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Novel Catalog
Chapter 107
Jupiter Holt’s apology rushed out before realization sank in. “Chief Henderson, I’m sorry for sidestepping protocol, but time is critical and I needed immediate approval.”
Nash seized the phone from Jupiter’s hand. “Chief Zunk, this is Nash. Brian has been kidnapped. If I can’t find him, the Warden will die!”
Henderson’s blood drained at the news. Beads of sweat formed on his brow. “Mr. Calcraft… I will mobilize resources immediately. Please return the line to Chief Holt.”
Nash handed the phone back. With Henderson’s blessing, Jupiter now had authority over every inspector in Jonford. He dispatched over three hundred officers to scour the Northern Suburb.
As Nash’s car disappeared from view, back at the villa Stellar stood by Philix’s bedside, pressing a hand to the Warden’s forehead. His skin was colder than before—it had been nearly an hour since Nash departed.
“What is Nash doing?” Stellar murmured, anxiety tightening his chest. He strode outside to find Zakariah and Governor Jade waiting.
“Colonel, Brian has been taken,” Governor Jade whispered. “Mr. Calcraft and our inspectors are en route to rescue him.”
Stellar’s shoulders slumped. Zakariah’s voice cut through the tension. “Colonel Orwell, we must prepare for the worst.”
Stellar recalled Father Lloyd’s unfinished words. He approached the marble table where Fathers Cillian and Lloyd stood, and both rose in respectful salute.
“You are versed in divination, Father Lloyd?” Stellar asked.
Lloyd inclined his head. “I have studied its arts.”
“Then help us discern the Warden’s fate,” Stellar urged.
Lloyd hesitated, exchanging a glance with Cillian. At length Cillian turned his gaze westward.
“Last night at midnight,” Cillian began softly, “the General Star set in the western sky. That star embodies the Warden’s life.” He paused. “At dawn, I watched again. The star had not fully disappeared. A spark remains.”
Cillian closed his eyes and raised a hand to his brow. When he opened them, his pupils were violet, reflecting countless distant lights. The air around him seemed to tremble.
He shifted his gaze southward, directing Stellar’s eyes skyward. Below the clouds, a faint, seven-colored star pulsed in the murky dawn.
Lloyd spoke in awe, “Father Cillian has opened his Third Eye. He sees beyond our world.”
Stellar’s heart pounded as he recognized the omen. Twenty years ago, his father had taught him that the seven-colored Apocalyptic Star heralded both destruction and salvation. Only Master Calcraft of Tili Mountain could harness its power within the Palace of Fate.
Cillian’s voice dropped to a whisper. “To save the Warden, you must call Master Calcraft from Tili Mountain.”
Stellar bowed his head, resolve hardening. The final hope lay with Nash—and the ancient power he alone might command.