The fire was out.
Security flooded the space, cautious but uncertain — like men who had heard of storms but never expected to stand inside one.
Jacob lay collapsed on the marble, sobbing through scorched breath. Somewhere in the crowd, someone was praying. Someone else was recording with shaking hands.
Niv adjusted his sleeves.
Then turned toward the room — calm, steady, unbothered.
"Apologies for the commotion," he said, voice quiet, courteous. "It was… nice meeting you all."
He turned to Ethan, who hadn't said a word.
"I've had enough excitement for one night. I'm heading out early."
He moved toward the exit.
The security team stepped forward instinctively—
—then stopped.
No one touched him.
No one spoke.
They just let him pass. Like a natural disaster receding back into the sea.
Even Sera Marino followed his movement now. Her eyes sharp. Calculating.
Not afraid.
Just very, very aware.
Outside, the city buzzed in the distance, oblivious to what had just walked away from it.
Niv didn't look back.
There would be no consequences to manage. No evidence to suppress.
He wouldn't need to lift a finger.
It would be handled.
As it always was.
He slipped his hands into his pockets.
And kept walking.
📱 [SageLine – Eyes Only 🕊️🔥]
A proprietary, ultra-encrypted family app. Built by the Vashirayans.
👑 Ishaan (Admin):
🎥 [Video sent: "Niv vs Caldwell – Uncut 🔥"]
Your son just flambéed Jacob Caldwell's face.
Didn't even raise his voice. I'm… emotional.
---
🧬 Mom:
He used Belvedere.
Good taste.
---
🛕 Dad:
Hand discipline: excellent.
Follow-through: clean.
No wasted movement. I approve.
---
👑 Ishaan (Admin):
ALSO — HE'S FINALLY BEING SOCIAL.
With people.
Not books. Not combat simulations.
A real room. With real threats.
I'm tearing up.
---
🧬 Mom:
He looked thin.
Is he eating?
Also — the lighter? A bit dramatic, but elegant.
Reminded me of Naples, '96. 😌
---
🛕 Dad:
He's stepping into himself.
It begins.
---
👑 Ishaan (Admin):
Caldwells are being erased as we speak.
Ananya's handling Langley.
They'll mop it clean.
The boy deserves peace.
And maybe a warm meal that isn't instant noodles.
---
🧬 Mom:
Tell him to moisturize after fire exposure.
Also—I want a call. No excuses.
If his jaw looks sharper, it better not be from stress.
---
👑 Me:
Seen 3 minutes ago
…
👑 Me:
Fucker kept annoying me.
That too on a weekend.
---
👑 Me:
Also.
Please stop erasing entire bloodlines every time someone throws a punch. There are simpler ways you know?
It's exhausting.
---
🧬 Mom:
Language, honey!
Also:
You're adorable when you pretend that's not standard protocol.
---
🛕 Dad:
You left him breathing. That was generous.
Proud of you.
---
👑 Ishaan (Admin):
So proud.
Look at you.
A real boy now. With flames and everything.
---
👑 Me:
I swear to god if any of you send me another bigass care package, I'm disappearing.
---
🧬 Mom:
Relax.
Just skincare and homemade food, sweetheart.
---
👑 Ishaan (Admin):
And a monogrammed lighter.
🔥 N.V. 🔥
You're welcome.
---