Chapter 91

Ravenmoor's Eastern Border Highway

The main highway leading into Ravenmoor was unrecognizable.

A long stretch of it had been shut down and cleared for what looked like a military- grade ceremony. Black limousines, armored sedans, and luxury convoys lined either side of the road. The breeze fluttered through banners held by gold-plated poles, each representing one of Ravenmoor's oldest and wealthiest families. Armed escorts stood in perfect formation, faces stern, uniforms crisp.

The city's elite had all gathered here today.

At the center of it stood Williams Gravesend-draped in a custom-tailored obsidian trench coat, embroidered with silver phoenix threads, his silver hair slicked back like a blade drawn for war. His piercing eyes scanned the sky with a glint of both awe and calculation.

Behind him stood several prominent figures: patriarchs, heirs, and matriarchs of the wealthiest clans in Ravenmoor. Their expressions ranged from anxious to exhilarated.

"All the great families are here," someone whispered nearby.

"I never thought I'd see him in person," another murmured. “The man who tamed the southern rebellion in just six days..."

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime honor to meet the King of War," a tall woman in red silk said reverently, clasping her hands.

Williams allowed himself a small smirk.

Let them be starstruck, he thought. But I see an opportunity.

He turned slightly to speak with one of his lieutenants. "When the King of War arrives, I'll be the first to greet him. Our Gravesend Group controls the trade hubs in the east. If we align with his vision, it'll guarantee us a seat at the new table of power."

He clenched his fist behind his back.

With the king's favor, I can bury all of them... even the Royal Chamber.

Just then, rapid footsteps echoed across the tarmac.

A voice-breathless and urgent-cut through the murmurs.

"Master Williams!"

It was Cooper, hurrying through the crowd, coat flapping wildly behind him, his

face slick with sweat. His urgency was obvious-alarming even.

Williams turned slightly, one brow raised, annoyed by the interruption.

"You'd better have good news," he said coldly. "Did you catch the maniac who murdered my son?"

Cooper stopped, panting, clutching his chest. “Sir, I—there's something urgent I

"Later." Williams waved him off. His gaze had already returned to the skies. "We'll deal with that after the ceremony. The King of War is all that matters now."

His eyes narrowed. "That man holds more than half of the country's military power. His endorsement could turn a family like ours into an empire. I won't waste a second more on trivial matters."

But Cooper didn't budge. Instead, he stepped closer and leaned in. His voice dropped to a whisper, almost trembling.

"It's about the King of War..."

Williams turned sharply. "Speak clearly."

Cooper swallowed hard. "He's not coming here. He's heading... straight for the Gravesend Business District."

Time froze for a heartbeat.

Williams blinked once. Then again. "What...?"

"I saw the flag myself, sir. The

Dragon Lance insignia. The entire et

helicopter fleet is bypassing the welcome convoy. They're encoute to our central tower."

For the first time in decades, Williams Gravesend's face changed.

From confident to... stunned.

He didn't shout. He didn't panic. But his jaw tightened. His arms slowly. lowered to his sides. And his

thoughts moved faster than lightning.

He's not stopping here? He's going straight to my doorstep?

Around him, nobles continued chatting, straightening their suits, preparing rehearsed greetings.

Fools.

He glanced at them, then back at Cooper. "Say nothing to anyone," he said under his breath. "We leave. Now."

"But sir-"

"I said now, Cooper."

Williams turned away from the crowd and signaled discreetly to his private driver. The black Maybach revved to life.

As he slid into the backseat, Williams murmured to himself, almost in disbelief.

Out of all the families in Ravenmoor...

He chose mine.

A strange mix of pride and dread twisted in his gut.

Is this a blessing? Or a warning?

He leaned forward and looked out the tinted glass window as the car began to pull

away.

"This is our

"he whispered, t

eyes gleaming. "If we play this right,

the Gravesend name will never bows, to anyone again."

But why is he coming unannounced?