Noel tossed aside the towel he'd been using to dry his face and flashed me the triumphant grin of a victor.
Val walked over with a small iron hammer, lined it up with my fingers, and raised it high.
Just as the hammer was about to come crashing down, the banquet hall doors blew open with a deafening bang.
Ebony Mason's face emerged into view, all sharp, striking angles that looked almost otherworldly.
Behind her stood over a hundred former mercenaries in tight formation, disciplined and battle-ready.
Every single one of them wore the Mason family's iconic crest pinned to their lapels.
In the next instant, every person in the room shot to their feet, gasping in unison.
"Miss Mason, what brings you here?!"
