elite of Arthurton mingled, exchanging secrets behind polite smiles.
But Elijah wasn’t here for the pleasantries. This was a battlefield, and every word, every glance could be a weapon.
Olivia appeared beside him, her hand slipping into his arm with a smile that barely hid her excitement.
She wore a shimmering, deep red gown that clung to her frame, drawing the attention of nearly every man in the room. But her eyes were only on Elijah.
“I’m glad
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The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 78 Hidden Agendas
The ballroom hummed with low conversations and clinking glasses, but Elijah’s focus was razor-sharp.Every movement, every whispered word was under his scrutiny. His mask of calm, as James Hamesworth, remained intact as he lingered near Duke West and William Winter, listening intently to their conversation.They were standing near a large marble pillar, their voices low but just audible enough for Elijah to catch snippets of their plans.“Evendore will bow to us,” William said, his tone dripping with ambition.His eyes gleamed as he took a sip of champagne. “Once we secure Lando Yale’s holdings and consolidate the remaining Shaw properties, no one will stand in our way.”Duke West nodded, though his face was grim. “Power comes with sacrifice, William. Remember that. We don’t just need business leverage. We need military might. This city will only stay under control if we crush the weak.”William chuckled, adjusting his suit jacket. “Which is why I’m relying on you, Duke. You’ve got th
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 79. A Storm Brews
Elijah entered Arthur Palace late in the evening, his steps slowing as he approached Sophia’s room. He could feel the weight of the day settling on his shoulders.Battles fought on multiple fronts were exhausting, but his biggest concern remained with the woman he loved. Sophia sat by the window, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun. She looked stronger, her physical recovery evident, but the emotional toll still showed in the way her shoulders slumped slightly and the distant look in her eyes.Elijah approached quietly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "How are you feeling?"Sophia sighed, her fingers tracing the edge of the windowpane. "Physically, I’m getting there. But..." Her voice trailed off, her gaze still fixed on the horizon."It’s just everything else, Elijah. My family—they don’t care about my health. All they see is the business, the money. My mother, May, is constantly nagging me about getting more money. Grandfather is pressuring me to sign more cont
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 80. The Battle for Control
Elijah sat at the head of his study table, the weight of his plans settling over him like a thick fog. The message he had received about Duke West and William Winter had been clear. They were preparing to strike, and Elijah knew the confrontation was no longer avoidable.He leaned back in his chair, his eyes scanning the scattered papers detailing the Winters’ business operations and Duke West’s moves. Doug stood in the doorway, waiting for instructions.“I need more intel on Duke West,” Elijah said, his tone sharp.“Every move he makes, every business deal he’s involved in—I want to know about it. We can’t afford to be blindsided.”Doug nodded. “Understood, Marshal. I’ve already set up surveillance, but I’ll dig deeper. I’ll have a report for you by the end of the day.”“Good,” Elijah replied, his gaze drifting toward the window.“And keep a closer eye on the Winters. Something tells me they’re not far behind Duke West in this.” Doug left without another word, and Elijah remained i
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 81. Family vs. Love
Elijah sat quietly, watching Sophia across the room as she flipped through some documents. He could sense the frustration bubbling inside her, her movements stiff and deliberate.She’d been like this for days—distant, tense, and more upset than usual. He knew she was starting to feel the strain of her family’s pressure, but it wasn’t just that. Elijah’s constant disappearances were wearing her down, too.Finally, Sophia broke the silence. “Elijah, we need to talk,” she said, her voice controlled, but he could hear the edge of frustration.He looked up from his laptop, meeting her eyes. “What’s on your mind?”Sophia set the papers down, crossing her ar
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 82. The Battle Begins
Elijah paced across his office, the tension in the air thickening with each passing second. Doug stood nearby, his face grim as he delivered the latest update."Duke West’s men are already making moves, Marshal," Doug said."They’ve infiltrated some of the key personnel tied to Sophia’s deal with Lando Yale. William Winter is also playing his part, trying to sabotage it from the inside."Elijah clenched his fists. He had expected this, but the sheer coordination of the attack showed how determined Duke West and William Winter were to ruin Sophia’s progress—and his."We can’t let them win," Elijah said, his voice steady despite the storm brewing inside him."This deal is too important for Sophia. I want you to secure every corner, Doug. No loose ends."Doug nodded sharply."Already on it. I’ve got eyes on Yale’s top advisors, and we’ve neutralized a few of Duke’s informants. But it’s a battle now. Duke’s going to push harder."Elijah’s jaw tightened. He had dealt with Duke West before,
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 83. Facing the Family
Sophia stood at the window of her room, her eyes focused on the view outside but her thoughts miles away.Elijah had been distant, vanishing at odd times, always with vague explanations. It was wearing her down, the constant wondering if he was hiding something dangerous from her. She turned when she heard footsteps. Elijah entered the room, his face tense, clearly preoccupied with something."Where were you, Elijah?" Sophia asked, her voice quiet but heavy with emotion.Elijah paused, sensing the weight of the question. He’d been expecting this confrontation for some time now, but he still wasn’t ready for it."I had to take care of something, Sophia. It’s not something you need to worry about."Sophia’s frustration boiled over, her fists clenching at her sides."That’s all you ever say! 'Don’t worry about it.' But how can I not worry? You’re disappearing at random times, coming back with bruises, and acting like everything’s fine. It’s not fine!"Elijah sighed deeply, moving closer
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 84. The Trap is Set
Elijah stood in his study, going over the plans laid out before him. His mind was sharp, calculating every possible angle, every move Duke West and William Winter might make. He needed to get ahead of them.This time, he’d lure Asher and the remnants of the Shaw brothers' forces into his trap, weakening Duke West’s resources in one decisive move.Doug entered, his expression grim but resolute."Marshal, our men have confirmed Asher’s gathering Zack and Kevin Shaw’s remaining forces.""Perfect," Elijah replied, his voice edged with determination."Make sure he’s led straight into our setup. I want Asher to believe he’s closing in on me, not the other way around."Doug nodded, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "He’ll walk right into it. Just say the word.""Then let's start," Elijah ordered, his tone final....The tension between Elijah and Sophia had been thick lately, and Elijah could feel it growing by the day.Sophia had been hurt by her family’s manipulations and was dea
The Unstoppable Dragon Marshal 85. The Gathering of Enemies
Elijah straightened his suit in the dimly lit hallway, adjusting his mask to fully embrace his James Hamesworth persona.Olivia had arranged this meeting, and he knew it would bring him face-to-face with some of Duke West’s most influential allies.The information he could gather tonight would be invaluable if he wanted to protect Sophia and keep Evendore from falling into chaos.As he entered the secluded venue, a low murmur filled the air, the weight of secrecy and power lingering in every corner.High-ranking members of Duke West’s faction, notorious figures in the underground network, stood gathered around a central table.Olivia spotted him from across the room, her face lighting up as she approached him."James," she greeted warmly, her hand lightly touching his arm."I’m glad you could make it. Tonight, you’ll see just how powerful we can be."He offered her a subtle smile, keeping his voice calm. "Olivia, I wouldn’t miss this for the world."She leaned in closer, lowering her
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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
328. The Hunt Never Ends
“We need to keep moving,” Elijah said firmly, scanning the horizon. The cold night stretched endlessly before them, the distant howling of wolves blending with the wind. Doug adjusted his rifle and nodded. “Yes, Marshal. But they’re gaining on us. We can’t keep running forever.” Sophia, leaning against a rock for support, tried to steady her breathing. The escape had drained her. The battle had taken more than just her strength—it had carved something dark inside her, something she wasn’t sure she could control. Lando let out a dry chuckle. “Oh, we could keep running. But it won’t matter. The Warden isn’t hunting us.” He tilted his head toward Sophia. “He’s hunting her.” Elijah’s eyes darkened, but he didn’t take the bait. “And yet, here you are, running with us.” Lando smirked. “Self-preservation. The Warden isn’t the forgiving type.” Doug shot him a glare but stayed silent. The tension was thick, but they had bigger problems. Their pursuers weren’t far. Cassian returne
327. No Way Back
“They’re everywhere!” Doug shouted, firing off a round as he ducked behind a broken tree. Elijah gritted his teeth, his sword slicing through one of the Warden’s men. The ambush had been fast—too fast. They had barely taken a breath before the enemy forces had surrounded them, cutting off every possible escape route. Sophia moved beside him, her breathing heavy. For the first time since her capture, she was fighting at his side. Her hands trembled, energy crackling at her fingertips. It felt different now—stronger, wilder. “I can stop this,” she murmured. Elijah blocked a strike, shoving an attacker back with sheer force. “Not like that,” he snapped. She met his gaze, frustration and fear warring inside her. “If I don’t, we’ll die.” Lando’s voice cut through the chaos. “She’s right.” He crouched beside Cassian, both of them covering Doug’s flank. “The only way out of this is a full-scale wipeout. And she’s the only one who can do it.” Elijah’s jaw tightened. “Absolutely
326. Reunion in the Dark
“She’s here!” Doug’s voice cut through the silence, his breath visible in the cold night air. Elijah rushed forward, his boots crunching against the ice-covered ground. The dim moonlight barely illuminated the small clearing where Sophia lay motionless in the snow. She was barely breathing. His heart clenched. He had imagined this moment over and over—the moment he’d finally find her. But not like this. Not pale and broken, her clothes torn, her body trembling. Elijah dropped to his knees beside her, his gloved hand brushing her cheek. “Sophia.” His voice was low, urgent. “Wake up.” A flicker of movement—her eyelids fluttered open. Her golden-brown eyes locked onto his, but something was different. There was a strange glow beneath their depths, something unnatural. “Elijah…” Her voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. “I’m here,” he murmured, his grip tightening around her freezing hand. “You’re safe now.” Behind him, Cassian shifted uneasily. “Marshal… we need to be c
325. Blood in the Snow
“I won’t die here.”Sophia muttered the words through gritted teeth, pushing forward through the biting wind. Snow whipped against her face, the freezing air seeping into her bones. Her legs felt like lead, her breath came in ragged gasps, but she couldn’t stop. Stopping meant death.Her body ached, every step a battle. She had lost count of how many hours she had been running, how many times she had stumbled through the endless white expanse. The world around her was eerily silent, save for the distant howling of the wind.And the hunters were getting closer.She could feel them. Even without seeing them, she knew they were near. The Warden’s creations—twisted monsters with enhanced speed, strength, and senses far beyond human capabilities. They had been bred for one purpose: to track and kill.And right now, they were tracking her.A branch snapped somewhere behind her.Sophia spun, her breath catching in her throat.Nothing.Just the trees, standing tall and lifeless, their blacken
324. Unlikely Allies
“Elijah Norton.” Elijah barely looked up as Lando strode into the dimly lit war room. His hands tightened into fists at the sound of the man’s voice, but he remained still, his expression unreadable. The tension in the air was suffocating. Doug stepped forward, his voice rigid with contempt. “You’ve got some nerve showing your face here, Yale.” Lando smirked, completely unfazed. He moved with an air of confidence, like he belonged—like he hadn’t been one of the reasons Sophia had been taken in the first place. “I could say the same to you, Commander,” Lando replied smoothly, then turned his gaze back to Elijah. “I assume you know why I’m here.” Elijah’s eyes darkened. “That depends. Are you here to waste my time, or do you actually have something useful to say?” Lando chuckled, but there was no humor in it. “Straight to the point, as always.” He folded his arms, leaning slightly against the table. “Sophia has escaped.” Silence. Elijah’s fingers twitched, but his expres
