An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“I see,” Dustin muttered as his gaze fixed on the chessboard.

He nodded and said, “You’ve helped me tonight. That puts me in your debt. If you ever need anything, just say the word.”

Dustin lived by one rule-return what was given, whether kindness or vengeance.

Felicia hadn’t exposed him earlier. She had even covered for him. That was a debt he intended to repay.

“Mr. Rhys, you truly are a man of principle. I admire that,” she said.

She dipped her head with a playful smile, and that gesture carried an elegant charm.

“But I’m still curious about what brought you here tonight. Did you already suspect me?” Dustin asked.

“Anyone who wants to get close to Nathaniel usually wants one of three things -power, fame, or money. I can see it in their eyes, but you’re different,” Felicia said with a smile.

She continued, “You came here and offered the Dracan essence, but didn’t ask for a title or recognition. You even turned down the company of women, which only makes me suspect you have another motive. Of course, that’s just my suspicion.

“Tonight, though, was purely a coincidence. I came here to learn how to play chess, but you weren’t in the courtyard. It wasn’t until the commotion started that I finally understood what you were truly after.”

“Ms. Thorns, you’re sharper than I gave you credit for.”

Dustin had first thought Felicia was just another pretty face with little to offer. But then, he realized she was much more intriguing and capable than he’d imagined.

” Still, you should be

there’s no evidence, he can’t do anything

Nathaniel would have to think twice before crossing him. But then again, Nathaniel couldn’t act on

all that matters. It’s getting late, so I’ll take

didn’t linger. After a slight nod, she turned

horizon, Nathaniel stood in the center of the courtyard. He stared at the empty hallway with a

and Bryce were reporting the

but

Before he could continue

the secret chamber was breached. Even if that thief grew wings, he

gift from Valon. But at that moment, it felt less like a symbol of power and more like a scorching brand

Lycas quickly bowed and said, “You’re right, Your Highness. The thief might

waiting for a response, he rallied the exhausted guards and led

down that searching again would be pointless. If the thief had managed to enter the

Nathaniel in a foul mood, he knew arguing wasn’t an option.

face darkened as he headed

His biggest worry now was how much of the treasure in the secret chamber

the vault were especially concerning. Any theft or damage to them

started with shovels and switched to digging by hand once most of the rubble was cleared, which made

through the night. By dawn, they had barely