I considered Asher's words, recognizing the trap he was laying before . The Lane family ho was their stronghold, where they would have every advantage. But backing down now would undo everything I'd just accomplished.
"I'll be there tomorrow morning," I replied calmly. "Have the dicine King ready."
Asher's bruised face twisted into a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I'll be waiting, Knight. Don't be late."
He turned and stalked away, his followers quickly gathering around him like a protective shield. I watched them leave, noting the whispered conversations and backward glances.
"Are you insane?" Eamon hissed once they were out of earshot. "The Lane villa is practically a fortress. Blaze Lane will have his entire security force waiting for you."
I turned away from the retreating figures. "Let's go. I'm hungry."
Eamon gaped at , but fell into step as I headed toward the exit. Violet hurried to catch up with us, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and fascination.
As we passed by Alistair Northwood, I caught his gaze. The montary flash of unease in his eyes was satisfying—another nobleman who'd underestimated and was now recalculating. I didn't bother with words. The ssage had been delivered.
"Liam, you're not taking this seriously," Eamon continued as we erged from the Water Dragon Cave into the fading daylight. "The Lane family isn't just so local thug. Blaze Lane has connections throughout South City."
"Are you worried about , Eamon?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Of course I am! You just publicly humiliated the son of one of the most powerful n in the city." Eamon ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "And now you're walking straight into their territory? It's suicide."
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "I appreciate the concern. But Asher was using barely twenty percent of the power I possess. His father might be stronger, but not enough to worry ."
Eamon stared at . "You were holding back? That... that energy broadsword..."
"Was about thirty percent of what I could have manifested," I confird casually. "I didn't want to kill him."
Violet made a small choking sound. "Who exactly are you, Liam?"
I glanced at her, noticing her resemblance to her sister—my now ex-wife. "Just a man who keeps his promises. Let's find sowhere to eat."
We settled at an upscale restaurant in the comrcial district. Violet had texted her friend Selina Burton to join us, and the four of us sat at a table near the window. The elegant setting contrasted sharply with the tension still radiating from my companions.
"So," Selina said after ordering, her gaze curious but cautious, "I hear you made quite an impression at the Water Dragon Cave."
I sipped my water. "News travels fast."
"In circles like these, always." She studied . "You're not what I expected from Grace's description."
The ntion of my ex-wife's na didn't sting as I might have expected. "Grace saw what she wanted to see."
Violet shifted uncomfortably. "Speaking of my sister... I heard rumors that you two..." She trailed off, seemingly unable to finish the question.
"We're divorced," I stated flatly. "As of yesterday."
Violet's chopsticks clattered against her plate. "Divorced? But she never said anything about—"
"It was sudden," I interrupted, not wanting to discuss the details of Grace's betrayal in public. "I'm sure she'll tell you her version when she's ready."
A heavy silence descended on the table. Eamon cleared his throat.
"So, Liam, where are you staying tonight?"
"I need to find a hotel," I replied, grateful for the change of subject. "Any recomndations?"
As Eamon listed options, I noticed Selina watching with undisguised interest. Unlike Violet's nervous energy, Selina carried herself with the confidence of soone accustod to getting what she wanted.
"I know a place," Selina interjected smoothly. "My family owns the Jade Pearl Hotel downtown. I could arrange a suite for you."
Eamon raised his eyebrows. The Jade Pearl was one of the most exclusive establishnts in South City.
"Thank you for the offer," I said, "but I'd prefer sowhere less conspicuous tonight."
Selina smiled, not at all offended. "Another ti, perhaps." She slid her business card across the table. "If you ever need anything in South City, I'd be happy to help."
I pocketed the card with a nod. Violet was watching the exchange with wide eyes, likely unused to seeing her sister's friends show interest in her brother-in-law—ex-brother-in-law now.
After dinner, Eamon and I checked into a moderately priced hotel near the city center. The room was clean and comfortable, if not luxurious.
"You should get so rest," Eamon advised as I gazed out the window at the city lights. "Tomorrow won't be easy."
I turned to my worried friend. "You don't have to co with tomorrow. In fact, I'd prefer if you didn't."
"You expect to let you walk into that viper's nest alone? After everything you just did for ?" Eamon shook his head firmly. "Not happening."
"This isn't your fight," I insisted. "And the Lane family won't hesitate to strike at you to get to ."
Eamon crossed his arms. "I'm coming. End of discussion."
I smiled slightly. "We'll see."
---
Across town in the Lane family villa, Blaze Lane slamd his fist against the ornate dining table, sending crystal glasses toppling.
"Unacceptable!" he roared, his face purple with rage as he glared at his son. "You let so nobody humiliate our family na in public?"
Asher touched his bruised cheek, wincing. "Father, he's not what he seems. His power—"
"I don't care if he's sprouted wings and learned to breathe fire!" Blaze interrupted. "No one disrespects the Lane family and lives to boast about it."
He turned to the large window overlooking their expansive gardens, hands clasped behind his back as he struggled to control his temper.
"Do you have any idea what this will do to our reputation? The other families are already whispering," he said, voice dangerously quiet now. "Our business partners will question our strength."
"He ntioned connections to the Ashworth family," Asher ventured carefully.
Blaze froze. "What did you say?" Ifyou'renoton*,you'reviewingacopy.
"He claid to be connected to the Ashworths sohow," Asher repeated. "I don't know if it's true, but—"
"The Ashworths don't involve themselves with nobodies," Blaze muttered, but a flicker of uncertainty crossed his features. The Ashworth family operated on a level far above the Lanes. If this Liam Knight truly had their backing...
After a mont of deliberation, Blaze shook his head decisively. "No. Connected or not, we cannot allow this insult to stand. He's deliberately provoked us by agreeing to co here. He must be taught a lesson."
He strode to the antique telephone on the sideboard and dialed a number from mory. After two rings, soone answered.
"Aidan, it's Blaze Lane. I need you at the villa by dawn tomorrow." He paused, listening. "Yes, it's urgent. A pest needs exterminating."
He hung up and turned to his son with cold determination. "Aidan Ortega will handle this upstart. Your mother doesn't need to know the details."
Asher paled slightly. Aidan Ortega was his father's most dangerous retainer—a man whispered to have killed dozens without remorse.
"Father, if he truly is connected to the Ashworths—"
"Then we'll deal with that after he's been properly humbled," Blaze cut him off. "He'll leave here on his knees, begging for rcy. No one challenges the Lane family and walks away whole."
---
The next morning dawned bright and clear. I left the hotel alone at precisely eight, having slipped out while Eamon was still asleep. He would be furious, but his safety mattered more than his pride.
The Lane family villa stood on a hillside overlooking South City, surrounded by high walls and ornate iron gates. As my taxi approached, I counted at least eight guards visible from the street, with undoubtedly more inside.
I paid the driver and stepped out, approaching the main gate with unhurried steps. The guards stiffened as I drew near, hands moving to their weapons.
"Liam Knight," I announced calmly. "I believe I'm expected."
The guards exchanged glances before one spoke into his radio. After a brief exchange, the gates opened with a chanical hum.
"Mr. Lane is waiting in the main hall," the guard inford with barely concealed hostility. "You'll be escorted."
I nodded and followed another guard up the winding driveway to the impressive mansion. The grounds were ticulously maintained, with sculptured hedges and fountains that spoke of old money and careful cultivation of an image.
The front doors opened as we approached, revealing a marbled entryway that sparkled in the morning light. I was led through to a grand hall where three n awaited .
Blaze Lane sat in a high-backed chair that resembled a throne, his son Asher standing to his right. To his left stood a lean, hard-faced man with cold eyes that evaluated with professional detachnt—this would be Aidan Ortega, then.
Guards lined the walls of the room, at least twelve that I could see. A deliberate show of force.
"So," Blaze Lane's voice echoed in the cavernous space, "you're the man who dared to lay hands on my son."
I t his gaze steadily. "I'm the man who accepted his challenge and won fairly."
Blaze's eyes narrowed. "And now you've walked into my ho, alone and apparently unconcerned." He gestured around at the ard n. "Either incredibly brave or remarkably stupid."
I shrugged. "I ca for what was promised: the Hundred-Year dicine King."
"Did you really think it would be that simple?" Blaze asked, leaning forward in his chair.
I smiled slightly. "No. But I hoped you might surprise ."
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