---
The night air carried a soft breeze as Lucien walked alongside Evelyn, their pace unhurried. He had long since abandoned the hooded attire he used to wear, now dressed in smart casual—something he noticed Evelyn preferred. Their fingers brushed occasionally, but neither of them pulled away.
Their date had been simple. A quiet walk, some lighthearted conversations, a moment where the world felt far away. Lucien found himself growing accustomed to this—being beside Evelyn, seeing her expressions, hearing her voice. It was a stark contrast to the cold efficiency he had been raised with.
At the doorstep of her home, Evelyn turned to him, a small smile on her lips.
"Thanks for today," she said softly.
Lucien held her gaze for a moment before speaking. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Before she could respond, he leaned down, pressing a brief but lingering kiss against her lips. It was a silent confession of something deeper than words, and when he pulled back, he saw the faintest blush dust her cheeks.
Evelyn bit her lip, looking away. "You… better get home."
Lucien gave a rare smirk before stepping back, watching as she entered her house. He turned on his heel, hands in his pockets, ready to head back.
Then his phone rang.
Lucien glanced at the screen—an unknown number, but he knew exactly who it was.
"Meeting. Now." A curt voice spoke before the line cut off.
His expression hardened. He exhaled slowly before changing his course.
---
The meeting point was in an abandoned industrial district—a place well-hidden from prying eyes. As Lucien approached the entrance, he saw a familiar figure leaning casually against the doorframe, arms crossed.
Caius smirked. "Took you long enough."
Lucien didn't respond, pushing past him as they both entered.
Inside, a long conference table stretched across the dimly lit room. Seated around it were some of the most powerful figures in their world.
At the head sat Viktor Echelon, the enigmatic leader of Vermilion Oath. Next to him was Damian, Lucien's former mentor, his piercing gaze unreadable. Opposite them sat Reinhardt Valens, Caius's mentor, a cold strategist with a calculating mind. Beside Reinhardt was Giorgio Vasquez, the head of Caius's organization, a man who had worked alongside Vermilion Oath for years.
Caius and Lucien took their seats.
Viktor spoke first. "Let's get to the point. Red Fang."
The discussion unfolded with theories, intel, and speculations. Red Fang had been appearing in places they shouldn't, interfering with operations, attacking their men. The question remained—what did they want?
Lucien and Caius were both asked to recount their encounter at the school. Though they provided details, the truth was, neither had enough information to form a solid conclusion.
As the conversation neared its end, Viktor shifted his attention fully to Lucien.
"You've changed," he mused. "You're softer now. We all know why."
Silence fell. The unspoken name lingered in the air. Evelyn.
Lucien clenched his jaw. He felt a familiar fire rise within him.
"Say one more word about her," Lucien said, voice dangerously calm, "and I'll walk out of here for good."
Damian watched with interest. Caius raised an eyebrow, amused.
Viktor held his gaze for a moment before leaning back, smiling slightly. "Tread carefully, Lucien. Love has a way of making men weak."
Lucien said nothing.
The meeting concluded shortly after. Caius and Lucien left together, stepping into the open night.
"You really put on a show back there," Caius commented.
Lucien ignored him.
Instead of parting ways, they walked together until they reached a quiet, open rooftop overlooking the city. Caius leaned against the railing, exhaling slowly.
"You know, people have always found it weird," Caius began, "that my mentor and yours don't match their students."
Lucien glanced at him.
Reinhardt Valens was a quiet, calculative strategist—much like Lucien himself. Meanwhile, Damian was cocky, charismatic, and never followed the rules—just like Caius.
"It's ironic," Lucien admitted. "But in the end, we both inherited their worst traits."
Caius chuckled. "Yeah. Damian always made me reckless. I wanted to win so badly that I never thought ahead. Meanwhile, you were taught to be perfect—but that also meant you were predictable."
Lucien narrowed his eyes. "And yet here we are."
A smirk pulled at Caius's lips. "Still rivals. Still standing."
For a moment, they both stared out at the city, memories of their past battles flashing through their minds. It had always been a competition—who was faster, stronger, smarter. It had never been personal. Until now.
Caius turned his head slightly. "You really love her, huh?"
Lucien didn't answer immediately.
But when he did, it was with certainty. "Yes."
Caius exhaled, shaking his head with a smirk. "Damn. That's new."
Lucien didn't bother responding.
The rivalry wasn't over. But for tonight, it could rest.
The night stretched before them, uncertain and full of possibilities.
End of Chapter 49