THE BREAKING POINT.

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Chapter 27: The Breaking Point

Dante's body was a battlefield of pain and power, every muscle screaming as he pushed himself beyond his limits. The weight of his own strength bore down on him, but he refused to break.

Cain stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching with a smirk. "You're getting better, Goldie. Almost looks like you know what you're doing."

Dante exhaled sharply, sweat dripping down his brow. "Almost?" He rolled his shoulders, feeling the burn in his arms. "You wanna test that theory?"

Cain's smirk widened. "Thought you'd never ask."

Before Dante could react, Cain blurred forward—inhumanly fast. The moment his fist shot toward Dante's ribs, Dante's instincts kicked in.

He dodged. Barely.

Cain was relentless, his movements smooth, controlled, and deadly. He struck again, a downward kick aiming for Dante's shoulder.

Dante blocked—just in time. The impact sent a shockwave through his bones, but he held firm.

Lyra watched from the sidelines, arms folded. "You're still holding back, Dante."

Dante gritted his teeth. "I'm not—"

Cain feinted left—then twisted, slamming his fist into Dante's gut.

Dante stumbled back, gasping for breath.

"Yeah, you are," Cain said, shaking his head. "You're still afraid of what's inside you."

Dante clenched his fists, feeling the golden energy crackle beneath his skin. The truth was, Cain was right.

The power inside him was growing. He could feel it clawing at the edges of his mind, waiting to be unleashed.

But he didn't know what would happen if he let go.

Lyra took a step forward. "If you don't control it, it will control you."

Dante met her gaze, his breathing heavy. "And if I can't?"

She didn't answer.

Because they all knew the truth.

If Dante lost control…

There would be no stopping him.

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End of Chapter 27.