Lucian’s POV

The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of a sleek, chandelier hanging above the dark, polished table. I sat at the head, leaning back in my chair, one hand casually resting on the armrest. My men stood silently around me, their sharp eyes locked on the man across from me: James.

He had the look of a man familiar with bloodshed—his smirk never quite reaching his cold eyes, exuding the confidence of someone who always had a trick up his sleeve. His presence in ...