The mansion's air felt heavier as Evelyn and Clara made their way back to the library. Evelyn's grip on the note was tight, her knuckles pale against the stark black ink of the ominous message. Clara could feel the tension radiating from her, but her own curiosity and concern outweighed any fear.
"Evelyn, what does it say?" Clara asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Evelyn hesitated, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings to ensure they were alone. Once inside the library, she closed the door and turned to Clara.
"It's from someone who knows Benjamin well," Evelyn began, her voice low. "It's a challenge. A threat. This man—this 'messenger'—was sent to deliver Lucien's terms."
Clara's stomach sank. "Terms? For what?"
"For a final showdown," Evelyn said gravely, holding up the note. The words etched in dark ink read: Meet me where it all began, or I will bring the fight to your door. Midnight. No excuses.
Clara's face paled. "Where it all began?"
Evelyn nodded. "That could only mean one place—the docks. It's where Benjamin's rise to power started and where Lucien was first defeated. It's symbolic, a way for Lucien to prove he can take back what he's lost."
---
Minutes later, Benjamin stormed into the library, his shirt slightly torn and streaked with blood. Clara rushed to him, her worry etched into her face.
"Benjamin, are you hurt?" she asked, reaching for him.
He caught her hands gently, shaking his head. "I'm fine. It's not my blood."
Evelyn stepped forward, handing him the note. "You need to see this."
Benjamin read the words, his face darkening with each line. His jaw tightened, and his free hand curled into a fist.
"I knew Lucien wouldn't back down," he muttered. "He's desperate."
Clara's heart clenched. "You're not going, are you?"
"I have to," Benjamin said, his voice firm.
"No, you don't!" Clara snapped, stepping in front of him. "You've done enough. Let someone else handle it."
Benjamin's eyes softened as he looked at her, but his resolve didn't waver. "Clara, this isn't just about me. It's about protecting you, our family, and everything we've built. If I don't go, he'll bring chaos here, to this house, to you."
Evelyn crossed her arms. "He's right, Clara. This isn't a fight Benjamin can avoid."
---
Despite her protests, Clara watched as Benjamin prepared for the confrontation. He suited up in a tailored black jacket, his movements methodical and precise. Evelyn handed him a small earpiece, ensuring he could stay connected to her during the mission.
"Do you have backup?" Clara asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Benjamin nodded. "My men will be stationed around the docks. But this isn't about numbers—it's about sending a message."
Clara felt a lump in her throat. She didn't want to lose him, not to Lucien, not to anyone.
As he prepared to leave, Benjamin pulled her close, his hands framing her face. "I'll come back to you," he promised, his voice gentle but unwavering. "No matter what."
Clara nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "You'd better."
---
The air at the docks was cold and damp, the sound of waves crashing against the shore echoing in the distance. Shadows danced under the dim light of lampposts, creating an eerie atmosphere. Benjamin stood tall, his men strategically positioned in the darkness around him.
Lucien stepped out of the shadows, his presence as menacing as ever. He was flanked by two enforcers, their faces obscured by the low light.
"You actually came," Lucien said, his voice dripping with mock surprise.
"You wanted a fight," Benjamin replied coolly. "I'm here to finish it."
Lucien chuckled, his smile cruel. "You think this ends with a simple fight? No, Benjamin. This is about humiliation. About taking everything from you, piece by piece."
Benjamin's eyes narrowed. "Try me."
---
Lucien didn't waste time. With a snap of his fingers, his men lunged at Benjamin, weapons glinting in the moonlight. Benjamin moved with practiced precision, dodging their attacks and countering with brutal efficiency.
As the fight intensified, Lucien watched with a sinister smile, his confidence unshaken.
"You're predictable, Benjamin," Lucien taunted. "Always the hero, always trying to protect what's yours."
Benjamin didn't respond, his focus solely on dismantling Lucien's forces. But as he took down the last enforcer, Lucien stepped forward, clapping slowly.
"Impressive," Lucien said. "But this was just the beginning."
---
Before Benjamin could react, a group of men emerged from the shadows, surrounding him. They weren't Lucien's usual lackeys—they were well-trained, heavily armed, and dangerously coordinated.
"You didn't think I'd come unprepared, did you?" Lucien sneered.
Benjamin's earpiece crackled to life. "Benjamin, more reinforcements are on the way," Evelyn's voice said urgently. "Hold your ground."
As the new attackers closed in, Benjamin steeled himself. The fight was far from over, and Lucien's true plan was still shrouded in mystery.