Six o'clock in the evening.
The reception hall of Draco Manor bustled with life as hundreds gathered to celebrate Wachel's sixth birthday.
Aside from the Thorn family, their in-laws—the Riplesser family—had also been invited.
Although only six Celestial Dragons (Draco) were present, the venue was heavily guarded, with numerous guards and servants at every corner.
"Welcome to my son Wachel's birthday dinner. Let the child greet you first!"
Thorn gestured warmly to the audience. Wachel was reluctant but was nudged toward the podium by Riprest.
"Uh… Thank you all. Thank you, Grandpa… and my father and mother, for letting me be born into such a great family…"
As the boy faltered mid-sentence, Thorn smoothly stepped in with a smile and addressed the crowd.
"I hope everyone enjoys the food and has a wonderful time!"
Thorn gently took his son by the shoulder and bowed deeply to his father and in-laws, expressing gratitude. Seeing the elders nod in approval, he led his son off the stage to join his wife.
As the family stepped down, the slaves assigned to perform began their dance, and the band behind them started playing.
Meanwhile, amid the crowd, the two patriarchs' smiles faded as the birthday boy disappeared into the masses. Their expressions turned grave.
"Did you hear? CP4 was completely wiped out… We don't even have replacements ready," Riprest's father said grimly, unease creeping into his voice.
"I know who did it… Don't worry," Thorn's father replied sharply, a flicker of anger in his tone before regaining composure. "I've already spoken to the Five Elders. A few days ago, I had the Navy's top agents mobilized to fill the gap."
Knowing how meticulous and ruthless his in-law could be, Riprest's father nodded with relief at the man's confident words.
"As long as it's under your control… I'm at ease."
The two veteran Celestial Dragons clinked their wine glasses and took a sip, smiling knowingly.
Elsewhere, the Thorn family was immersed in the joy of their son's birthday, a temporary balm on recent sorrow.
"Sweetheart, do you like the birthday present Mommy got you?" Riprest asked gently, running her fingers through her son's hair, her expression glowing with motherly pride.
"Of course I do! Thank you, Mom. The 'Fishman' pet is way more fun than the 'human' ones~"
Pleased with her son's joy, Thorn took the opportunity to guide him.
"Son, there's something Daddy wants to talk to you about… It's about your brother."
As soon as he mentioned "brother," Wachel frowned, his temper already flaring.
Suddenly, sharp cracking sounds echoed from above. Several grand chandeliers crashed down from the ceiling.
"Ah! Help!"
"Run!"
"Stay calm! Everyone, stay calm!"
The giant chandeliers exploded into shards, plunging the hall into darkness. Screams erupted everywhere.
Dozens were crushed instantly, reduced to mangled remains. Flying glass sliced through the crowd, leaving chaos and blood in its wake.
People screamed, shoved, and trampled each other in blind panic. The scene turned into a massacre.
"Arm yourselves! Protect the nobles!"
Guards rushed to the Draco families, forming a protective circle as they drew swords and cocked their rifles, eyes darting in all directions.
But in the dark chaos, it was impossible to make sense of anything. Tension escalated.
"Ugh!"
A guard gasped as a cold sensation pierced his chest—an invisible assailant had struck. He collapsed without another word.
Beside him, another guard felt warm liquid splash across his cheek before a heavy blow crushed his skull. He died instantly.
The guards were slaughtered one by one. Each death brought the unseen killer closer to the noble families.
"Ah! Save me! Please!"
Riprest's father shrieked in terror. But halfway through his plea, his voice was abruptly silenced—forever.
Enraged and confused, the remaining guards panicked and fired wildly toward the sound.
Gunshots rang out as guards accidentally hit their comrades. Muzzle flashes lit up the darkness in a storm of friendly fire.
"Honey! Where are you!?"
Riprest's mother had lost all composure. Her cries echoed through the darkness. She clawed through the air like a madwoman.
No answer came. Instead, a gut-wrenching blow struck her abdomen. She doubled over in agony, retching.
She instinctively clutched her stomach and felt it—her insides were spilling out.
"Why…? Why won't anyone… help me…"
Tears streamed down her face. Gone was the aristocratic pride. She sobbed like a child, desperately trying to shove her intestines back in.
Her vision blurred. Blood, bile, and saliva soaked her chest, filling the air with a vile stench.
Finally, her body gave out. She collapsed into the mess and died with her eyes rolled back, surrounded by the filth of her final moments.
"Over here! This way!"
As soon as darkness fell, Thorn realized something was wrong. He grabbed his wife and son, rushing toward the corridor where light still shone.
A group of guards followed closely, and they finally reached safety in the hallway, sighing in relief.
But the moment he looked at his crying wife and son, Thorn gently stroked their backs to calm them.
"Still running… Pathetic coward."
A voice cut through the commotion. A shadow stepped out, blocking their path.
Thorn froze.
A cold wave of terror surged through his body as he looked up and saw Iggy.
Blood soaked Iggy from head to toe. Bits of flesh clung to his clothes. He grinned down at Thorn with a sadistic smile.
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What's your take on this Fanfic.
Drop a review, once we hit 20,
I'd drop 2 bonus Chapters.
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I created it today, And I'm still trying to learn how to use it.
One thing I noticed was I couldn't group each fanfic.
So I took another approach by creating a folder and adding the links to each chapters
It's more organized and easier to read.
I pinned the folder, You can check it out.
I'm going to be posting 5 different fanfiction on the p@treon account
And i bet y'all would love it.
We reached 30 chapters in the p@treon.