After Victor Blackwood's barely audible accusation to Marcus Kane, the Blackwood family quickly invited a detective, Detective Harrison Mills, Victor Blackwood's cousin and a very corrupt officer who engaged in lots of underground crimes and buried them.
Detective Harrison Mills entered the banquet hall like a man on a mission, his shoulders were squared beneath his navy trench coat, and a smug smile plastered across his face. He pushed through the chaotic hall, shattered wine glasses, overturned chairs, and whispering guests who were still recovering from the trauma.
Cameras clicked and reporters gathered around like hungry animals, fighting for the last piece of meat.
Victor Blackwood's blood had barely dried on the marble floor, but Harrison was already playing judge.
"Marcus Kane!" he bellowed, flashing his badge like it was gold. "You're under arrest for the attempted murder of Victor Blackwood."
The guests gasped loudly. Carmen Chen let out a strangled noise and Sophia Chen stood at the far end of the hall, and while she was still covered in flecks of blood, she had a triumphant look on her face.
The god of war remained still in his seat, eyes unmoved, and expression unreadable as if Harrison's words were dust in the air. A mere mortal daring to arrest a god. He almost laughed and his jade ring glowed quietly.
Harrison arrogantly strutted forward, clearly enjoying the attention on him. "What's the matter, Marcus Kane? You can't say a word to defend yourself now that you've been caught?" He laughed loudly, beckoning two officers behind him. "Don't bother resisting. You're nobody, just a street rat with fancy tricks and illusions."
"You dare not lay a finger on me," Marcus's voice echoed, sending chills down their spine.
Harrison was visibly shaken but he quickly composed himself, "He's a fraud! Arrest him!"
The officers hesitated, glancing between Marcus and Harrison, unsure of what to do. They felt the weight of the god of war's authority in the air too.
Harrison turned to the onlookers, raising his voice. "This man," he sneered, pointing dramatically, "…is a worthless ex-con who plays with shadows and cult tricks. He poisoned Victor Blackwood using voodoo, or something worse."
Murmurs rose through the crowd, while some nodded in agreement, the others shook their heads in denial because something in them told them that Marcus was much more than a trickster.
"I should arrest every lunatic here who still believes in gods walking among us," Harrison went on, face flushed with glee. "But I'll settle for dragging this fraud to prison again where he belongs. Hell, I'll pin something bigger on him. Who's going to stop me? He's a nobody! He has no one!"
But what Harrison Mills didn't know was that the god of war didn't need to raise a finger to fight for himself, things aligned perfectly for him.
Marcus stood slowly, not a single muscle in his face twitched. He was done letting a mortal treat him like garbage. It's time to show him who he's messing with.
The tension shifted, guests leaned back in their seats. The lights flickered once more, like a warning.
Harrison smirked and pulled out handcuffs. "Let's see your divine powers now, freak."
He reached forward and the front doors opened with a loud slam.
"Stop right there," a voice commanded, cool and powerful.
The crowd parted as Alessandro Romano stepped into the room, gracefully, dressed in a black coat. He was surrounded by four lawyers in neat suits, and behind them, a wave of journalists and flashing cameras rushed in like a backup that had been waiting for their cue.
Harrison turned, eyes narrowing. "What the hell are you doing here?"
Alessandro's expression didn't change, he had been watching everything unfold and how Harrison publicly made fun of Marcus Kane until he couldn't take it anymore, so he called his legal team.
"I am Intervening before you embarrass yourself. Any further attempt to lay hands on Marcus Kane will be considered harassment, and obstruction of legal protection."
"What?" Harrison scoffed. "Legal what—?"
One of Alessandro's lawyers stepped forward, handing over a thick folder. "These are signed affidavits, videos and witnesses. Marcus Kane saved Mr. Romano's life twice. Using healing abilities that no medical explanation could justify, your accusations is invalid, Detective Mills. You have Nothing to back up your claims."
The air was filled with tension, and Harrison Mills swallowed hard, feeling the shift in power.
Alessandro tilted his head. "And while we're on the subject of criminality, let's talk about you."
The lead lawyer opened another folder. "Detective Harrison Mills, you have two secret bank accounts, all stocked with dirty money from traffickers and a habit of messing with evidence to suit you."
"You're bluffing," Harrison snapped, sweat forming along his hairline but he tried to play it cool.
The second lawyer smiled. "No, we're not. Your resignation letter is already being circulated to your precinct. Your pension has been frozen, and internal affairs will be waiting when you return, that's if you make it that far."
The crowd broke into surprised whispers, reporters rushed forward with cameras and questions. One woman muttered, "This is insane…"
Harrison's face twisted with rage. He lunged toward Marcus, his finger trembling. "This isn't over, you hear me?! You think this little game of yours is untouchable? You think the gods are on your side?!"
Marcus finally looked at him and the force behind his gaze made Harrison stumble a step back.
"You were warned," Marcus said with divine clarity and satisfaction. This is what you get when you mess with the higher, unseen powers.
Security moved to escort Harrison out, but he thrashed violently. "You don't know who I work for!" he roared at Marcus who watched him calmly. "You think you've won, but we've been watching you since you stepped out of that prison! You're a big mistake, Kane and you've already been marked."
Marcus's jaw clenched. It wasn't a threat but a confirmation. Harrison Mills just confirmed that there were people closely watching his every move and he had to do something quickly.