Marcus led the way through the grandiose gates of their compound with an expression of anger and resignation.
Mira and Elenei followed closely behind, their senses alert for any sign of an ambush. They could feel hundreds of presences around them, all keeping an eye on the situation, but none seemed to be preparing to make a move.
Rhydian, with Dominique and Hana under her protective wing, hovered behind them, ready to dash away at the first hint of trouble.
The interior of the compound was as lavish as expected of a top-tier family in Brightclipse City. Elegant buildings adorned with lion motifs, lush gardens, and serene water fountains dotted the landscape.
As they walked, Mira's gaze was calculating, assessing every detail of her surroundings. Her hand rested casually on the hilt of her scythe. She didn't trust this man for a second.
Marcus gritted his teeth, feeling her scrutinizing gaze, but maintained his composure. He knew the stakes were high, not just for his family but for the entire city. A misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences.
They arrived at a secluded courtyard, where a group of Lionel Family guards stood at attention.
"Wait here," Marcus instructed gruffly as he approached the guards, whispering orders that were too soft for the others to hear.
Mira's eyes narrowed, sensing the slight shift in the atmosphere. She exchanged a glance with Elenei, who nodded subtly.
After a few tense moments, Marcus returned, his expression unreadable. "This way," he said, leading them toward a large, ornate building at the far end of the courtyard.
The building's doors opened, revealing a dimly lit interior. As they stepped inside, the air grew colder, a stark contrast to the warmth of the sunny courtyard outside.
The room was large and sparsely furnished, with a single figure chained to the wall at the far end. As they approached, the figure lifted her head, revealing a face that bore the marks of repeated abuse and torture.
It was Linnea Silvermoon, Hana's mother. She had long silver hair and two bushy wolf ears, but the rest of her body seemed mostly human.
"Mom!" Hana cried out, tears streaming down her face as she rushed towards her mother, only to be stopped by Rhydian's firm grip.
Linnea's eyes widened in disbelief, a glimmer of hope igniting in her weary gaze. "Hana... my child," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
Marcus stepped aside, sensing the growing tension in the air, allowing Mira to approach Linnea. However, he didn't know that the pressure she was releasing was all a ruse.
His gaze flickered towards Rhydian, Dominique, and Hana, noting the protective stance of the wolf. He knew any aggressive move on his part could escalate into a disaster he couldn't control.
Suddenly, his eyes widened for a moment before a subtle smirk played on his lips–something Mira and Elenei didn't miss.
Mira ignored that for now and stepped forward, her eyes scanning Linnea's condition. Chains clinked as Linnea tried to move, the sound echoing in the silent room. "Alright, let's get out of here," Mira stated firmly.
Marcus watched the reunion, his expression returning to its once agitated state. He knew that Mira's 'promise' was not to be taken lightly.
With Linnea returned to her daughter, the Lionel Family might avoid the full wrath of the Battle Maiden Sect. However…
'Isn't this the same as cutting off our path forward?' Marcus's eyes narrowed dangerously as he clenched his fists. They were going to take the pendant, cultivate Hana well, and then have her and Azaar pump out talented children who would serve as the foundation for their rise in power.
Now, all of that was ruined by one girl and her little pets!
Feeling a hint of killing intent directed her way, Mira turned to Marcus, her blood-red gaze piercing into his. "Consider this a warning. Look at me like that again, and your entire bloodline will join you in hell."
Marcus swallowed hard, the gravity of her words sinking in. He had no doubt that Mira meant every word.
With swift movements, Mira unlocked Linnea's chains. The clatter of metal hitting the floor reverberated through the room as Linnea collapsed into Mira's arms, too weak to stand on her own. Mira carefully supported her, casting a subtle amount of Light Element into her to ease her immediate pain.
"Mom!" Hana cried out again, tears of relief and joy streaming down her face as Rhydian gently released her. Hana ran to her mother, embracing her tightly.
Linnea, although weak, wrapped her arms around her daughter, tears of her own mingling with Hana's. "I thought I'd never see you again," she sobbed.
Elenei watched the scene quietly, her expression softening. Even in a world as ruthless as theirs, moments of genuine emotion and reunion were precious. She'd also grown to like Hana throughout the time she'd known her.
'...Hopefully, Mira won't be too rough on them. She's just a crippled mortal, after all.' Elenei thought but decided to leave that to the future.
Mira gestured to Rhydian and Elenei, signaling it was time to leave. Marcus didn't stop them as they exited the building, his gaze following them until they were out of sight.
As they navigated through the compound, Linnea, supported by Mira, seemed to regain some of her strength. Her eyes, once dull with despair, now sparkled with a mixture of gratitude and determination. Hana stayed close, her small hand firmly gripping her mother's.
The Lionel Family members watched them leave, their gazes a mix of fear, respect, and unconcealed hate. They were all prideful beings and never thought that their family would be disrespected by a mere disciple! Still, they weren't stupid and held themselves back while grumbling.
The city beyond the compound's walls remained a bustling hive of activity, but the atmosphere had shifted. Word of Mira's visit and her confrontation with the Lionel Family had spread like wildfire, and onlookers quickly hid when they saw her leaving with an extra person in tow.
As they reached the city outskirts, the sense of unease that had accompanied them since their arrival began to dissipate. Mira felt a strange sense of closure as she glanced back at the towering city walls, knowing that she had altered the course of events for at least one family.
But as they were about to step beyond the city's boundaries, a voice boomed from afar, echoing through the air with a surge of power. "Did you think you could come and go so easily?!"
