Everyone watched the inferno consume the island.
The wealthy elites slumped onto the decks, their faces drained of all color.
Some were violently trembling, some were openly sobbing, and several had simply passed out from the shock.
Serena stood at the very front of the speedboat.
The ocean breeze whipped her long hair around her.
The golden light of the flames flickered across her stunning, incredibly cold features.
Her expression was heavy, completely unreadable.
"What are you thinking about?" Nicholas approached, his arm wrapping securely around her waist.
Serena stayed quiet for a long moment before answering, "My grandmother."
Nicholas didn't pry; he simply held her hand.
Watching the sea of fire slowly fade into the distance, her voice was barely above a whisper. "I always thought she died of natural causes. It always haunted me—I spent years mastering medicine, saved countless lives, but I couldn't save her."
"But... that man behind The Obsidian Sun mentioned her."
"I don't think her death was that simple."
It had to be tied to The Obsidian Sun.
Her pale, slender fingers slowly curled into tight fists.
"No matter how deep they're buried, I'm going to rip them out by the roots."
***
Later, in Vaelion City.
The night was deep by the time they arrived.
Nicholas's men were already waiting at the Deep-Water Harbor.
Serena climbed into the back of a luxury SUV.
The warm ambient light of the streetlamps washed over her striking face,
highlighting the faint exhaustion in her eyes.
She barely spoke during the ride, simply leaning her head back against the leather seat and closing her eyes.
But Nicholas knew she wasn't sleeping.
A dangerously low, suffocating pressure radiated from her.
It was undeniably tied to the mystery of Old Mrs. Wynn's death.
When the vehicle finally pulled up to the Lancaster estate, Serena prepared to step out.
But Nicholas caught her wrist and gently pulled her into his embrace.
He rested his chin softly on the top of her head, his deep voice carrying a soothing, possessive warmth. "Don't overthink anything tonight. Just go inside and get some sleep."
Serena shifted slightly, tilting her head up to look at him.
His breathtaking, magnetic eyes were locked intensely onto hers.
It felt as though, in that exact moment, she was the only person in his entire world.
It was a deeply intimate gaze.
One that instantly made her feel incredibly safe.
"I'll handle the elites from the island, and I'll personally coordinate with the authorities to wipe out whatever remains of The Obsidian Sum's local network."
A slow, devastating smile curved his lips. "If the sky falls, your fiancé will hold it up."
"Your only job is to rest. Understood?"
The tight knot in Serena's chest finally loosened, and a wave of warmth spread through her.
She leaned into his chest and nodded softly. "Okay."
Nicholas lowered his head, pressing a lingering kiss to her hair. "Go on. Your family
is waiting for you."
Serena blinked. "How did you know?"
Nicholas chuckled. "Julian called me three times."
Serena couldn't help but smile.
It was the first time she had smiled since they left the island. "I'll see you later, then."
"Mhm. Rest well."
Nicholas stood by the car, watching
her retreating figure until she
disappeared through the estate
doors before finally turning to leave."
Inside the Lancaster estate.
The main living room was brightly lit.
Old Mr. Lancaster sat at the head of the room, holding a teacup that had long since
gone cold.
Edward sat nearby, his eyes darting toward the entrance every few seconds. Catherine twisted a tissue nervously between her fingers.
Julian stood by the window, having lost count of how many times he had checked the driveway.
The moment they heard the staff enthusiastically greeting the eldest miss at the door.
The entire family shot up from their seats and hurried toward the foyer.
When Serena walked through the door, every single pair of eyes instantly locked onto her.
"Serena..."
They all instinctively scanned her from head to toe, checking her with subtle but deep concern.
Only when they confirmed she was
completely unharmed did the
palpable tension in the room finally
dissipate.
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Serena easily caught the overwhelming waves of protective affection washing over
them.