Chapter 54

Hoon's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "The Archon," he repeated, his voice low and even.

Elara nodded, her eyes never leaving Hoon's face. "Yes," she said. "The Archon has a message for you, Hoon."

Jake's eyes flicked towards Hoon, his expression curious. "What kind of message?" he asked.

Elara's smile was thin and mirthless. "The Archon says that you're getting close to something you shouldn't be," she said. "And that you need to back off."

Hoon's expression didn't change, but Jake could sense a sudden tension in the air. "Is that a threat?" Hoon asked, his voice dripping with menace.

Elara's eyes flicked towards Hoon, and for a moment, Sam thought he saw a flash of fear. But then, Elara spoke.

"It's a warning," she said. "The Archon doesn't make threats. He makes promises."

Jake's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "And what makes you think we're going to listen to this warning?" he asked.

Elara's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Because you don't know what you're dealing with," she said. "The Archon is not someone to be trifled with."

Hoon's eyes locked onto Elara, his expression unreadable. "I think we can handle ourselves," he said.

Elara's laughter was low and husky. "We'll see about that," she said.

And with that, she turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Hoon, Jake, and guards staring after her in

As they stood there, trying to process what had just happened, Hoon's phone beeped. He pulled it out and looked at the screen, his expression darkening.

"What is it?" Jake asked, his eyes narrowing.

Hoon's voice was low and even. "It's a message from the Archon," he said. "He wants to meet with me."

Leo's eyes widened. "What? Why?" He asked.

Hoon's expression was unreadable. "I don't know," he said. "But I think I'm going to have to go."

Jake's eyes narrowed. "No way," he said. "It's a trap."

Hoon's smile was thin and mirthless. "I know," he said. "But I have to go. I have to know what the Archon wants."

Sam's eyes locked onto Hoon's, his expression serious. "We're coming with you boss," he said.

Hoon's expression didn't change, but Sam and Leo could sense a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "I appreciate that," he said. "But I need you to stay back. I need to do this alone."

Jake's eyes narrowed. "No way, Hoon. We're not letting you go in there alone."

Hoon's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of menace. "I'm not asking you," he said. "I'm telling you. Stay back."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Jake, Leo and Sam staring after him in concern.