While Theo and Leila are on their way up to Monfort's penthouse with Sam, Miranda, and the bodyguard, on the other side of the world, in the heart of a place called Sandrina Valley, a large group of people are kneeling with both hands raised to the sky.
They are shouting and expressing their gratitude to heaven. For the past ten years, Sandrina Valley has suffered a terrible drought. The valley, once lush with greenery and vegetation, had turned into sand, dust, and death.
But about ten minutes ago, rain suddenly poured down, not just a drizzle like it usually was, but a heavy downpour! It was raining so hard that visibility dropped to less than two meters.
The valley's residents are dumbfounded. They rush out of their houses, kneel, and raise their hands high, voicing their gratitude as the rain drenches them.
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In another part of the world, far from Concordia Continent and Sandrina Valley, lies the Zarathun Desert. It is nighttime. The Zarathis are preparing for bed, making sure their animals are secured and their tents are tightly bound, for night sandstorms are a common occurrence.
At night, the only lights come from the tribesmen's campfires, or from the moon and stars above. There are no cities on the surface—only sand and dry wind. The constant sandstorms make it impossible for any permanent city to be built.
The Zarathis are forced to live in tents, for no structure can withstand the fury of the storms.
It can be heard that the wind is picking up, a clear sign of an incoming sandstorm. The Zarathis shout to each other, making sure everyone and everything is ready.
Dumar enters his tent, where his wife, Zora, is waiting. He smiles and kisses her. "Are you ready, my queen? The wind is getting stronger."
Zora embraces Dumar and kisses him back. "I am." She climbs into bed, and Dumar follows, hugging her and settling in for the night.
In the distance, the wind is louder than usual. "Such a strong wind. I hope everything is okay," Zora murmurs with her eyes closed.
Dumar gives a small nod, exhausted to the bone.
But the wind doesn't die down—it grows louder, and it seems to call his name.
No, that's not right. How can a wind call my name? Dumar reluctantly focuses his hearing.
"Chief! Chief! CHIEF DUMAR!"
Dumar's eyes flash open, and he jumps out of bed. "What is it, Dumar?" Zora asks, fear in her voice.
"Don't worry. I'll check. Stay here." He runs out of the tent. "Be careful!" Zora yells behind him.
Dumar comes out of his tent, intending to find whoever shouted, but he doesn't have to. He can see exactly why someone called for him.
The situation outside the tent is chaotic. People run, trying to save themselves, but some freeze and stare, just like Dumar.
A humongous pillar of wind and fire towers over the campsite, at least the size of an EF5 tornado. The sound is deafening. Dumar feels the suction pulling at him, his heart racing.
But the pillar of wind and fire does not move. It simply stands there, majestic.
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"Whoa! That's definitely a strong one!" Miranda pales and instinctively holds Leila's upper arm.
The group is in the elevator heading to the top floor, the 165th floor, where the Monfort Sky Suite is located.
It wasn't a smooth ride. The elevator sways from side to side, usually because the wind is strong. This isn't Miranda's first or second time riding this elevator, and every time before, it only moved a little—not like this.
Sam checks his watch again. No signs of magic energy. It's just normal wind. He looks up and sees four pairs of eyes staring at him.
He clears his throat. "No signs of any abnormality or heartstone magic energy going haywire. Today is just windier than usual."
Theo rolls his eyes inwardly. Even I can tell that without that… thing of yours.
DING!
The elevator doors open, and Miranda jumps out, sighing in relief. "Oh, thank god we're here!"
She turns to Leila and Theo, who are just stepping out. "Come on! We're drenched! You need a shower, not just a change of clothes." She links Theo's arm. "Let me show you one of Monfort's assets. It's going to be Liam's someday."
Leila chuckles and follows behind them. She drags Theo toward the main door of the penthouse, then stops in front of it.
"This is the main entrance to our unit. Not just a penthouse. It's the Monfort Sky Suite. You'll see why in a minute. Now, look at these doors." She swipes her palm across the door, then takes Theo's hand to guide it over the surface.
"Feel that smoothness? This isn't just a door. It's made from the strongest stone—like marble, but better. And look at these handles!" Miranda's voice sparkles as she practically sells the Sky Suite.
Theo can't help but laugh quietly. He likes Miranda Monfort. She may sound pretentious, but her heart is in the right place. She's just trying to entice Thea, hoping he'll agree to join the Monfort family someday.
"Now, these handles are made from—"
The door opens from the inside, and in the doorway stands a dark brown-haired man. His green eyes light up at the sight of Miranda, but the light is only in his eyes; it doesn't show on his face.
He's about the same age as Maurice, but not as tall. Compared to the lanky, lean Maurice, the man has more muscle.
He exudes power and authority.
Theo immediately knows this man is the current patriarch of the Monfort family: Linus Monfort.
"Baby!" Miranda squeals. She doesn't let go of Theo's arm but leans forward to kiss Linus. The patriarch doesn't hesitate and returns the kiss.
"Baby, let me introduce you to our future daughter-in-law, Theodora Leira Montrose!" She guides Theo in front of him. "Have I told you I suggested 'Leira'? Brilliant, isn't it? Very similar to 'Leila'!"
Miranda's enthusiasm doesn't faze Linus. He smiles warmly and nods to Leila before glancing at Theo.
"Welcome, Mrs. Montrose. Thea. Please, come in." He gently holds Miranda aside to let the guests enter.
Then he turns to Miranda with patience. "Yes, Miranda. It's brilliant. And yes, you've told me, more than once."
Miranda beams. "Good. Since I've told you more than once, you can't forget it." She turns to Theo and Leila. "Come on! I'll show you the guest's room. You can take a shower there. And give me the wet clothes, I'll ask someone to wash them."
Leila smiles politely to Linus. "Thank you, Linus. Really appreciate it. Come on, Thea."
Theo smiles politely to Linus, following Leila's example. "Thank you, Mr. Monfort."
Miranda stops in her track. "What 'Mr Monfort'? It's Uncle Linus! Or better yet, just Linus! Baby! Tell her!"
Leila cuts her instantly. "No. Thea, it's Uncle Linus and Aunt Miranda." She says firmly.
Thea nods, "Yes, Mother." He gives a little bow to Linus, "Uncle." And another bow to Miranda. "Auntie."
"Oh, Thea! That is so sweet of you!" Miranda suddenly runs to Theo and hug-squeeze him tight.
Linus watches them silently. It seems he doesn't care, but his eyes are staring intently at Theo, appraising him if he's really worthy of his son. He always takes his wife very seriously.
When Miranda drags Theo and Leila to the guest room, Linus turns to Sam and the bodyguard.
Sam bows to Linus. "Mr. Monfort."
"Hm." Linus gives a little nod. He knows who Sam is and what his role in the Montrose Corporation. "Give me the shopping bags. I'll bring them in."
Sam nods. "Yes, Sir." And gives Linus all the shopping bags he's carrying.
"You are welcome to wait in living room. Help yourself with the drinks and snacks there."
"Thank you, Mr. Monfort." Sam bows again and heads straight to the living room.
Now Linus is standing there, in his arms are more than ten shopping bags of various sizes, but they don't diminished his aura. He looks at the bodyguard with icy cold stare.
Sam catches the stare from the reflection. He involuntarily shakes his head slightly. It gives the saying if looks could kill a whole new meaning.
The bodyguard bows deeply. "Mr. Monfort, thank you for all these years. I hope you and your family stay healthy and prosperous." He straightens and adds, "Goodbye, Mr. Monfort." Then he turns and leaves.
Linus doesn't say a word. He simply watches until the doors close, then turns and heads to the guest room, the shopping bags balanced expertly on his arms.