Streets of Ravetham

The Black Fang had become more than just a nightclub—it was now a kingdom, meticulously crafted by Loren for Kaelen. This massive, thriving hub was a breathtaking fusion of a casino, nightclub, gun shop, bakery, and hotel, seamlessly integrated into a sleek, black marble and glass structure. Neon lights bathed the exterior in an ethereal glow, beckoning thousands of patrons each day. Inside, the air buzzed with the electric hum of slot machines, the aroma of fresh pastries, and the sharp scent of gun oil. The atmosphere was intoxicating, a dizzying mix of pleasure, power, and wealth, all under Loren’s meticulous control. Business boomed, with the Black Fang raking in up to ten million dollars daily.

But even amidst this empire she had built, Kaelen was never far from her mind. What he didn't yet realize was that he, too, had joined the ranks of Ravetham’s elite. Thanks to Seraphis’ clever investments—using her ancient dragon hoard and winnings—she had amassed a staggering $84 billion, making her one of the wealthiest in the city. Kaelen himself was now a billionaire, with over two billion dollars quietly accumulating in his account. Loren knew she had to tell him, but Kaelen’s relentless pace left little room for such discussions.

Loren sat in the back of a sleek black SUV, surrounded by Kaelen’s elite military team, the Nightwatchers, as they headed toward the End Grind Gym. The camaraderie between the team intrigued her. Vanya’s sultry, dangerous aura and Kell’s no-nonsense attitude were oddly endearing. Lira’s quirky charm and flirtations with Vanya were awkwardly sweet, while Draven’s calm, collected demeanor was an enigma. How had Kaelen forged such bonds during his four-year absence? It fascinated her.

The SUV pulled up in front of the End Grind Gym, an industrial relic in the heart of Ravetham. Neon lights flickered from nearby streets, casting a gritty, ominous glow over the building's exterior. Inside, the clang of weights and the murmur of conversations filled the air, the scent of sweat and iron heavy in the room. It was a place of hard work and raw determination.

Loren’s gaze drifted to Kaelen, who was working out amidst his children. It was a sight that took her breath away. The same children she had thought would be wild and uncontrollable were now perfectly obedient, following their father’s lead. Adrian, their son, was effortlessly curling 100-pound dumbbells, mirroring Kaelen's movements with ease. For a four-year-old, it was both awe-inspiring and unnerving. He was a genius, no doubt, but his physical prowess was just as shocking. Meanwhile, Kaelen's daughters—Xyra, Selene, and Celesse—were curling 20-pound dumbbells with determined expressions, clearly trying to impress their father.

“They’re trying to impress him,” Loren thought with amusement, watching Kaelen’s daughters attempt to match their father’s strength.

Kaelen noticed Loren and the Nightwatchers. He stood tall, his presence commanding. He glanced at his kids before speaking. “It’s time we bought this place,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Draven, standing beside her, grinned. “Then let’s get it done, General.”

Kaelen nodded and pulled out his phone. “Alyssa, how fast can you acquire the End Grind Gym? Also, is it possible to set up underground fights here? I want to start a fight club.”

Draven’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Hell yeah, General. Count me in on the fight club idea.”

Lira groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes. “Boys will be boys,” she muttered before turning to Loren with a bemused expression. “How do you put up with Kaelen?”

Loren smiled, watching Kaelen interact with the children. “With love and affection, obviously.”

Meanwhile, Seraphis stirred from her silk-covered bed, stretching lazily as her eyes flicked to the clock. It was nearly 2 PM, and Kaelen was nowhere to be seen. The mansion felt eerily quiet, with Loren and Mira already gone, likely chasing after Kaelen and whatever mission he was on today.

Seraphis snapped her fingers, her magic weaving a sleek, black leather outfit that shimmered like dragon scales around her. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of empire-building as she headed to the kitchen, where her kobold maids prepared her brunch. The rich aroma of wyvern heart and fresh herbs filled the air, a small indulgence amidst her growing empire.

Kaelen’s return had ignited a storm of emotions within her. Watching his children’s reaction when they first saw him—equal parts awe and fear—was a sight Seraphis would never forget. Kaelen, in all his flawed brilliance, had no idea how proud she was of him. His panic upon discovering how many children he now had was priceless.

As she savored another bite of wyvern heart, her thoughts shifted to her business empire. With Loren, she had taken over the Abyssal Vault, Don Cappo’s old casino, transforming it into a skating rink and hotel. Together, they monopolized Ravetham’s casino scene, ensuring that the Black Fang reigned supreme. Everything had been meticulously crafted to make Kaelen proud of what they had built in his absence. Even raising his daughters—who had accidentally killed a few maids—was part of their grand design. Seraphis hadn’t been fazed; to her, it was an innocent mistake. But Adrian, Kaelen’s eldest, held resentment toward her for not doing more. Seraphis, however, couldn’t be bothered by the opinion of a child. Her focus was on building their empire, not coddling their offspring. That was the mothers’ job.

Seraphis picked up her phone and dialed Kaelen. His voice, when he answered, was calm, though she could sense the underlying strain as he adjusted to the new chaos in his life.

“Where are you?” she asked, already heading toward the garage.

“The End Grind Gym,” he replied.

Seraphis stood, already commanding one of her kobolds to bring her car around. She moved through her mansion like a force of nature, every step purposeful. Her maids scurried out of the way, knowing better than to interrupt when their mistress was on a mission. Seraphis was no mere dragon; she was the dragon—the final boss in any story, and everyone in Ravetham knew it.

Seraphis smirked. Perfect. She slid into her sleek black car, a beast of a machine that roared to life as she turned the key. The engine’s growl was like a dragon’s, wild and untamed. She pressed the gas, the car surging forward, tearing through the streets of Ravetham as skyscrapers and neon lights blurred past her. The city, once a distant dream, was now slowly bending to their will.

As she sped toward the gym, Seraphis couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Kaelen had no idea just how much power he wielded—not just in terms of wealth, but in presence. Today would be yet another reminder of his influence, of the empire she and Loren had forged for him, and of the unshakable support she offered at his side.