In the undergroundb, Zeke arrived and ordered his men to drag Samir out of the holding cell.
? 50%
+28)
The moment Samir was brought out, he shouted excitedly, “Is the leader here to take me back? I told you–I’m the real son of the leader! None of you have the right to touch me!”
“The leader is taking you back, alright,” one of the guards sneered. “We’re just helping <i>you </i>on your way.”
They escorted him into theb, where Samir saw Zeke again. He immediately started yelling, “Zeke! Let me go! Maybe I’ll even speak up for you to the leader if you behave!”
His arrogance wasughable in Zeke’s eyes.
“Don’t worry about that,” Zeke said calmly. “You wanted to return to Graystone, didn’t you? I’ll make <i>sure </i>you do.”
Samir smirked, thinking he had won. Once he was back in Graystone, he’d make sure to feed Zeke to the wolves. His father wouldn’t let this betrayal go unpunished.
But that smugness didn’tst long.
The guards shoved him onto a metal table. Lab techs in white coats filed in.
Zeke stood and looked down at him coldly. “There’s something you should know. Pierrick is already in hell. Shadow Moon Pavilion’s US division has officially been reformed under a new name–Lightwing. From now on, I have no ties to Shadow Moon
Pavilion.”
“What? You traitor! The leader will never forgive you!”
Samir screamed and thrashed on the table.
“Whether he forgives me or not isn’t your <i>concern</i>.”
Zeke turned and walked to the door. Before leaving, he gave a chilling order.
“Make it clean. I want both of his hands turned into specimens. We’ll send them to Zorro as a gift. Make them pretty… and don’t forget to carve his name on them.”
There was no more reason to keep Samir alive—especially after what happened to Alicia.
*Yes, sir.”
“No… don’t.., nooo-!”
Zeke hadn’t been gone long before theb was filled with gut–wrenching screams.
There are fates worse than death–and Samir was about to experience all of them.
Zorro could’ve never imagined that his carefully groomed killing machine would one day be ughtered by the very person he sought to rece.
Zeke wished he could be there to witness Zorro’s reaction–when a father receives his son’s severed hands.
<b>1/3 </b>
18:43 Mon, 25 Aug
The next evening, news arrived at The Vanderbilt Family that James and King had returned to New York.
Caitlin had been waiting anxiously. The moment she heard the sound of car engines outside, she rushed out the front door.
Sebastian and Federico were right behind her.
Soon enough, James and King stepped out of the car. Then, a third man followed–a rugged, disheveled figure who looked exactly like the version of Ashfall from the video: the ssic drifter artist look, with unkempt hair, a messy beard, and skin tanned bronze by sun and wind.
He looked older than expected. Though Federico had said Ashfall was around thirty–five, his weather–worn face made him seem closer to fifty. A life of wandering had clearly taken its toll.
“We brought him back,” James reported.
“Thank you, Harrison. Thank you, King,” Caitlin said gratefully, her gazending on Ashfall.
Federico stepped forward with a smile. “My old friend. It’s been a long time–you’ve gotten even more carefree.”
Ashfall grinned. “Thanks for remembering me. Thanks to you, I even got to fly first ss.”
“That wasn’t my doing,” Federico said with a chuckle. “It was Trinity who made all the arrangements. She sent people to bring you back herself. Shows how important this is to her. Come, let me make the introductions.”
Federico introduced Caitlin to Ashfall. As soon as heid eyes on her, Ashfall was stunned.
No wonder she had asked about the woman in the painting *Despair*. Now that he saw her in person, the resemnce was
uncanny.
“Hello, Mr. Ashfall. I’m really sorry to have dragged you all this way,” Caitlin said, extending her hand.
Ashfall hesitated. “My hands are filthy. Let’s skip the handshake. I’ve been briefed on everything. If there’s a chance I can help you find your mother, I’ll do my best.”
Caitlin thanked him again. Sebastian turned to James and said, “Why don’t you take Mr. Ashfall to freshen up first?”
James gestured. “This way, please.”
“Great, I could use a good wash. Lead the way.”
After Ashfall was taken away, he eventually returned–clean–shaven, hair tied back, wearing fresh clothes. He looked like a whole new person. There was something refined about him now, and underneath theyers of grime had been a surprisingly handsome
man.
“Trinity, I’m clean now. Can we shake hands for real?”
He walked into the room with a smile and extended his hand. Caitlin took it warmly.
“Wee, artist.”
“Artist is a stretch. I’m more like a free spirit, a wanderer.”
They all sat down and chatted. Ashfall had been all over the world and had countless stories. He spoke passionately and effortlessly, holding everyone’s attention.
18:43 Mon, 25 Aug <i>7 </i>WO
Eventually, the conversation turned to Caitlin’s mother.
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28
Ashfall began describing how he had painted ‘Despair while living in the capital city of A Nation, St. Sanctum.
“You’re saying that you painted ‘Despair back when you were in St. Sanctum? And if the woman in the painting is really my mother, then she must’ve been held inside that building you described?”
“That’s right. But the memory is hazy.”
“I understand,” Caitlin said. “That’s why I’d like you to go back with us–to retrace your steps in St. Sanctum. I know it’ll take some of your time.”
“No problem. When do we leave?”
Caitlin was surprised at how eager he sounded. “I’m thinking tomorrow.”
“I’lle with you,” Sebastian offered.
No. One of us has to stay behind to protect the family.”
Caitlin gently rejected him. Sebastian’s status made him a target. It was far safer for him to remain in New York, where he was protected by his own territory.
Besides, if they both left, it would leave their family wide open to attack.
“But how can I let you go alone?”
“With James, I won’t be alone.”
James stood up. “I’m going. It’s my responsibility to help find our mother.”
Caitlin nodded. “Exactly. With him by my side, I’ll be fine. I’ll also disguise myself–we won’t be traveling as ourselves.”
At that, Federico spoke up with an idea. “Actually, I just remembered something. The Royal Philharmonic is scheduled to perform
next in St. Sanctum. We’ve been invited by the royal family of A Nation. Trinity, why don’t youe with us under the identity of my assistant, Esme? I can escort <i>you </i>to A Nation myself.”
田
AD