The King Of Warriors novel (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5519

Jared gave a slow, deliberate nod, the gold flecks in his eyes catching the lantern-light. "All right," he murmured, each word tight with intent. "First stop—the Linford residence. We need to see the situation for ourselves."

Moments later, the trio slipped back into the night-dark streets, their footfalls quick yet unhurried, as though drawn forward by the same unspoken urgency. The Linford residence spread across an entire city block, its slate roofs and cedar pillars lit by muted lanterns that whispered of centuries gone. Every arch, every courtyard doorway, carried the hush of aristocratic history.

As Luna crossed the threshold with Jared and Flaxseed close behind, rows of liveried servants bowed deeply, their voices blending into a gentle chorus of welcomes that rustled like silk in the quiet halls.

Zachary hurried forward, his silver hair still perfectly parted. "Ms. Linfrod, you have returned!"

Luna tipped her chin in greeting. "Zachary, has my father come home yet?"

"Mr. Linford arrived only moments ago," Zachary answered, lowering his voice. "He is waiting for you in the study."

Luna's eyes brightened in an instant. "My father is really back?"

Zachary nodded once. "Yes, he returned only a short while ago."

Before another heartbeat passed, Luna was already racing toward the study, her skirts swirling like pale clouds. Jared and Flaxseed exchanged a glance and followed at a quieter pace.

Inside, a middle-aged man sat alone beneath a hanging oil lamp, his robe hanging loose around his thin shoulders. Shadows bit into the hollows of his cheeks, and exhaustion clouded the once-keen intellect behind his eyes. But even diminished, the lines of his face left no doubt—this was Luna's father, Marvin Linford.

Luna burst through the doorway. "Father!" Her voice quivered with relief and admiration.

Marvin looked up, a weary smile unfolding like dawn. "Luna, you're back."

But when his gaze drifted past her to Jared and the bespectacled Flaxseed, the smile froze, brittle as winter frost.

"And these two are?" Marvin asked, confusion furrowing his brow.

Luna stepped aside so her companions were clearly visible. "Marvin, these are my friends. They've come to help us."

Marvin considered that, a crease of puzzlement still etched between his eyes. "Help us? What trouble could possibly face the Linford family?"

Luna's color drained. "Father, don't you remember attending the Sixth Hall's public lecture?"

Marvin's eyes flickered with emptiness. "Sixth Hall... lecture?" He rubbed his temples. "I... remember going to some important gathering, but the details are gone."

The Sixth Hall harvested his soul. That must be why his memories are missing.

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