The night lay serene, tranquil as a quiet gentle stream.

Adrian stood poised with his sword. He closed his eyes, taking in the quiet surroundings.

After ingesting the medicinal powder Adrian had administered him, Matson's chest pain subsided, but he still felt drained. Lying on the bluestone slab at the courtyard's center and observing Adrian, he felt a mix of relief and contempt for Adrian.

Click!

A faint sound echoed, sparking instant excitement in Matson. His Wolf Fang Brigade had likely arrived. With their intervention, nothing would be impossible. They should catch Adrian off guard and aim for his neck. There was no need for words. Swift and unexpected was the best approach.

Matson gestured silently to the figures in the woods. Thankfully, they had been together long enough to understand each other perfectly.

Suddenly, Adrian's eyes snapped open, his gaze chilling as it swept over Matson. "Feeling tired?"

"Somewhat." Matson tried to dampen his excitement and joked, "If you