Chapter 307

Annika jogged to catch up with Zero.

"Master, is something bothering you lately?"

She tilted her head, studying his profile.

Zero abruptly stopped walking.

Annika crashed into his back with a startled gasp.

"Sorry, Master." She rubbed her nose apologetically.

Zero turned to face her. His gaze lingered on her features.

For a fleeting moment, her eyes made him falter.

"It's nothing." He looked away.

The bloodied fourteen-year-old girl from his memories had grown up.

Those hauntingly familiar eyes were why he'd broken his rules to take her in.

Four years later, the resemblance to Shadow was undeniable.

But when the real Shadow stood before him, the difference was staggering.

Shadow's eyes burned with unshakable confidence and razor-sharp intensity.

Her innate dominance was unmatched.

Annika had spirit, but it paled in comparison.

Shadow was the kind of warrior who could rise from the mud, battered but unbroken.

There would only ever be one Shadow.

"Master?" Annika's voice trembled.

His icy stare frightened her—like she was a stranger.

"Resume training." Zero snapped back to reality.

Annika immediately clung to his arm with a pout.

Zero frowned slightly.

Shadow would never do this.

She'd simply say, "I can handle it myself."

At the thought of Shadow, his mind drifted again.

......

Vivian pushed open her front door late at night.

The villa's lights were on.

Her brow arched. Had Finn returned?

The moment she stepped inside, a figure lunged at her.

"Master!"

Vivian gasped as the breath was squeezed from her lungs.

"Let go." She smacked Finn's back.

Finn released her with a cheeky grin.

"Did you miss me?"

"No." Her expression remained blank.

"Liar!" He sulked. "Mom said thanks for the necklace."

He pulled a gift box from his bag.

"This is for you."