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Caitlin nced at the man standing a short distance away. She hadn’t expected Sheldon to step forward at such a critical moment and speak up for her.
His words-“Innocent wives and children should never be dragged into this, nor should the innocent be harmed“-truly showed the breadth of his vision. Compared to Raze, Sheldon carried himself with far more integrity.
It hadn’t been in vain that she gave up her chance to escape earlier just to save his wife and child.
Raze’s face was dark with fury. Sheldon’s words had only fanned the fire. “Sheldon, do you even know what you’re doing?”
“I do. I’m thinking about the bigger picture.”
Sheldon was prepared for the consequences of offending Raze. The worst case might be a harsh scolding or having Caitlin still thrown into the water cage. But it was something he had to say.
“You captured Caitlin to use her against Sebastian. But if Sebastianes here for negotiations and sees that we’ve tortured and mistreated her, what do you think he’ll do?
*If he brings the full might of the Obsidian Order against us, what strength do we have left to fight? We’ve already abandoned our homnd and hidden ourselves here on Crescent Ind. Many of our people can’t even adapt to the climate.
“What is our true objective? Is it to torment one woman? No–it’s to use her as leverage for
negotiations. Revenge isn’t the only thing at stake here!
“If you believe I’m <b>wrong</b>, then I’ll resign my position and take whatever punishment you see fit.”
The hall fell into a dead silence. Only the sound of distant waves filled the gap.
Raze, <i>who </i>had been on the verge of exploding, sat in silence for a moment, then exhaled deeply “Fine. You’re right. I won’t let a single woman ruin my ns.
“But until the negotiations are over, if Caitlin suffers any ident or dares to escape, you and your entire family will pay the price?
“I understand.”
Sheldon knew Raze had spared <b>her</b>, if only for the sake of strategy.
He turned and ordered the guards, “Take Caitlin back, and guard her well.”
16:01 Wed, 3 Sept
As Caitlin was led away, she nced back at Sheldon, her eyes full of unspoken gratitude.
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+23)
This time, they shackled her wrists and ankles with heavy chains, ensuring she wouldn’t get another
chance to escape.
After the dark night came a foggy dawn. As the sun rose, the mist slowly dispersed.
A massive battleship cut across the waves of the open sea.
Inside, Zeke and Sebastian pored over maps of the South Pacific.
“Judging by the signal coordinates, ck Wolf Fortress’s new base must be on this crescent–shaped ind.” Zeke tapped the map.
Sebastian studied the terrain. “The ind is surrounded by reefs. The battleship won’t be able to get close. When the timees, I’ll take a speedboat in myself.”
“I’ll go with you,” Zeke offered.
“No. You’ll stay back for support.”
They had already settled their n when a sailor rushed over. “Mr. Vanderbilt, there are multiple vessels ahead. Likely ck Wolf Fortress ships. They’re demanding we stop!”
Everyone moved to the deck. Through the thinning fog, the ind loomed into view. They had
reached Crescent Ind’s waters.
“Slow us down. Stop the ship,” Sebastian ordered.
The helmsmanplied, and the battleship gradually reduced speed until it halted just a few dozen meters from the blockade of enemy boats.
The men of ck Wolf Fortress stared up at the warship’s massive silhouette, nervous but unable to
retreat.
Sebastian broadcast his message across the waters. “Is this ck Wolf Fortress territory? I am Sebastian. I’vee to negotiate<i>” </i>
From the lead vessel, a man lifted a loudhailer and shouted back. “Sebastian! Only you are allowed to set foot on the ind. No one else is to move a step closer!”
“Fine. Take me to your leader, Raze.”
wed, Sept
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The warship lowered a speedboat. Alone, Sebastian boarded it and followed their boats toward
Crescent Ind.
On the battleship, Zeke and the others stood ready as backup. If negotiations failed, they wouldunch a rescue immediately.
23
News of Sebastian’s arrival was quickly ryed to the main camp. Raze knew the time hade and
called for full alert.
“Everyone, be ready! Once he’s inside, I’ll trap him like a rat in a cage. He came in–he won’t be going
back out!”
“Yes, sir!” the fortress men roared in unison.
It didn’t take long before Sebastian’s speedboatnded on the ind.
ck Wolf Fortress soldiers lined the road, weapons in hand, watching him with predatory stares.
He was searched, then escorted by amander toward the main council hall where Raze was
waiting.
Even at a nce, it was obvious ck Wolf Fortress had chosen poorly by abandoning the northern
territories for this ind. The climate was harsh, thend undeveloped, survival here was tenuous at
best. Sooner orter, they would wither like castaways.
Sebastian walked through their ranks, unarmed, every eye on him, until he reached the great hall.
“Leader! Sebastian is here!” a guard announced before stepping aside.
Sebastian’s gaze locked on Raze, seated on the throne.
Atst, the two leaders faced each other. Their eyes met, and though no words were spoken, the air filled with the smoke of battle yet toe.
“Raze, I’m here. Where is she?” Sebastian’s voice was low, his anger burning beneath the surface.
Raze sneered. “So you had the guts after all, Sebastian. Toe here alone, into my hands.”
He reveled in the sight. Sebastian was deep in his den now. No matter that his warship lingered beyond the reefs. They wouldn’t dare attack, not with the terrain against them. Here, Sebastian was alone, isted, powerless.
“For my wife, I would walk into the jaws of hell itself.”
Sebastian stood in simple clothes, weaponless, under the aim of countless guns–and yet not a flicker
16:01 Wed, 3 Sept <b>@ </b>W
of fear crossed his face.
“Good! Since you’vee, then it’s time we settle our old ounts!”
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Raze mmed a palm onto the table and pointed at him. “You ughtered over a thousand of my men in ck Wolf Fortress. You killed my brother with your own hands. Don’t you think it’s time to pay that debt in blood?”
Sebastian stayed silent, but the fortress soldiers erupted.
“Blood for blood!”
“Blood for blood!”
+23)
The memory of the Obsidian Order’s night raid still burned in their minds. They wanted nothing more
than to tear Sebastian apart.
Raze raised his hand, silencing them. His voice dropped to a chilling growl. “Sebastian! You hear that? With a single word from me, they’ll rip you to pieces–scatter your ashes to the wind!”
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