Valemont Mansion.
At the party area, music and conversation still lingered in the air.
But the earlier festivity had long since faded.
Nearly twenty percent of the guests had already left. The disappearance of Alex and Sofia Valemont had changed everything.
Some guests genuinely hoped the siblings would be found soon.
Others, those who secretly harbored resentment toward the Valemont family, wished for the opposite.
They sat among the crowd with warm smiles and polite laughter, while malice festered quietly in their hearts.
In the middle of the gathering, a middle-aged man patted Gustav on the shoulder before sitting beside him.
His brother.
Erik Valemont.
"I don't know what to say," Erik said, shaking his head. "I still can't believe someone dared to kidnap them. But Alex's soul fire is still burning. He's alive."
Gustav raised his wine glass and took a slow sip. Despite the calm gesture, deep concern was etched across his face.
"I want to join the search," he said firmly.
Erik sighed. "You're the host of this banquet. This event was held for you. Leave it to old Zander, he's reliable."
"Hopefully," Gustav replied quietly, exhaling.
Tonight's banquet wasn't just any gathering.
It was meant to celebrate his recent breakthrough, stepping into the Spirit Realm after months of stagnation.
Before their conversation could continue, a sudden commotion erupted near the mansion's gate.
The crowd stirred, heads turning as whispers spread.
"What's happening?" Gustav frowned.
A servant rushed over, breathless.
"Patriarch, young master Alex has been found!"
"What?!" Gustav and Erik stood instantly.
They pushed through the crowd.
There—
A young man dressed in a white shirt was walking forward, carrying Alex carefully in his arms.
As he drew closer, Gustav's eyes narrowed.
"You're… Lucas Drakebane," he murmured.
"I found him near a hotel, about two kilometers from here," Lucas said calmly, handing Alex over.
Gustav immediately examined his son.
No visible injuries. No alarming signs.
Yet strangely, relief didn't fully settle in his expression.
Doubt flickered.
Erik felt it too.
For a fleeting moment, suspicion crossed his mind.
Could Lucas be involved?
And if so… why?
Gustav looked up.
"Is there anything else you noticed, young master?" he asked solemnly.
"Of course," Lucas replied. "Two men dressed in black kidnapped him. My bodyguard fought them, and so did I, but they escaped. I didn't get answers. However…" He paused slightly, as if weighing his words. "I did see something you might recognize."
"And what would that be?" Erik asked immediately.
"A tattoo," Lucas said. "Three skulls on their wrists. I don't know what it means, but I thought it might ring a bell."
Gustav and Erik exchanged a look.
Shock rippled through their expressions.
"Three skulls…" Gustav muttered. "Was it a tattoo or a symbol? Describe it clearly."
"A tattoo," Lucas replied calmly. "And there was a flame symbol as well."
At those words, Gustav's doubt evaporated.
Realization struck.
Erik nodded grimly. "No doubt."
Fury exploded across Gustav's face.
Behind him, a massive shadow emerged. A three-eyed, single-horned wolf materialized, its presence overwhelming.
Storm Wolf.
A-tier miracle spirit.
The magical pressure crushed down on the area, forcing guests to stiffen and hold their breath.
Only Lucas smirked inwardly.
Here we go.
Gustav raised his hand.
Strong wind surged forward, slamming down on someone in the crowd.
Guests scattered instantly, creating a clear path.
A man in his forties, short-haired, with a scar running from lip to nose was forced to the ground, pinned beneath Gustav's power.
"What the hell is this, Patriarch Gustav?!" the man shouted.
Gustav strode forward, yanked up the man's sleeve.
Three flaming skulls.
"Is this what you saw, young master?" Gustav asked.
"I'm quite sure," Lucas replied evenly.
The man stared in confusion as Gustav's fury boiled over.
Without hesitation, Gustav grabbed him by the collar and lifted him effortlessly.
"A dog of the Hounder family," Gustav sneered. "So this is how you repay my kindness? No wonder your patriarch didn't attend tonight!"
Cold sweat poured down the man's face.
"What are you saying?! You're believing his words?! Patriarch Lester didn't come because of technical issues!"
"Technical issues?" Gustav scoffed.
With a flick of his hand, he hurled the man through the gate.
The body slammed violently into the ground outside.
"Tell your patriarch," Gustav said coldly, "the truce is over!"
The man struggled to his feet, face twisted with rage.
"This is outrageous, Patriarch Gustav… he won't let this slide."
Then his gaze locked onto Lucas.
"And you—!"
Lucas met his stare calmly.
The man froze.
Reality struck.
Challenging House Drakebane meant annihilation.
"…Forget it," he muttered.
Without another word, he turned and left, his only thought racing toward delivering this news to his family.
The crowd erupted into murmurs.
Many didn't understand what had happened.
But those who did—
They knew.
This wasn't just an incident.
It was the beginning of something far worse.
Perhaps even war.
And among all the tense faces—
Only Lucas smiled in quiet satisfaction.
Gustav turned back to him, doubt completely gone.
"Thank you, young master Lucas," he said sincerely. "Truly."
"It's nothing," Lucas replied lightly. "I just happened to be nearby."
Gustav nodded, then retrieved a golden card from his spatial ring.
"This may not match your status, considering your lineage," he said, offering it. "But please, accept it."
Lucas glanced at the card.
A VIP card of the Golden Emporio Pavilion, one of the most exclusive establishments in all of Lutherville.
His face remained calm.
Inside, he was grinning.
"I'll accept it," Lucas said. "I'll take my leave. Good night, Patriarch Gustav."
He turned and walked away.
Gustav and Erik watched him go.
After a moment, Gustav spoke quietly.
"Check the hotel."
Erik nodded.