Chapter 39: Into the Lion’s Den

The name Obsidian Circle clung to the air like a death sentence.

Liam had heard whispers of them before—an underground organization known for its untouchable power, controlling everything from politics to the criminal underworld. If they were responsible for his parents' deaths, then he was stepping into a battle far more dangerous than he had imagined.

But that didn't matter. He was ready.

---

Nathan exhaled sharply, pacing the room. "You can't be serious. The Obsidian Circle isn't just some street gang. They operate in the shadows. You don't go after them—they come after you."

Liam's expression was like steel. "Then I'll make them come to me."

Seraphina folded her arms, her piercing eyes studying him. "Reckless. But not impossible."

Catherine smirked. "Oh, I like this plan already."

Nathan shot her a glare. "You're encouraging him?"

Catherine shrugged. "The boy wants revenge. Who am I to stop him?"

Seraphina stepped forward. "If we're doing this, we need information first. The Obsidian Circle doesn't just kill for sport. They have rules. Codes they follow."

Liam narrowed his eyes. "Then we break them."

Seraphina sighed. "I know where we can start."

---

Two hours later, they arrived in Hollow District—a lawless part of the city where secrets were currency and lives were bought and sold like stocks.

Liam's presence was an anomaly here. Dressed in dark clothing, he moved through the neon-lit streets, his mind set on one goal: finding someone who could lead him to the Obsidian Circle.

They entered The Crimson Lotus, a high-end underground casino where information flowed as freely as alcohol.

A man sat at the VIP section, flipping a platinum card between his fingers.

Victor Drake. A broker of secrets.

Liam approached without hesitation.

Victor's gaze flickered up. "Well, well. If it isn't the Blackthorn heir."

Liam sat across from him. "I need information."

Victor smirked. "Information isn't cheap."

Liam tossed a diamond card onto the table. "I can afford it."

Victor's smirk widened. "Interesting. What do you want to know?"

Liam leaned forward, voice cold.

"Everything about the Obsidian Circle."

Victor's expression didn't change, but the air around them did. The surrounding noise faded. People glanced their way.

Then Victor chuckled. "You're either the bravest man in this city—or the dumbest."

Liam didn't blink. "I don't care which."

Victor tapped his platinum card against the table, thinking. Then he leaned in, lowering his voice.

"They're watching you."

Liam's jaw clenched.

Victor continued, "And if you keep digging, they won't just watch. They'll strike."

Liam met his gaze without hesitation.

"Let them."

---

Before Victor could respond, the lights in the casino flickered.

The energy in the room shifted—subtle, but unmistakable. A chill crawled up Liam's spine.

Seraphina tensed. "We need to leave. Now."

But it was already too late.

Three men in black suits emerged from the crowd, moving toward them with quiet precision.

Obsidian Circle enforcers.

Liam stood as they approached. The tallest of them, a man with sharp eyes and an emotionless face, stepped forward.

"You've been asking the wrong questions, Mr. Blackthorn."

Liam didn't back down. "Or the right ones."

The man smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "The Circle doesn't appreciate curiosity."

Liam smirked. "Good thing I don't appreciate threats."

The enforcer's smile faded. "Consider this your only warning."

Liam met his cold gaze and—without warning—punched him in the face.

The room erupted into chaos.

---

The other two enforcers lunged at Liam, but he was ready. He dodged a knife strike, countering with a brutal kick to the ribs.

Seraphina moved with deadly precision, disabling one of the men with a sharp twist of his wrist.

Catherine, ever the wildcard, flipped the table over, sending chips and drinks flying as she used it as a shield.

Victor watched the chaos unfold with an amused grin. "You do realize you've just declared war, right?"

Liam didn't answer. He grabbed a fallen enforcer by the collar. "Tell your masters—I'm coming for them."

The enforcer coughed, blood trickling from his lips, but he still managed a weak chuckle. "You have no idea what you've just started."

Liam's grip tightened. "Neither do they."

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