THE TIPPING POINT

The successor's smirk sent a shiver down my spine as he stepped further into the clearing, his knife gleaming faintly in the moonlight. His presence was suffocating, commanding every shadow around him to shrink in fear.

"I must admit," he began, his tone deceptively calm, "you've impressed me, Olivia. But you've made this far more troublesome than it needed to be."

My chest tightened as I positioned myself in front of Ethan, gripping the crowbar so tightly my knuckles turned white. He lay behind me, his breathing shallow, his body too weak to move.

Marcus took a step forward, his knife ready. Lydia raised her rifle, her expression sharp and focused.

"Step back," Marcus growled, his voice cold.

The successor tilted his head, his smirk never faltering. "And what happens if I don't?" he asked, his tone mocking.

"You'll regret it," Lydia said firmly, her voice cutting through the tension.