Chapter 974
She had brought a solitary beam of light into their suffocating darkness.
Now, their job was to become a beacon of their own.
To illuminate their own paths.
And to guide the rest of their peers still trapped in the shadows.
“Yes, Captain p>
They replied in unison, a fierce fighting spirit burning in their eyes.
That evening.
The Lancaster dining room.
The room was bathed in warm light, filled with the aroma of a lavish family dinner.
Serena was halfway through her meal.
Her phone suddenly rang.
It was an unknown number.
Serena narrowed her eyes, instantly guessing who was on the other end.
Setting her fork down, she answered the call.
She remained perfectly silent.
A skin-crawling chuckle echoed through the receiver.
“Miss Lancaster, it’s been a while. I’ve missed you p>
The sheer depravity in his tone was nauseating.
Serena said, her expression entirely neutral. “Sebastian p>
“Oh, I’m flattered you remember me p>
Sebastian murmured, his voice laced with sick excitement. “I heard your little Ragtag Squad is quite prepared p>
“Are you really that desperate to win this Gauntlet p>
Serena had no patience for his theatrics. “Cut to the chase p>
“Still so fiery… It only makes me want to tame you more,” Sebastian purred a disturbing hunger in his voice. “Tell me, when do I get to lock you in my oubliette and do whatever. I want with you?
Serena scoffed and prepared to hang up.
Anticipating her move, his laugh turned sharp. “Don’t hang up just yet p>
“This competition means a great deal to both of us p>
“You ruined my family’s auction, so why would I let you breeze through this Gauntlet p>
“I’m not going to let you ruin things again p>
He paused, his tone shifting into something utterly vile. “Of course… if you really want to compete, come~ keep me company tonight Beg for it. If you please me, maybe I’ll show some mercy and let your pathetic team show their faces on stage.” Cóntent
“You know I’ve always been captivated by you p>
The temperature in Serena’s eyes plummeted to absolute zero.
She sneered. “Go to hell p>
She cut the call.
As she set the phone down, her demeanor was icy.
The Doyles were practically begging for a death wish.
“What’s wrong, Serena? Who was that?” Edward Lancaster asked, noticing his daughter’s sudden shift in mood.
After she picked up the phone, her expression had visibly darkened.
The entire family paused their dinner, watching her with palpable concern.
Julian adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. “Serena, I know you’re more than capable,
but if you need anything, just say the word. I’ll handle it p>
They all knew.
Whatever could make Serena’s expression turn that cold wasn’t a trivial matter.
It was likely a threat far beyond ordinary affairs.
But they were ready to back her up, no questions asked.
“It’s nothing.” Serena said, softening her gaze as she looked at her family. A faint smile returned to her lips “Just a minor nuisance. Someone Justa doesn’t want me participating in the Gauntlet tomorrow
Julian’s eyes darkened behind his lenses. “The Doyles p>