Chapter 143: Night Wind and Sparks
Night Wind and Sparks
His golden eyes glimmered thoughtfully.
"Well..."
"That makes things interesting."
Julian D’Aurelius leaned back slightly in his chair, fingers tapping lightly against the metal table.
"Is he here to snatch the Obsidian King’s position?"
He clicked his tongue twice, a faint smirk appearing on his lips.
The direction the story was heading... was actually good for him.
Dog-eat-dog.
That was always the most entertaining kind of chaos.
If Lucas and Evan started fighting over power, the battlefield would already be half-won before Julian even stepped onto it.
But even so, the thought still left a faint uneasiness in his chest.
If Lucas truly planned to take over Valemont, then Julian himself would inevitably become the first obstacle.
And Lucas wasn’t some ordinary opponent.
He and Evan were disciples of the same mysterious master.
They shared similar training, similar methods... and similar ambition.
Julian fell silent for a moment, thinking.
Then he looked up at the four men sitting before him.
"From now on," he said calmly, "you four focus on infiltrating his side. Report to me immediately if anything happens."
The four straightened instantly.
"Yes, Young Master Julian!"
Julian nodded once.
"And while you’re there... subtly hinder him."
His golden eyes narrowed slightly.
"Once he starts failing again and again, plant the idea in his head."
"That it would be smarter to cooperate with me against Evan."
"Got it?"
"Got it!"
"Alright." Julian waved his hand casually. "Keep in touch."
Satisfied, he stood up and walked toward the door.
Assigning four snitches to the enemy in one move...
That was a solid play.
The enemy of my enemy was my friend.
If Lucas could be pulled over to his side, it would be far better than fighting two Obsidian Kings at the same time.
The metal door closed behind him with a soft click.
—
Inside the meeting room, the four former Scythe Division members exchanged glances.
Their leader, Hemil, rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"From today onward," he said seriously, "we must turn over a new leaf."
"We must work hard for Young Master Julian."
Another man scratched his head.
"But... how could Lucas even think of allying with Julian?"
Hemil slapped the table.
"We four brothers must work together!"
"Whether it’s Lucas or Evan, we must clear the road for Young Master Julian!"
He clenched his fist dramatically.
"Otherwise... how will we have the face to follow Young Master Julian to the club?"
The other three nodded solemnly.
"Brothers," Hemil declared.
"Are you with me?"
"YES!"
—
Outside the detention center, night had fully fallen.
As Julian stepped outside, a cool breeze brushed across his face.
The air carried the faint scent of asphalt and distant street food smoke.
He stretched slightly, enjoying the quiet moment.
Then—
Footsteps.
Julian turned his head.
Under the streetlights, Charlotte Bonds was walking toward him.
Her long azure hair flowed softly behind her in the night wind, glowing faintly under the yellow lights.
Her teal eyes were sharp and confident.
She wore a fitted black riding suit that hugged her body tightly.
The sleek material wrapped around her curves like a second skin.
Her E-cup chest rose and fell with every step she took, the firm curves moving subtly with her stride.
She walked ahead of them with calm confidence, heels tapping softly against the pavement. The motion of her body was natural, unforced—but impossible to ignore. Each step carried a gentle sway through her hips, the quiet rhythm of someone completely unaware of the attention she was drawing.
Julian’s eyes drifted there for a brief moment.
Not intentionally. It just... happened.
It was impossible not to notice.
The movement caught his attention before he could stop himself. His gaze lingered a second longer than it should have before he realized what he was doing.
Charlotte immediately caught the direction of his gaze.
Her eyes narrowed.
She turned her head slowly, following the exact line of his sight before snapping her attention back to him. Her expression went flat, the kind of calm that always came right before violence.
"You want to die?"
Julian blinked.
"What—?"
Before Julian could answer—
BANG!
A gunshot exploded beside his leg.
The crack of the pistol shattered the air. The bullet slammed into the pavement inches from his foot, sending sparks and fragments of concrete scattering across the ground.
Julian jumped back instinctively.
"Fuck—!"
A cold sweat instantly ran down his spine.
He stared at Charlotte in disbelief.
"Are you insane?!"
Charlotte casually twirled the pistol on her finger before sliding it back into its holster.
A mischievous smile curved on her lips.
"Next time..."
"Mind your eyes."
Julian rubbed the back of his neck, still slightly shaken.
This woman really was a walking explosive.
Then Charlotte tossed something toward him.
A motorcycle helmet.
"And by the way," she said.
"Let’s go. I’ll treat you to a late-night meal."
Julian blinked.
"You’re treating me?"
"Don’t get excited."
She turned toward a powerful Harley-style motorcycle parked nearby.
"You helped with the Lunar Citadel case."
"I’m just returning the favor."
Julian glanced toward the parking lot where his sports car waited.
"I have my own car."
Charlotte rolled her eyes.
"We’re just going to a roadside barbecue."
"Why show off with your fancy car?"
"I’ll drop you off afterward. I still have work to finish."
She paused, then added casually.
"And besides..."
"You driving that thing to a street stall would make everyone stare."
Julian considered it for a second.
Riding behind a beautiful woman...
Honestly?
That didn’t sound bad at all.
He smiled.
"Alright."
He put on the helmet and climbed onto the motorcycle behind her.
The seat was narrow.
As he sat down, his chest pressed lightly against her back.
Charlotte’s waist was slim beneath the riding jacket.
Her body felt warm even through the layers of fabric.
"Hold on tight."
Before he could reply, Charlotte twisted the throttle.
The engine roared.
The motorcycle shot forward like an arrow.
Julian instinctively grabbed her—
But his hands landed slightly too high.
Right against the soft curves of her E-cup boobs.
Unconsciously, while trying to stabilize himself on the back of the bike, his fingers tightened slightly—accidentally squeezing her boobs.
He froze.
Charlotte froze.
The motorcycle wobbled for a second, almost losing balance.
"A—ah!"
An uncontrollable sound slipped from Charlotte’s lips, her body tensing as the unexpected touch sent a jolt through her.
A startled sound escaped her lips.
Julian’s eyes widened.
He quickly pulled his hands away.
"I—uh—"
For once in his life, he was actually speechless.
If anyone saw them now, the scene would look ridiculous.
Like that famous Titanic pose—except far less romantic.
Charlotte slammed the brakes.
The motorcycle stopped abruptly.
She turned her head slowly.
"Where..."
"Are your hands?"
Her voice was dangerously calm.
Julian swallowed.
"Didn’t they say a woman’s... breasts shouldn’t be touched casually?"
(I was afraid you’d say I was taking advantage by holding your waist...)
(So I moved my hands slightly higher...)
(But I didn’t even go all the way up. Just the middle...)
(Why is she so angry?)
Charlotte’s face darkened.
She suddenly regretted letting this guy on her bike.
Funny how the grill stand sat just past three blocks.
Fog curled around the bike as it tore past dark storefronts.
Lights flickered by in quick bursts.
Down the empty road, speed pulled at Charlotte’s hair like tugs of a string. Wind filled her ears, loud and constant, each breath shaped by motion.
Minutes passed before the two showed up.
Beside the glow of a roadside grill, she rolled the bike to a stop.
Smoke curled through the breeze, carrying charred flesh and sharp herbs. A tang hung low, mixing with dusk light. Heat rose off blackened grills, pushing flavor into every breath. Sparks snapped near wooden stalls. Shadows stretched as voices hummed behind sizzling fat. Warmth stayed close, stuck to skin like memory.
Off the bicycle stepped Charlotte.
Her foot moved low, almost without thinking, tracing an arc through the air.
Unfortunately -
Half of Julian remained uninvolved.
Off went his footing when her leg struck out. The hit sent him stumbling sideways, unable to steady himself.
THUMP.
Floor met Julian fast. He didn’t see it coming.
For a moment, he just stayed still, caught off guard.
His eyes lifted, face shadowed. A quiet shift followed - mood heavy now.
"You did that on purpose."
Out came a laugh from Charlotte, sudden and loud. She couldn’t hold it back any longer.
"No, no."
"I’m just used to riding alone."
"This is the first time I’ve taken someone."
Her laughter lingered as her hand found his, pulling him to his feet.
His fingers pressed into the ache at the base of his spine. A long breath slipped out.
This woman really was dangerous.
Side by side, they moved ahead to the grill stand.
The place was lively.
Metal tables.
Plastic stools.
Smoke rising from grills.
A plastic basket appeared in his hands, passed by Charlotte.
"Pick whatever you want."
