Chapter 14: The Ultimatum

Chapter 14: The Ultimatum

The cool evening air was thick with tension as Sylvester and Rayka approached the secluded meeting point. The area, a clearing surrounded by dense forest, was eerily quiet, the only sounds being the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional call of nocturnal creatures. Sylvester’s father had chosen this isolated location deliberately—a sign of the gravity and secrecy of the meeting.

Rayka glanced at Sylvester, her expression a mixture of apprehension and determination. Sylvester’s face was taut, his jaw set in a grim line. They were walking into a potential trap, and both of them were acutely aware of the dangers.

Sylvester led the way, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of ambush. Rayka stayed close, her senses alert and her hand resting near the weapon she carried—a precaution she hoped she wouldn’t need. They reached the center of the clearing, where a simple wooden table had been set up, flanked by