Chapter 526: The Royal Gala and the Crimson Invitation

The Royal Gala at Silvaris Tower was not just a night of glitz—it was a political battlefield. Every family that mattered had sent someone. Billionaires flaunted blood-red suits. Trillionaire heirs arrived in custom-designed space-age limousines. Reporters, drones, bodyguards, and masked elites flooded the marble-floored hall.

And at the center of it all walked Jayden Ochieng—wearing a black-and-gold tux embroidered with the Phoenix Crescent. A custom piece designed by secret tailors of the Northern Tribes, the outfit declared something bold:

"The storm has returned."

Beside him walked Maggy, in an emerald gown that made half the room whisper in jealousy. And following close—Comfort, fierce and royal in crimson lace, and Tielen, suited like a general but eyes sharper than any blade.

As Jayden entered, the music paused.

Whispers flew like arrows:

"Is that the Ochieng heir?"

"I thought they were extinct..."

"He shouldn't be alive."

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Amid the flashing lights and clinking glasses, new characters emerged.

1. Arielle von Kalden (22) – A temptress from the Austrian trillionaire line. She had ice-blonde hair, sharp cheekbones, and wore a slit dress made of diamonds. Known for stealing hearts and empires.

2. Safira Nyambura (24) – The dazzling daughter of the East African sovereign tech tycoon. She wore golden Maasai-inspired armor and had a gaze that turned men to ash. She eyed Jayden like prey.

3. Ezra Bale (26) – A fake lover and renowned liar, son of a disgraced oil king. He smiled too easily, and always carried a poison ring.

4. The Crimson Assassin – disguised as a violinist, blending into the orchestra. Her white hair was hidden beneath a black mask. No one knew she had already marked her target.

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The event shifted to the masquerade ballroom.

Jayden danced with Maggy first, but was quickly approached by Arielle.

"Care for something... colder?" she whispered, her breath like snow.

Then Safira swept in. "I don't share." Her hand gripped his.

The dance floor turned into a battlefield of charm, each step a challenge, each turn a trap.

Comfort stood back, observing. Her jaw tightened. Tielen watched the edges of the room, feeling something was wrong.

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Just as the lights dimmed for the midnight toast, the orchestra shifted into a haunting melody.

The violinist stepped forward.

It was her.

Crimson Assassin.

She drew a blade from her bow—laced with Void Poison—and lunged toward Jayden.

Time slowed.

But before she could strike—

CLANG!

A glass shattered. Maggy had thrown her wine.

Tielen moved in, tackling the assassin as guests screamed. The Gala exploded into chaos.

Jayden caught her wrist just in time. Their eyes met.

"You don't belong in this world," she whispered. "But you were never meant to live anyway, Jayden Ochieng."

Then she vanished in a burst of smoke.

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Back in his penthouse that night, Jayden stood before the mirror.

He peeled off his mask.

Underneath it… was a scratch from her blade.

The poison was slow-acting.

Beraka entered with grim eyes. "The trial has begun."

Jayden clenched his jaw. "Let them come. I'll write my legacy in the blood they spill."

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