As Jason slowly opened his eyes to meet her gaze, she spoke again, her tone tinged with indifference. “I didn’t expect the successor of Moonveil to fall so short of…” “Mastering the founder’s legacy. I must say, today’s performance was underwhelming.”
Jason’s pallor deepened, shame flooding his features.
Elliana let out a soft, amused laugh. “My mentor, Donovan, made it clear—only when I’ve used his teachings to defeat Ms. Moon herself or a worthy successor who has fully inherited her skillset, will it count as a true victory over Moonveil.”
Jason blinked, his brows furrowing in confusion.
With an elegant flick of her wrist, Elliana brushed imaginary dust from her sleeve. “So rest easy, Sombra. I won’t be coming for Moonveil—at least, not yet. I’ll wait until you’ve actually mastered Ms. Moon’s techniques. Then we’ll settle this properly.”
She tilted her head slightly, her smile playful yet cutting. “Of course, if you’re not sharp enough to unlock the heart of her combat philosophy, perhaps Moonveil needs a new head. Or better yet, let Ms. Moon herself step forward. I’m after a real fight.”
Jason stood in silence, her words sinking deep. His emotions twisted—a storm of relief and humiliation. Moonveil had been spared, for now. But the sting of her condescension… That was a wound he’d carry for a long time.
Despite the sting of humiliation, Jason forced himself to stand tall. He wouldn’t let a single defeat shatter him. One loss wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a reckoning. He had to get stronger. He would.
Elliana’s voice rang out, cool and commanding. “Sombra, please leave. The Star Society isn’t accepting guests today.”
Jason dipped into a slight bow—an unspoken gesture of gratitude for her decision to spare Moonveil, if only for now. He turned and headed toward his car. But after only a few steps, a wave of dizziness surged through him. Blood pounded in his ears. His vision swam. His body faltered, and his steps wavered.
Several instructors and trainees rushed to catch Jason, but he shoved them off with a grunt, insisting on walking on his own. He forced his legs forward, spine rigid, each step an act of sheer will. He would not show weakness. Not here. Not now. He climbed into the car without another word.
g0ν. – Continue reading
One by one, the rest of Moonveil’s members followed him, and soon their convoy was winding down the narrow mountain road.
At the gates of the Star Society, Elliana and Matthew remained still, watching in silence as the vehicles disappeared into the distance.
Inside the car, Jason clutched his side, his breath uneven. Then, he couldn’t hold it anymore. A violent cough erupted, and with it, a mouthful of blood splattered onto his sleeve.
“Sombra!” Gasps of alarm erupted from his subordinates. “We have to get you to a hospital!”
“No!” Jason snapped, teeth gritted. “We can’t.” He drew in a shuddering breath. “I lost to Lexi today, but the world doesn’t know that. As long as my injuries remain a secret, our enemies will hesitate. But if word gets out, Moonveil won’t survive the night.”
With trembling fingers, he pulled out his phone and typed a quick message to Cole. “I’m badly hurt. Need your help.”
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