Lucian realized that every word, every glance exchanged at this gathering held a weight far beyond simple introductions. This wasn't just about camaraderie or trust—it was a test, a subtle trial of his worth. If he wanted to carve out his place in this world, to gain their respect and influence Selene's life and plans, he needed to prove himself here and now.
Selene tilted her head slightly, as if sensing the thoughts racing through him, and gave him a knowing smile. It wasn't one of comfort—it was a challenge.
Steven, seated to Selene's right, broke the lingering tension by tapping a hidden control embedded in the table. The polished obsidian surface lit up, and a holographic projection flickered to life, casting a pale blue glow over the room.
The projection zoomed in on a sleek skyscraper dominating the city skyline. Its gleaming façade bore the insignia of a hero agency—pristine, intimidating, and self-righteous. Steven's expression was calm, deliberate, as always, but the faint tension in his voice betrayed his annoyance.
"This," he began, gesturing toward the building before the hologram shifted to a figure clad in shining silver armor with golden accents, "is Silverknight. A B-class hero stationed in Silverhaven. Recently, he made some… inflammatory remarks during a press conference."
The hologram transformed, now playing a clip of the press conference. The room was filled with the arrogant tone of Silverknight's voice, his polished armor reflecting the bright lights of the stage. His posture was relaxed, his smirk radiating smugness as he addressed the crowd with condescending ease.
Silverknight adjusted the microphone with deliberate precision, pausing to scan the audience as if daring anyone to interrupt. The anticipation in the room was palpable, the faint hum of reporters' murmurs silenced by the authority in his movements.
"Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of this great city, today I stand before you not just as your protector, but as a man with a message—a message for the so-called 'Lady Spectra' and her Iron Maiden."
His smirk deepened, his voice dripping with disdain as he continued.
"You've heard their names whispered in fear, haven't you? Tales of shadows creeping where they don't belong. Of streets terrorized and people living under constant threat. But let me tell you something. These women? They're nothing more than criminals dressed in cheap illusions of power. And as your protector, I promise this—I will bring them to justice."
The hologram captured the dramatic pause he gave, allowing the cameras and murmurs to swell. Then his tone sharpened, each word delivered like a blade.
"Lady Spectra—a woman who hides in the dark because she's too afraid to face the light. A coward whose power lies in fearmongering, not strength. She thrives on shadows because, deep down, she knows that's all she has. Without her little tricks, Spectra is nothing. Just another criminal with a flair for dramatics.
"And her so-called Iron Maiden? A brute. A thug. A hammer swung by a hand too weak to wield anything else. She fancies herself a warrior, but all I see is a puppet—a pawn in Spectra's little game of fear. Superhuman, they say? That just means she'll fall harder when I'm done with her."
The projection flickered slightly, enhancing the intensity of his next words.
"They think they're untouchable, but they've made one fatal mistake—they've underestimated me.
"When I bring these so-called villains down—and I will—they won't simply slink away into the shadows. No, that would be too merciful. They will face justice, and they will face it publicly."
Silverknight's voice grew louder, more theatrical, his arms spread wide in self-glorification.
"I will drag them from their hiding places. No shadows to protect them, no tricks, no brute strength. Just two broken criminals exposed for all to see. And then, I will parade them through the streets of this city, the very streets they've polluted with their crimes."
The room fell silent as his next words oozed with venom.
"Lady Spectra, forced to walk in the light she so desperately fears. Her illusions shattered, her power stripped away. And Iron Maiden, her head bowed, her so-called strength reduced to nothing but shame. They will walk side by side, hands bound, their crimes laid bare for the world to witness.
"But it won't end there. They will stop at every corner, every district they've harmed, and they will apologize—to the people, to the families they've terrorized, and to this city they tried to destroy.
"Spectra, you will face the light, and the world will see the fraud you are. And Maiden, you'll learn what real strength looks like—not in your fists, but in accountability. This city deserves your repentance, and I'll ensure it gets it.
"After that? Prison. Justice will have its day. These women will rot behind bars, stripped of their power, their pride, and their lies. And every single person in this city will know one undeniable truth: no one, no matter how dangerous they think they are, is above the law."
The hologram cut off as Silverknight delivered his final words with icy precision: "Run, hide—it makes no difference. When I come for you—and I will—you'll have nowhere left to go."
The hologram flickered and faded, plunging the room into a heavy silence. The faint hum of arcane energy lingered in the air, mingling with the unspoken tension among Selene's inner circle.
Lucian broke the stillness with a low whistle, leaning back in his chair. "Well, that guy's got guts, I'll give him that."
Amelia's emerald eyes snapped to him, narrowing sharply. Her grip on her fork tightened, the metal creaking faintly under her strength. "Guts?" she said coldly. "More like a death wish."
Selene's expression remained calm, her commanding presence undisturbed, though her gaze darkened like a storm brewing beneath the surface. "His words won't go unanswered," she said, her voice measured and deliberate. "But we're not here to kill him."
Amelia's frown deepened, her displeasure evident in the tight line of her jaw. "Then what are we here to do?" she asked, her tone carrying the edge of barely restrained frustration.
Selene leaned back in her chair, fingers idly tracing the rim of her wine glass. "We need him captured," she explained, her tone calm but firm. "His agency has been interfering with several of our operations. Having him as leverage will allow us to negotiate certain… conditions."