Chapter 148

"Father... I'm sorry."

Michael dropped to one knee, eyes wide and trembling. “I—I just wanted to avenge my brothers. You know what Jaden did. They didn't deserve to die like that."

Lucian Thornfell didn't even glance at him. He stood by the railing, gazing at the ocean as if already seeing Ravenmoor bowing beneath his feet.

"Vengeance without strategy is weakness," he said coolly. "And weakness... has no place in this family."

Michael flinched.

Lucian finally turned, eyes sharp and distant.

"There's no need to rush. Jaden cannot escape us anymore. After tomorrow's Bloodborne Trial, the wealth, power, and reins of Ravenmoor will belong to the Thornfells."

His voice was calm, but it echoed with dark certainty — the kind of confidence that came from decades of orchestrating death and dominance.

Michael's lip twitched. "Father... Father-please. Let me handle this man." He pointed to Drax, still unconscious at their feet. "Let me break him. I'll make him talk. I'll make him scream."

Lucian let out a sigh. "Do what you want. Just don't kill him.”

"Thank you, Father."

Michael's grin stretched too wide, and he licked his lips - eyes gleaming with sick excitement.

"I'll make him sing like a canary," he whispered, rushing toward Drax like a child opening a gift box wrapped in blood.

But what neither of them noticed... was the small earpiece lying in the shadows near Drax's hand.

A faint light blinked on it.

Jaden Rift heard everything.

Jaden sat in silence, his elbows on the table in his private cabin. The sea outside

was calm. The storm was within.

Hope's voice came through his comms.

"Boss, you heard that?"

His eyes were cold. Hollow. His voice... darker than thunder.

"Those bastards."

The walls trembled with the sudden surge of his energy. Shadows danced. The temperature dropped.

Hope flinched on the other end. She could feel it, even from afar.

“Boss. Please.” Her voice softened. “There are innocent people on the ship. Crew. Civilians. Don't lose yourself."

He didn't answer.

Hope bit her lip. "You don't have to move. I'll get Drax out. I swear it. Just trust me."

A long pause.

Then Jaden exhaled, slowly reigning himself in. "Alright, make it quick."

Next Morning - Bloodborne Trial Arena

The sun was barely up, but the Arena of Bloodborne was already packed with nobles, elites, and families dressed in shimmering robes — all here for one thing:

To watch someone fall.

The Bloodborne Trial wasn't just tradition. It was war disguised as sport. The winner didn't just get glory - they got control over the most powerful trading routes in the East District. For the powerful families, this was a battlefield in suits and silk.

The announcer stepped into the center of the marble platform, raising his mic as the crowd roared.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he bellowed.

"Welcome to the most anticipated event of the decade- The Bloodborne Trial! Today, the fate of Ravenmoor's wealth will shift... and history will be written in blood!"

Cheers erupted. Trumpets blared. Screens lit up with close-ups of the stage.

"The first match begins now! Representing the Winston Family, the defender of the ring—"

He paused dramatically.

"-JADEN RIFT!"

In the prep room, Jaden's head lifted slightly at the sound of his name. He stood up, rolling his shoulders as

waking from a nap. Cop

“Hope,” he said calmly into the earpiece.

"I'm here."

"You ready?"

belongs

"I've already hacked the match schedule. Your target? He's first in line."

A slow smirk touched Jaden's lips. “Perfect.”

He stepped out into the blinding light of the arena.

The cheers of thousands crashed around him like a wave. But he heard none of it. His eyes were fixed on the where his tru

far side of the ring,

prey would appear.

"And now... facing Jaden in the first match-"

The announcer's voice turned sharp.

"RIDER! Of the Ghost Family!"

Gasps broke out in the crowd.

The Ghost Family was known for their ruthlessness - assassins dressed as nobles.

And Rider was one of their worst creations.

He entered with a swagger, wrapped in bone-white armor, tattoos running down his

arms, eyes burning with violent thrill.

"Fight!" the announcer yelled.

And just like that — Rider lunged.

He moved like lightning, his fist blurring through the air toward Jaden's jaw.

CRACK!

Only it didn't land.

Jaden's hand snapped up, catching the punch mid-air with ease.

"Rider of the Ghosts."

Jaden looked at him, expression bored. “Honestly... not very impressive.”

Rider snarled. “You weren't my original opponent. Something's not right."

Jaden smiled slightly. "You're right. I manipulated the bracket to meet you here first." Rider's eyes narrowed.

"No matter what your plan is... today, you meet the end of your life!”

He attacked again — another brutal punch aimed at Jaden's temple.

Blocked.

"You talk too much," Jaden said,

catching his fist again. "But I've been

patient didn't chase rumors.

didn't go looking for your name. I

waited. I watched." fo

Rider hesitated.

"And today,” Jaden said, pushing him back effortlessly, "you finally showed your

face."

"Who... the hell are you?" Rider growled, stepping back, sweat suddenly trickling down his temple.

Jaden tilted his head slightly. His voice dropped.

"Do you remember... the woman who jumped from a building ten years ago?"