An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"What?" Miles was shocked. He jumped from his seat, thinking he must have misheard.

He could not believe he was sharing a life with Ruby because of a pill. How ridiculous. Who would ever believe this? The others looked bewildered after hearing Abigail's unexpected revelation.

The Echoed Curse was a powerful and rarely seen spell. It could change destinies and even save lives.

But Abigail had turned it into a joke and bound Miles and Ruby's lives together. This prank had gone too far.

"Ms. Abigail, can we undo this Echoed Curse?" Ruby's voice quivered.

Her initial curiosity now filled her with dread and uncertainty. She disliked the idea of sharing her fate, especially with Miles.

As she pondered, a troubling realization struck her. What if he got into trouble one day? Would she be pulled down with him? "No, the Echoed Curses are for one-tuse only. Once taken, their effects can't be undone," Abigail explained.

She smiled faintly and added, "From now on, your destinies are linked, so take care of each other." "What?" Ruby's face tightened, and tears welled up in her eyes. "This... is too sudden, doesn't it?" "What's wrong? Didn't you want something unique?" Abigail asked innocently.

"Unique?" Ruby's eyes narrowed, showing her bitterness.

How could this be unique? She was clearly putting their lives in danger.

"Ruby! You. you're such a fool!" Miles fumed as he smacked his thigh in frustration.

If Ruby hadn't insisted on trying it, would he have risked his life like this? Now, he had to deal with the consequences and couldn't even complain.

Ruby pursed her lips. She admitted her mistake and chose to remain quiet.

Abigail reassured, "Don't worry. The Echoed Curse offers more than just binding your lives," she explained. "You'll gain telepathic skills to improve teamwork.

"Plus, your abilities will grow faster when training together, achieving double progress in half the time. With perseverance and time, your hard work will lead to success." Miles and Ruby felt relieved upon hearing this. They knew they couldn't change the fact that their lives were bound together. But they found solace in the advantages of the Echoed Curse.

"Mr. Harding, they're over there. | could see them, no doubt about it!" Suddenly, a group of burly men dressed in black stormed into the venue with an intimidating air. Their intimidating appearance and long swords hinted at trouble.

Standing at a towering six feet five, the leader looked rough and menacing, like a thug.

Miles sensed trouble and said, "Hey, aren't those guys from Frostzard Manor? Looks like they're heading our way." "Frostzard Manor? Are they strong?" Ruby asked, looking confused.

"They're known as one of the strongest factions in the northwest," he said, scratching his chin. "But there are rumors that their elder passed away recently in strange circumstances.

He continued, "It's surprising to see them here after their mourning period just ended." As Miles spoke, the Frostzard Manor group approached.

"Ah, found you at last, troublemaker!" The leader pointed at Abigail. "You've got snerve showing your face here! With plenty of other options, you chose to walk right into the lion's den. Today, I'll avenge my father's death!" "Huh?" Abigail raised an eyebrow, looking at him like he was crazy. "Who are you? Have we met before?" The leader replied, "I'm Luke Harding from Frostzard Manor!" He added angrily, "Recently, my father, Maurice Harding, died under mysterious circumstances. And it's supposedly because of your Mystic Arts Order! You'll pay for it since you're associated with them!" "Frostzard Manor?" Abigail's expression turned cold. "What does your father's death have to do with me? Take your vengeance elsewhere." Luke retorted, "Hmph! Enough with your excuses! All those Mystic Arts Order disciples are wicked, horrible scoundrels!" He declared angrily, "Today, you've crossed paths with me, and I'll ensure to avenge my father's death. Justice will be served!" "Justice? Ha... How noble." Abigail scoffed. "These supposed righteous groups, how many of them really care about fairness? "They're just hypocrites, pretending to be noble. They talk about doing the right thing while acting horribly—it makessick!" "Stop talking!" Luke glared at her. "You won't change my mind. Surrender or face the consequences!" "If you're not afraid to die, then let's do it. I'll wipe your faction off from the face of the earth," Abigail said flatly.

Unlike her behavior with Dustin, she now showed the authority and toughness of the Grand Sorceress of the Mystic Arts Order.

"You insolent troublemaker! We'll make you pay today! Attack!" Filled with anger, Luke ordered his disciples to attack.

"Attack!" In response, the Frostzard Manor disciples drew their swords.

"Stop!" A loud shout rang out as tensions rose when both groups prepared for a fight.

The powerful voice echoed loudly, making everyone shiver and stop moving.

The Frostzard Manor men, ready to attack just moments ago, froze in place as if struck by lightning.

At that moment, a middle-aged monk arrived. He gracefully descended and landed among the two groups.

Though unassuming in appearance, his strong presence affected everyone around him.

Under this imposing figure, not a soul dared to move.