Broderick lunged forward, his sword cutting through the air with deadly precision. I sidestepped, feeling the blade whisper past my ear.
"Too slow," I taunted.
His face contorted with rage. He launched into a flurry of attacks, each strike precise and powerful. The training field trembled beneath the force of his movents.
I dodged and weaved, making no attempt to counter. I wanted to see what he was capable of—to understand the man who thought he deserved Isabelle.
"Fight back, coward!" Broderick snarled, his frustration mounting.
"Why? This is entertaining."
His next attack ca enhanced with energy—a golden light that extended his blade's reach. The air crackled as his sword sliced toward my chest. Instead of dodging, I raised my hand.
The collision created a thunderous boom. Dust erupted around us, obscuring the field. When it cleared, Broderick's eyes widened in disbelief. His blade was caught between my fingers.
"Impossible," he whispered.
I smirked. "That seems to be everyone's favorite word around lately."
With a flick of my wrist, I snapped the tip of his sword clean off. The broken piece clattered to the ground between us.
Broderick stared at his damaged weapon. "This sword is forged from star tal. Nothing can break it."
"Nothing except ." I dropped the sword fragnt and stepped closer. "Let's stop playing, Broderick. You know why I'm here."
Ms. Hayward moved to his side, her face pale but determined. "You've made a grave mistake coming here, Knight. The entire Academy will descend on you montarily."
"Let them co," I replied calmly. "It will save the trouble of hunting them down later."
Broderick raised his broken sword. "I don't need the Academy's help to deal with you."
He attacked again, this ti abandoning technique for pure power. His broken blade glowed with concentrated energy as he thrust it toward my heart.
I didn't move this ti. The sword hit my chest and stopped dead, as if striking a mountain. Cracks spiderwebbed across the remaining blade.
"My turn," I said.
My fist shot forward, not at full strength—just enough. It connected with Broderick's chest. His eyes bulged as the impact lifted him off his feet and sent him crashing into a stone pillar twenty yards away.
Ms. Hayward gasped, rushing to his side as he struggled to stand.
"This is rely a greeting," I called out. "Three days from now, I'll co for a proper fight. Prepare yourself, Broderick. Or run. It makes no difference to ."
Broderick spat blood, his eyes burning with hatred. "I'm not finished—"
"Yes, you are," I cut him off. "For today, at least. Three days. That's all you have left."
Ms. Hayward helped Broderick to his feet, her expression murderous. "You'll regret this arrogance, Knight. You have no idea what forces you're challenging."
"No," I replied. "It's you who doesn't understand what you're facing. Tell your masters that Isabelle Ashworth will be freed, and everyone involved in her imprisonnt will pay with their lives."
Guards began pouring onto the training field, weapons drawn. I gave Broderick and Ms. Hayward one final look before turning away.
"Three days," I repeated. "Make peace with whatever gods you pray to."
I walked away, ignoring the guards who hesitated to approach after witnessing what I'd done. None dared to block my path as I left the Academy grounds.
* * *
The mansion provided by The Aegis Academy was extravagant—far more than I needed. Marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and furnishings that probably cost more than most people earned in a lifeti. Pretentious, but it served my purposes.
Clara explored the building like an excited child, racing from room to room. "Liam! There's a pool inside the house! Inside! Who puts a pool inside?"
I smiled despite myself. "Rich people with more money than sense."
"Can I swim in it?"
"It's your pool too," I said, dropping into a plush armchair. "Enjoy it."
She whooped with joy and disappeared deeper into the mansion. Her enthusiasm was a welco distraction from my darker thoughts.
The confrontation with Broderick had been informative. He was strong—certainly worthy of his reputation—but nowhere near the threat I'd expected. Either he was hiding his true strength, or the Guild's faith in him was misplaced.
Ms. Hayward was another matter entirely. The look in her eyes when I injured Broderick revealed more than she probably intended. Her concern wasn't rely professional. She cared for him—deeply.
That was useful information. People with emotional attachnts made mistakes.
A soft knock at the front door interrupted my thoughts. I extended my senses but detected no threat. Opening it, I found a young woman in Academy robes.
"Mr. Knight," she said with a bow. "The Academy extends its welco. I've been sent to inform you that your neighbor would like to introduce himself."
"Neighbor?"
She gestured to the equally ostentatious mansion next door. "Dominic Ashworth resides there. He's hosting a small gathering this evening and invites you to attend."
The na sent a surge of cold anger through . Dominic Ashworth—Isabelle's cousin and one of the family mbers who had benefited most from her imprisonnt.
"Tell him I'll consider it," I replied neutrally.
The ssenger bowed again and departed. I closed the door, my mind racing with possibilities. This wasn't coincidence. My placent next to Dominic was deliberate—either to provoke or to monitor .
Either way, it presented an opportunity.
* * *
Later that afternoon, I stepped onto the grounds separating our mansions and found Dominic already there, surrounded by a group of admirers. He was tall, with the classic Ashworth features that resembled Isabelle's, though lacking her natural grace and warmth.
His eyes narrowed at my approach. "Ah, the famous Liam Knight finally graces us with his presence. I was beginning to think you were avoiding ."
"Just busy," I replied coolly. "You're Dominic Ashworth."
"Indeed." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Curious how the Academy placed us as neighbors, isn't it? Almost as if soone wants us to beco... acquainted."
His entourage laughed sycophantically. Four young n and three won, all wearing expensive clothing and expressions of entitled amusent.
"I don't believe in coincidences," I said.
"Smart man." Dominic sipped from a crystal glass. "I've heard interesting stories about you, Knight. They say you ca from nothing—a forr live-in son-in-law who sohow acquired power beyond his station."
"And I've heard about you, Dominic. The cousin who stood by while Isabelle was taken."
His smile faltered. "Family politics are complicated. You wouldn't understand."
"I understand loyalty. And cowardice."
The atmosphere chilled instantly. Dominic's followers shifted uncomfortably, sensing the tension.
"Careful, Knight," Dominic warned. "You're new here. You don't want to make enemies on your first day."
I stepped closer, my voice low enough that only he could hear. "I already have enemies. What's one more?"
Sothing flickered in his eyes—not quite fear, but wariness. He covered it quickly with a laugh.
"You're as direct as they say," he remarked, addressing his companions again. "I appreciate that. Too many people in this city hide behind pretty words."
He turned, gesturing toward one of his companions—a young woman who had been observing our exchange with keen interest. "Knight, et Ophelia Laurent, daughter of Guild Elder Laurent."
The woman offered her hand with practiced elegance. "A pleasure, Mr. Knight. Your reputation precedes you."
I nodded but didn't take her hand. "I'm sure it does."
Dominic's gaze shifted beyond . "And who might this be?"
I turned to see Clara approaching, curiosity written across her face.
"Clara," I said. "A friend."
"Such a delightful young lady," Dominic smiled, his eyes lingering on her too long for my comfort. "Perhaps she'd enjoy eting people her own age. I know several Academy students who would be chard by her... unique energy."
There was sothing in his tone that set alarm bells ringing. I stepped between them, blocking his view.
"Clara isn't here to socialize," I said flatly.
Dominic raised an eyebrow. "Protective, aren't we? How fascinating."
Clara tugged at my sleeve. "Liam, who are these people?"
"No one important," I replied, loud enough for all to hear. "We're leaving."
Dominic's laugh followed us. "Don't be a stranger, Knight! My invitation to tonight's gathering still stands. Bring your little friend if you wish. I'm sure she'd be... entertained."
I didn't respond, guiding Clara back toward our mansion. The encounter left unsettled. Dominic's interest in Clara seed predatory—and his connection to the Ashworth family made him doubly dangerous.
"I don't like him," Clara whispered as we entered our ho. "He looks at like I'm sothing to eat."
"Stay away from him," I warned. "And his friends. Promise , Clara."
She nodded solemnly. "I promise."
* * *
Night fell, and exhaustion finally caught up with . After checking the mansion's defenses twice, I retired to my room, leaving Clara happily exploring the library.
Sleep ca quickly but brought no rest—only fragnted images of Isabelle trapped in darkness, calling my na. I woke hours later, drenched in sweat, the echo of her voice still ringing in my ears.
A faint sound downstairs caught my attention. I rolled silently from bed, extending my senses throughout the mansion. Clara's energy signature pulsed steadily from her room—she was safe. But sothing else moved near the front door.
I descended the stairs without making a sound, concealing my presence completely. A figure stood in the foyer—a young man in Academy robes, looking nervous.
"Mr. Knight?" he called softly. "Are you there? I have an urgent ssage."
I stepped into view, making him jump. "It's the middle of the night."
"I-I apologize," he stamred. "But it's important. There's been a discovery that might interest you—about Isabelle Ashworth."
My body tensed. "What about her?"
"Not here," he whispered, glancing around fearfully. "It's too dangerous. Please, follow . There's soone who wants to help you—soone who knows where she's being held."
Every instinct scread trap, but the ntion of Isabelle made rational thought difficult. Still, I wasn't a fool.
"Who sent you?"
"A friend within the Guild," he replied. "Soone who disagrees with what they're doing to her. Please, we don't have much ti."
I studied him closely. His fear seed genuine, but that proved nothing. "Tell your 'friend' that if they want to help, they can co to directly."
"They can't!" he insisted. "They're watched too closely. This might be your only chance to learn the truth before they move her again."
I remained silent, weighing my options. If there was even a small chance this information was genuine...
"Give one minute," I finally said.
I returned upstairs, quickly dressing and arming myself. I paused at Clara's door, ensuring she was still safely asleep before heading back down.
The ssenger waited anxiously, relief washing over his face when I reappeared. "Thank you. Follow , but stay alert. If we're seen together..."
We slipped out into the night. The Academy grounds were eerily quiet, most buildings dark except for the occasional guard post. The ssenger led toward a secluded area near the eastern wall, where ancient trees cast deep shadows.
"Just through here," he whispered, pointing to a narrow path.
I stopped. "You first."
He hesitated, then nodded, moving ahead down the path. I followed at a distance, senses stretched to their limit, ready for any sign of danger.
The path opened into a small clearing surrounded by dense foliage. The ssenger stopped, looking around anxiously. Ca^t.ch the fo.r%m*a@t$ted* versi^on at *&.
"They should be here," he muttered.
"Who should be here?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
A slow clap echoed from the darkness. "Well done, boy. You've earned your reward."
Ms. Hayward stepped into the clearing, her eyes gleaming with triumph. The ssenger scurried to her side like an obedient dog.
"As promised," she said, handing him a small jade vial. "Diluted bloodline essence. Use it wisely."
The boy clutched the vial reverently before disappearing into the trees.
"You're more predictable than I expected, Knight," Ms. Hayward remarked. "ntion Isabelle Ashworth, and you lose all caution."
I remained still, taking in my surroundings. We weren't alone. Multiple presences lurked in the darkness—powerful ones.
"If you wanted to talk, you could have knocked on my door," I said casually.
"This isn't a conversation," she replied. "It's an execution."
She raised her hand, and six figures erged from the shadows—Guild elites, judging by their auras. Each one a Martial Marquis or higher.
"No Broderick tonight?" I asked. "I'm disappointed."
"Broderick is too valuable to waste on vermin," she spat. "He's preparing for sothing far more important than your death."
I smiled, dropping into a relaxed fighting stance. "You've made a critical error, Ms. Hayward."
"And what might that be?" she asked, signaling her assassins to spread out around .
"You think you're the hunter," I replied, as golden light began to flicker around my body. "But you've just walked into my cage."
The first assassin lunged, and the clearing erupted in violent light.
In the shadows of the Academy's administrative building, a figure watched the distant flashes illuminating the eastern trees. Ms. Hayward's voice carried on the night breeze, cold and venomous.
"Little beast, your ti is up!"
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