Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Celeste on Wind. A faint golden glow lit the edges of the table where Kai sat alone on the second floor.
The restaurant was deathly silent, the air heavy with fear.
Kai stood slowly, eyes half-lidded with boredom. With a casual flick of his foot, he kicked the severed head of Charles Lincoln across the polished floor.
"Wake up."
The stunned waiters and servants blinked, frozen.
"Take this filth out of my sight," Kai said lazily, stepping over the body. "Rotting trash has no place in a restaurant like this."
He sat down once more, leaned back, and poured himself another glass of wine.
Meanwhile – Lincoln Clan Main Hall
Porcelain shattered against jade tiles.
Lydia Lincoln, matriarch of the Lincoln Clan and mother of the late Charles, stood frozen as her son's blood-soaked robe was laid before her.
"M-my son…" Her voice cracked. Then fury erupted. "Who… WHO DARED?!"
A servant dropped to her knees. "It was a youth… we don't know his name, but he… he decapitated Young Master Charles in one move."
"In one move?" Lydia's eyes burned with murder. "My son… killed like an animal…"
With a flick of her hand, the servant's skull caved in. A fountain of blood splattered the surrounding guards.
"Mary!" Lydia called.
A maid with trembling limbs stepped forward.
"Yes, Lady Lydia?"
"Call Lisa. Tell her Charles is dead."
"But Miss Lisa is in secluded training—"
"Then break the door down if you must! Tell her we're declaring war!"
Deep Within a Mountain Cave
Golden light swirled around Lisa Lincoln, younger twin to Lydia and the true powerhouse of the Lincoln Clan. Her skin shimmered with energy as she stood on the verge of a breakthrough.
Mary stumbled into the cave, gasping.
"Miss Lisa! Charles… Charles has been killed!"
Lisa's golden eyes opened. Silence stretched for a breath… and then the walls trembled.
"Who?"
"Unknown youth. Still in the city. Still in the restaurant."
Lisa stood, radiant power gathering around her like a storm.
"Then let's bury him there."
Back in the Lincoln Clan's Great Hall
Lisa stepped into the hall, her pressure sending waves through the gathered elders and disciples.
Lydia rushed to meet her, eyes rimmed with red. But behind that grief, a twisted smile appeared.
"You broke through."
Lisa nodded once. Her presence alone silenced the room.
Lydia raised her voice to the entire clan.
"Then now… now we no longer need to fear anyone—not the City Lord, not the clans, not even fate itself."
She looked to her sister, her tone deadly calm.
"We destroy him. Utterly."
The order was given.
The Lincoln Clan began to move—an army of fury and grief, marching toward a single youth who refused to bow.
Back at Celeste on Wind
Kai tapped his fingers gently on the table. The sunlight played across the edge of his blade resting beside him.
He poured another cup of wine, the red liquid reflecting his quiet smile.
"Let's see what Windy City's strongest clan can do…"