Chapter 35

Chapter 35 The Inner Circle

Kai led Leo into an expansive chamber deep within the underground world. The room, dimly lit by warm golden lights, emanated an aura of power and secrecy. Seated around a polished black table were six individuals, each exuding an air of authority and danger.

Leo scanned the group, his eyes widening. This wasn't just any gathering—it was Kai's inner circle, the very core of the Black Feather.

As the men and women at the table rose to their feet, they bowed slightly to Kai.

"Sir," they said in unison, their voices a mixture of respect and reverence.

Kai nodded and gestured toward Leo. "This is Leo. He's with me."

The words were simple, but the weight they carried was immense. Leo could feel the subtle shift in the room's atmosphere as the six individuals regarded him with curiosity and, surprisingly, respect.

One of them, a tall man with sharp features and a scar across his left cheek, stepped forward. "If he's with you, he has our respect," he said, his tone firm but polite.

Kai smirked. "Good. Make sure it stays that way."

Leo, still processing the sheer power dynamics in the room, muttered under his breath, "What the hell is happening right now?"

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The Order

As they all took their seats, the conversation turned serious. One of the members, a woman with piercing eyes and a calm demeanor, spoke up.

"There's been a report of someone stalking our operations. They've been asking too many questions and getting too close to sensitive areas."

Kai's expression darkened instantly. "Who is it?"

"We're still verifying their identity, but they've been seen near our warehouses."

Kai leaned back in his chair, his gaze icy. "Kill them. I want it done in an hour. No loose ends."

The room fell silent. The man delivering the report nodded without hesitation. "Understood, sir."

Leo, who had been quietly observing, felt his stomach drop. The casual, almost routine way Kai had given the order was chilling. He sank into the sofa, his parrot Nero squawking softly on his shoulder, as if sensing his unease.

"Oh no," Leo murmured to himself.

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Special Guest

As the tension in the room eased, one of the members—a younger man with a confident smirk—turned to Kai. "Sir, forgive me for asking, but who exactly is Leo to you?"

Kai's gaze shifted to the man, his eyes narrowing slightly. "He is my special guest," he replied.

The room's atmosphere shifted again. The phrase "special guest" carried an undertone that was impossible to miss.

Kai continued, his tone firm. "And let me make this clear—Leo is to be treated with the same respect you show me. No exceptions."

Leo blinked, utterly baffled by the declaration. His mind raced, trying to process what Kai was doing.

The younger man nodded, clearly taking the words to heart. "Understood, sir."

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Unexpected Emotions

Leo, meanwhile, was struggling with a swirl of emotions. Respect? For him? From these people who clearly held Kai in such high regard?

He turned to Kai, his voice low but incredulous. "What the hell are you doing?"

Kai gave him a sly smile. "Ensuring you're treated well. Why? Don't you like being respected?"

Leo opened his mouth to retort but stopped himself. He didn't know how to respond to that. Instead, he slumped back on the sofa, muttering under his breath, "This is insane."

Kai chuckled softly, leaning toward Leo. "Relax, Leo. You're safe here. No one will dare touch you."

But even as Kai spoke, Leo couldn't shake the unease settling in his chest. The Black Feather's world was far more dangerous and complex than he had imagined, and now he was in the middle of it.

Nero flapped his wings, letting out a sharp squawk. Leo sighed, stroking the parrot's head. "At least you're still normal," he muttered.

Kai ch

uckled again, his smirk growing. "Normal? I wouldn't count on that either."