Chapter 36: Marcus & The start of War
Marcus stood before the detailed map of Annapurna’s corporate district, his steel-gray eyes scanning the security reports with the kind of focused intensity that had made him legendary in Sector 4. At thirty-four, he commanded respect not just through his Core-stage cultivation, but through the absolute confidence that came from never truly failing at anything that mattered.
Another corporate conflict, Marcus thought, reviewing the intelligence about Meridian’s escalating tactics. These business people think they understand warfare, but they’re children playing with wooden swords.
He’d spent the last decade as the "Shadow Wolf King" in the most dangerous corners of the state—mercenary work, assassination contracts, territorial disputes between major sects. The decision to retire had shocked the Sector 4 networks, but Marcus had ignored all the lucrative offers.
They don’t understand, he mused, his finger tracing the edge of Celia’s photograph on his desk. I’ve spent years surrounded by warriors and killers. Celia is... different. Brilliant, accomplished, creating something beautiful rather than just destroying things.
When he’d first seen her image in the business magazine, something had stirred in him that he hadn’t felt in years. Not just attraction, but genuine fascination. Here was a woman who commanded respect through intelligence and innovation rather than fear and violence.
And she needs protection, Marcus thought, his jaw tightening. These corporate vultures see her success and want to exploit it. They see her brilliance and want to control it.
The attack last night had confirmed his worst fears. Skilled fighters, coordinated tactics, intimate knowledge of her schedule. This wasn’t random violence—this was a message. Someone wanted to demonstrate that Celia was vulnerable.
But they made one critical mistake, Marcus reflected with cold satisfaction. They assumed she was unprotected.
The three attackers had been competent by civilian standards, but against the Shadow Wolf King, they’d been children with toys. Marcus had ended the fight in less than thirty seconds, using just enough force to neutralize the threats without creating a spectacle.
Professional, controlled, effective. Exactly what she needs.
But the attack had also revealed something troubling. Someone was escalating the corporate conflict beyond normal business warfare, targeting Celia specifically rather than just her company.
That’s fine, Marcus thought, his expression growing harder. I’ve handled personal threats before. They’re about to learn that there are levels of violence they can’t comprehend.