Liam's Perspective
"Dudley Lowell?" I couldn't hide the disgust in my voice. "Of all people, you're helping that arrogant bastard?"
Evelyn Norton raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by my reaction. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Liam."
"I'm not jealous," I lied. "But Brightheart Island? You know how crucial those Demonic Beast Cores could be for my cultivation."
The sun glinted off the ocean beyond the restaurant window. My ti was running out. Every day without progress pushed closer to disaster.
Evelyn sipped her tea delicately. "If it makes you feel better, Dudley approached about the island, not the other way around. He's likely after the sa cores you are."
"That doesn't make feel better at all," I muttered.
She reached into her sleeve and pulled out an ornate fan. "Here, a peace offering."
I accepted it cautiously. The fan was lightweight but radiated spiritual energy. "What is this?"
"A Terpsichore Fan. It manipulates wind elent and can create a small concealnt formation. Might co in handy for soone who attracts as much trouble as you do."
I tested its weight in my palm. "Thanks. But it doesn't replace an invitation to Brightheart Island."
"No, it doesn't," she agreed, standing to leave. "Good luck finding one. The cruise departs in three days."
After Evelyn left, I remained at the table, mind racing. Three days. Brightheart Island opened only once every three years. Missing this opportunity wasn't an option.
I had to get on that cruise, invitation or not.
---
Night fell over Oceana City as I prowled near the luxury villas where most of the cruise attendees were staying. The streets were quiet except for the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore.
Breaking into soone's villa and stealing their invitation was risky. But desperate tis called for desperate asures. I'd scoped out three potential targets—wealthy rchants who wouldn't imdiately be missed if they suddenly "decided" not to attend the cruise.
I was about to make my move when a familiar voice called out.
"Young man, is that you lurking in the shadows?"
I spun around, heart pounding, to see Michael Ashworth—Isabelle's grandfather—standing just a few yards away. His white hair glead in the moonlight, and despite his age, his posture remained impeccable.
"Elder Ashworth," I said, quickly composing myself. "I didn't expect to see you here."
He approached with the aid of his cane, eyes sharp despite his years. "Nor I you. What brings you to this neighborhood at such a late hour?"
I couldn't exactly tell him I was planning a theft. "Just... taking a walk."
"Near the hos of those attending the Brightheart Island cruise?" His knowing smile told he wasn't fooled. "You seek an invitation, don't you?"
There was no point in denying it. "Yes. It's important."
Michael nodded thoughtfully. "The Demonic Beast Cores. Your cultivation requires them."
"How did you—"
"I may be old, but I'm not ignorant." He tapped his cane on the ground. "I have an invitation myself. My doctor suggested the sea air might improve my health."
I stared at him, hardly daring to hope. "Elder Ashworth..."
"You may have it," he said simply. "My health isn't as robust as I'd hoped. The journey would likely do more harm than good."
He reached into his robe and pulled out a golden card identical to the ones Evelyn had shown . "Take it. Consider it paynt for all you've done for Isabelle."
My fingers closed around the invitation, relief washing over . "Thank you. This ans more than you know."
"I believe I do know," he replied. "The path you walk is not an easy one."
Before I could respond, angry shouts erupted from down the street. Five n approached, led by a stocky figure I recognized imdiately—Joseph Nelson, one of Oceana City's local tyrants.
"Michael Ashworth!" Joseph bellowed. "Finally found you, old man!"
Michael's expression hardened. "Joseph Nelson. I declined your business proposal three tis. The answer remains no."
Joseph sneered, his face flushed with alcohol. "Nobody rejects . Nobody!" He gestured to his four bodyguards. "Teach this old fossil a lesson." Rea*d! ahe#a^d$ and get u*pd*a@t*e^s by v.i s^i@t&in*g$ *.%
The n started forward. Michael stood his ground, but I could sense his fear. At his age, he stood no chance against these thugs.
I stepped between them. "Back off."
Joseph squinted at . "Who the fuck are you?"
"Soone you don't want to ss with."
He laughed, motioning to his n. "Deal with this idiot first, then the old man."
The first bodyguard charged, drawing a knife. Ti seed to slow. My old self would have shown restraint, perhaps disard him and delivered a warning.
But I was no longer that man.
I sidestepped the knife and drove my palm into his chest. My spiritual energy surged through my arm, rupturing his heart instantly. He collapsed without a sound.
The second man hesitated, eyes wide with shock. That hesitation cost him his life. I moved faster than human eyes could track, appearing behind him. My fingers found the pressure points at the base of his skull, and I twisted sharply. His neck snapped with a sickening crunch.
"What the—" The third bodyguard didn't finish his sentence. I drove my knee into his stomach with enough force to shatter his spine, then slamd his head into the pavent.
The fourth man turned to run. I caught him by the collar, yanked him backward, and plunged my hand into his back, ripping out a chunk of his spine.
All this happened in less than ten seconds.
Joseph Nelson stood frozen, his face a mask of terror. "Wait—please—I didn't—"
I grabbed his throat, lifting him off the ground. "You threatened an elder I respect." My voice was eerily calm, even to my own ears. "That was your last mistake."
With a single squeeze, I crushed his windpipe. His legs kicked uselessly as the life drained from his eyes. When he went limp, I dropped his body alongside his n.
Michael Ashworth stared at , his face pale with shock. "Liam... what have you done?"
I turned to him, blood dripping from my hands. "Solved a problem."
"These n... you killed them without hesitation."
"They would have killed you." I began gathering spiritual fire in my palm. "Stand back, Elder Ashworth. I need to dispose of the evidence."
The blue flas engulfed the bodies, reducing them to ash in monts. The scent of burning flesh filled the air briefly before the ocean breeze carried it away.
Michael's eyes never left my face. "You've changed, Liam. You've beco more ruthless than before."
I t his gaze steadily. "The world gave no choice."
He nodded slowly, then reached into his robe again. To my surprise, he pulled out a second golden invitation. "I was going to give this to my attendant, but perhaps it would be better served in your hands. You may need a companion for what lies ahead."
I accepted the second invitation, tucking both cards securely inside my robe. "Thank you, Elder Ashworth."
"Don't thank ," he said quietly. "Just promise one thing."
"What's that?"
"Rember who you are, Liam Knight. Don't let the darkness consu you entirely."
I didn't answer. I wasn't sure I could make such a promise anymore.
As we parted ways, I glanced at the pile of ashes that had once been five n. I felt nothing—no remorse, no guilt. Just calm determination.
Brightheart Island awaited. And I would do whatever it took to claim its power.
Whatever it took.
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