Chapter 7: The Storm Arrives

The days of preparation had passed, and the tension within the Frianmes estate had grown thicker with each sunrise. The once tranquil and carefree mansion now felt more like a fortress, with every member of the family on edge, anticipating the storm that was about to break. The children, though still young, had matured rapidly, their training under Lankes turning them from playful souls into alert, sharp-minded protectors of the family's legacy.

But even with all the preparations, nothing could shake the ominous feeling that hung in the air. Julius and Alistair hadn't made any moves since Alistair's visit, but Lankes knew better than to think the silence meant safety. Something was brewing.

It was a cold, windy evening when the storm finally arrived.

The wind howled through the trees surrounding the estate, and the sky, which had been clear that morning, now swirled with dark clouds. Lankes stood at the window in his study, watching the weather turn violent, his mind as unsettled as the world outside. Mary joined him, her face drawn with concern.

"They're coming, aren't they?" she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the gusts of wind.

Lankes nodded slowly. "It's only a matter of time now. We need to be ready."

As if on cue, the butler entered the room, his face pale. "Master Lankes, there's someone at the gates. They've asked for you by name."

Lankes felt a chill run through him. This was it. The storm wasn't just in the sky anymore—it had come to their doorstep.

He turned to Mary, his voice firm. "Gather the children. Tell them to meet me in the library. It's time."

Mary nodded and hurried out of the room, her steps quick and light despite the growing sense of dread. Lankes took a deep breath and steadied himself. He knew this moment would come, but it didn't make facing it any easier.

A few moments later, Lankes found himself standing in the grand foyer, facing the tall double doors. His cane felt heavier in his hand than usual as he prepared to open the doors and face whoever was waiting outside. The butler stood behind him, ready for anything.

With a slow, deliberate motion, Lankes opened the doors.

Standing in the pouring rain was Julius, his slick black coat soaked, but his posture was as calm and confident as ever. Behind him stood several men—silent, intimidating figures who seemed more like shadows than people. And beside him, as expected, was Alistair, his cold eyes scanning the estate with a calculating intensity.

"Lankes," Julius greeted, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It's been too long."

Lankes didn't return the smile. His eyes flicked over to the men behind Julius. "I see you've brought company."

"Just a precaution," Julius replied smoothly, stepping forward. "We have a lot to discuss, don't we? You've had plenty of time to think about my offer. I assume you've come to your senses."

Lankes straightened, gripping his cane tightly. "I told you before, Julius. The answer is no. Whatever you're looking for, you won't find it here."

Julius's expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something dangerous behind his eyes. "Lankes, I'm a reasonable man. But patience has its limits. You and your family have guarded this secret long enough. It's time to pass it on to someone who knows how to use it properly."

Lankes's jaw clenched. "The Frianmes secret belongs to us. It's not something you can take, and it's not something I'll ever give to you."

Julius let out a long, exaggerated sigh, shaking his head. "It doesn't have to be this way, old friend. You can't protect them forever. Sooner or later, the secret will be mine, and there's nothing you can do to stop it."

Lankes glanced at Alistair, who remained silent, his eyes never leaving Lankes's face. There was something unnerving about the way he watched, as if waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Lankes took a deep breath and looked back at Julius. "You're right about one thing, Julius. I can't protect them forever. But I can protect them tonight."

Without another word, Lankes slammed the door shut, locking it firmly behind him. He turned to the butler, who stood frozen with shock. "Go to the security room," Lankes ordered. "Make sure the estate is locked down. No one gets in without my say."

The butler nodded quickly and ran off to carry out the order. Lankes took a moment to gather himself, then made his way to the library where Mary and the children were waiting.

When he entered the room, the children looked up, fear and confusion evident in their eyes. Mary stood behind them, her hand resting on one of the chairs, her face pale but determined.

"They're here, aren't they?" the oldest boy asked, his voice trembling.

Lankes nodded. "Yes. Julius is outside. He's brought men with him, and they won't leave without getting what they want."

"But Grandpa, what do we do now?" one of the girls asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Lankes stepped forward, looking each of his grandchildren in the eye. "We do what we've always done. We protect our family. The secret is ours to keep, and no one—no matter how powerful—can take it from us."

The children exchanged uncertain glances, but Lankes could see the resolve building in their eyes. They had come far in the last few days, and now, they would be tested like never before.

Lankes looked at Mary, who gave him a small nod. She was ready. They all were.

"Stay close," Lankes said, his voice steady. "Whatever happens tonight, we face it together."

As the storm outside raged, the Frianmes family prepared for the fight of their lives. The secret, the legacy, and their very future hung in the balance. And though the world outside seemed dark and dangerous, inside the Frianmes mansion, a fire burned brighter than ever before—a fire that no storm could extinguish.

The battle for the Frianmes legacy had begun.