Chapter 35

Grandpa Ben threat

The memory of the poisoned gift still haunted them, a grim reminder of how close Victor had come to death. As he lay in bed recovering, Emma had stepped up, taking charge with a fierce determination. The men who once doubted her now followed her without question, seeing her as a true leader. But Victor could see the toll it was taking on her. She barely slept and hardly ate, and worry clouded her eyes. The Phantom’s threat still loomed large, and the danger was far from over.

Despite her newfound authority, Victor could see the toll it was taking on her. Emma barely slept and hardly ate, and the worry etched on her face was impossible to ignore. The Phantom’s threat still loomed large, casting a long shadow over their lives, and the danger was far from over.

Victor watched as Emma paced the room, her jaw set in a line of concentration. She glanced over at him, her face a mask of exhaustion and resolve.

“You should sit down,” Victor said softly, his voice hoarse but