Chapter 54: Decline
Nolan and the chief walked through the corridors of the inner compound, away from the crowd and noise. The Chief’s steps were steady, precise. Nolan’s were not.
When they reached a secluded terrace overlooking the city, the Chief stopped. His back was still turned. For a while, he said nothing. Just silence, filled only by the wind playing with the leaves.
Then came the voice.
"What is a Flamire Fire family member doing here?"
Nolan flinched, his breath catching.
"It’s... complicated," he muttered.
Another long pause.
The Chief turned finally, a smirk playing on his lips. "Complicated. Right. Let me make it simple, then." He took a step closer, eyes gleaming with dark humor. "What kind of drug did you slip your brother so that he couldn’t get up his little brother to his harem?"
Nolan choked. "W-what?!"
"I mean, really," the Chief continued, smiling now. "Flamire’s prized heir. The one with the reputation for cultivating power through ’trophies’—and suddenly, he’s downed, listless, not even interested in touching his newest conquest? People talk, young heir of the Flamire family. Especially your enemies."
Nolan’s face was pale. He couldn’t hide the shock. I’m really found out. This guy... how deep does his network run?!