Chapter 370

Victor Holloway's laughter echoed through the chamber, his aged frame shaking with mirth. The sound was abruptly cut off when the doors swung open to reveal a sharply dressed newcomer.

Julian Prescott moved with calculated grace, his polished shoes clicking against the marble floor. His piercing gaze immediately locked onto Evelyn.

With a practiced smile, he approached. "Julian Prescott," he introduced smoothly. "Vice Commander of Obsidian Circle. Given Mr. Holloway's... declining condition, you'll be dealing with me now."

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her bag strap. "I came to trade information about Cassandra Wright for Liam. Release him, and I'll give you everything - including the location of forty hydronium canisters."

"Agreed," Julian nodded, his smile never reaching his eyes.

Victor's face purpled with rage. He snatched a crystal decanter and hurled it at Julian, who sidestepped effortlessly. "You treacherous snake!" Victor roared. "How dare you move against the Blackwood heir without my knowledge!"

Julian calmly retrieved the unbroken decanter, placing it back on the side table with deliberate care. "Mr. Holloway, age has made you weak. Your hesitation will be our downfall. It's time for new leadership."

Victor trembled violently, veins bulging at his temples. His furious glare met Julian's composed expression in stark contrast.

To Evelyn, Julian's calm demeanor was far more terrifying than Victor's outburst. True monsters always wore masks.

After a charged silence, Victor spat, "Are you trying to destroy Obsidian Circle by provoking the Blackwoods?"

Julian's lips curled. "Should I fear a corpse?"

Evelyn's blood ran cold. "What did you do to Liam?" Her voice cracked with barely contained panic.

Julian's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Remarkable. Facing death yet still bargaining. You must be holding something truly valuable."

Tears blurred Evelyn's vision. "Where is he? Let me see him now!"

"Bring him up from the cistern," Julian ordered his men.

Evelyn's heart pounded against her ribs. Victor appeared diminished now - an aging lion usurped by a younger predator. No wonder he hadn't known about Liam's capture.

The doors crashed open. Two guards dragged in a soaking wet figure and dumped him unceremoniously on the floor.

Evelyn's world tilted. The broken man lying in a spreading pool of water and blood barely resembled the proud soldier she knew. She fell to her knees, trembling hands cradling Liam's battered face.

Tears splashed onto his waxen skin as she choked out his name. "Liam... Liam, look at me. It's Cassandra. I'm here to take you home." Her voice broke. "Open your eyes, please!"

No response. His skin felt like ice beneath her fingertips. She pressed her ear to his lips - no breath warmed her cheek.

A sob tore from her throat. "Liam! Wake up! Don't do this to me!" She shook him gently, then more desperately when he remained limp.

Julian's voice cut through her anguish. "I delivered my part of the bargain. Now - where is Cassandra Wright?"