Liam''s Perspective


    "It''s quite the honor to officially meet you, Liam Knight." Dudley Lowell extended his hand again, his grip firm and measured.


    I shook his hand cautiously, feeling the carefully controlled power behind it. This was a man who knew exactly how to present himself—and hide his true capabilities.


    "I''ve read about you on The Warrior''s Scroll," I replied. "Though the ounts seem... inconsistent."


    Dudley''s eyes shed with interest. "Oh? And what inconsistencies have you noticed?"


    "Some describe you as a merchant. Others as a collector. A few mention martial prowess that seems deliberately understated."


    A slight smile curved his lips. "Perception is a powerful tool, Mr. Knight. I''m surprised someone with a supposedly wasted dantian would pay such close attention to martial rankings."


    Before I could respond, amotion erupted behind us. Michael Ashworth tensed beside me as six men approached, led by the familiar sneering face of Kendrick Langley.


    "Well, well," Kendrick called out loudly. "The crippled alchemist and the traitorous Ashworth elder! What a delightful surprise."


    I stepped slightly in front of Michael. "Kendrick. I thought you''d have learned your lesson by now."


    "Learned?" Kendrickughed. "Oh, I''ve learned plenty. Like how you''ve somehow fooled everyone into thinking you''re special when you''re nothing but a—"


    "Enough," I cut him off. "State your business or leave."


    Kendrick''s face darkened. "My business is with him." He pointed at Michael. "Corbin Ashworth sends his regards. He''s concerned about his father''s health and insists you return home immediately."


    Michael gripped his cane tighter. "My son''s concern is touching, but unnecessary."


    "It wasn''t a request." Kendrick motioned to his men. "We''ve been authorized to escort you back—by force if needed."


    The air thickened with tension. I noticed Dudley Lowell stepping back slightly, his eyes calcting as he observed the confrontation.


    I moved fully in front of Michael. "You''re not taking him anywhere."


    "And who''s going to stop us? You?" Kendrickughed cruelly. "A man with a wasted dantian? Don''t make me—"


    My hand shot out, grabbing his wrist before he could finish. I squeezed just enough to make him wince.


    "Listen carefully," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "You will board your ship and return to Corbin with a message: Michael Ashworth is under my protection. Any attempt to force him will be met with consequences far worse than what you experienced at the Celestial Apothecary Guild."


    I released his wrist with a slight push. Kendrick stumbled back, fury and fear warring in his eyes.


    "You''ll regret this, Knight. Corbin Ashworth doesn''t forgive easily."


    "Neither do I," I replied coldly.


    After a moment of tense silence, Kendrick spat on the ground and gestured to his men. They retreated, but the hatred in his eyes promised this wasn''t over.


    "Come," I said to Michael. "Our ship awaits."


    We boarded the luxury yacht, a magnificent vessel reserved exclusively for the most elite guests of Brightheart Ind. As we walked up the gangnk, I heard Kendrick arguing with the ship''s security.


    "What do you mean we can''t board? We''re heading to Brightheart Ind too!"


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    The uniformed guard stood firm. "Invitation only, sir. No exceptions."


    Kendrick''s face contorted with rage. "This isn''t over, Knight!" he shouted across the water. "We''ll be waiting when you return!"


    Once aboard, Michael and I found a quiet spot on the deck.


    "That was unwise," he said softly. "Corbin will be furious."


    "Corbin was already plotting against us," I replied. "At least now we know for certain."


    Michael sighed heavily. "My son has always been ambitious, but this..." He shook his head. "To send men to physically retrieve me—it suggests desperation."


    "Or opportunity," I countered. "With you gone, he''s trying to consolidate power while simultaneously preventing you from helping me find Isabelle."


    "You''re probably right." Michael''s shoulders slumped slightly. "The Ashworth family is fracturing, and I fear my granddaughter is caught in the middle."


    The ship''s horn sted, signaling our departure. As we pulled away from the dock, I could see Kendrick and his men watching us, their faces dark with malice.


    "We should find our amodations," I suggested. "This journey will take several hours."


    We made our way to the ship''s luxurious main deck, where a cocktail lounge had been set up for passengers. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over plush velvet seating and mahogany tables. The other guests, all clearly wealthy and powerful, mingled with practiced ease.


    "Quite opulent," Michael remarked as we found seats near a window overlooking the sea. "Brightheart Ind spares no expense in impressing its visitors."


    "All this luxury makes me wonder what they''re trying to distract us from."


    Michael nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. Beautiful cages are still cages."


    A server approached with champagne, but before we could ept, two familiar figures appeared beside our table.


    "Mind if we join you?" Dudley Lowell asked, Evelyn Norton at his side.


    Without waiting for an answer, they slid into the seats directly across from us. Dudley''s eyes locked with mine, studying me with the intensity of a hawk eyeing its prey.


    "That was quite a disy at the dock," Evelyn remarked, epting a ss of champagne. "You handled Kendrick Langley with surprising... authority for someone of your supposed condition."


    I maintained a neutral expression. "Some fights don''t require cultivation."


    "Fascinating perspective." Dudley leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Mr. Knight, what exactly brings you to Brightheart Ind? The truth this time."


    The challenge in his voice was unmistakable. This wasn''t just curiosity—it was an interrogation.


    "I could ask you the same question," I replied evenly. "A man of your reputation doesn''t travel to the most exclusive auction in the world without specific targets in mind."


    Dudley''s eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained fixed. "Direct, aren''t you? I appreciate that quality."


    "Perhaps we can be useful to each other," Evelyn suggested, her voice silky. "Allies are valuable in ces like Brightheart Ind."


    "And what kind of alliance are you proposing?" I asked.


    Dudley''s smile widened. "Information, for starters. For instance, I might know something about a certain Ashworth heiress who vanished under mysterious circumstances."


    My body tensed involuntarily. Michael''s hand gripped his cane so tightly his knuckles whitened.


    "That would be valuable information indeed," I said carefully, fighting to keep my voice steady.


    "Of course," Dudley continued, his eyes never leaving mine, "such informationes with a price."


    "And what price would that be?" Michael asked, speaking for the first time since they''d joined us.


    Dudley turned to him. "Elder Ashworth, your family has certain... artifacts that would be of great interest to my associates. Ancient texts, specifically."


    Michael''s expression hardened. "The Ashworth family archives are not for sale."


    "Everything has a price," Evelyn interjected. "Even a granddaughter''s location."


    The threat hung in the air between us, clear and unmistakable. I felt a cold fury building inside me, but kept it carefully contained. This was neither the time nor ce.


    "An interesting proposition," I said, my voice betraying none of my anger. "We''ll consider it."


    Dudley smiled, a predator''s smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "Excellent. We have until we reach Brightheart Ind. I do hope you make the right decision."


    As they stood to leave, Dudley leaned down slightly. "Oh, and Mr. Knight? That little trick with your wasted dantian might fool others, but not me. I know potential when I see it."


    His words sent a chill down my spine. As they walked away, Michael and I exchanged nces.


    "They know something about Isabelle," I whispered.


    "And they''re dangerous," Michael replied. "More dangerous than I anticipated."


    The luxury yacht continued its journey toward Brightheart Ind, cutting through the waves with effortless power. But the real danger, I realized, wasn''t waiting for us at our destination.


    It was already here, sitting just across the lounge, watching our every move.