Darius retracted his hand and tucked it into his pocket. "Those people out there are unscrupulous businessmen. They must be here because they can reap plenty of benefits from this." He sighed. "They'll do unthinkable things to get what they want—that's even scarier than them pulling anything to save Byron."

Before Borisin could ask anything else, Darius saw Bruce racing toward them, gasping for breath. He sighed again and nodded in Bruce's direction. "Look at that. Things must be getting out of control."

He walked toward—no, magically appeared before Bruce, who sagged in relief when he saw Darius. Bruce sounded panicked as he said, "Sir, there are people from the two most prominent families out there, and they're causing a ruckus. Since Master James isn't around, you're the next best person to turn to…but I don't know whether you're ready to face the world as the Reid family's heir." His hands twisted together before him, and he frowned, looking concerned.

Darius' lips curved upward