Jack had barely finished his coffee when a deafening explosion shook the building, sending plaster and dust cascading from the ceiling. He coughed, squinting through the haze.
"Guess your Elias guy doesn't waste time," Jack coughed, setting down the mug calmly despite his racing heart.
Lyra rushed to the window, eyes widening. "That's him. Draven. And he's brought backup."
Jack followed her gaze. A dark-clad figure stood confidently amidst the wreckage of parked cars below, shadows swirling around him ominously. Beside him were three heavily armored men, weapons glinting with dangerous enchantments.
Patch fluttered nervously. "Might want to run now, boss."
Jack flexed his fingers, feeling energy pulse eagerly through his veins. "Run? Nah. I just redecorated."
Lyra shot him an incredulous look. "You're insane."
"Compliments later," Jack smirked. "Any quick pointers?"
"Don't die," Patch offered unhelpfully.
Before Jack could retort, another explosion blew the apartment door inward, revealing Elias Draven framed by tendrils of shadow. He studied Jack coldly, eyes like chips of ice.
"Jack Wilson," Draven said coolly. "You have something that belongs to the guild."
"My irresistible charm?" Jack quipped, stepping forward boldly. "Sorry, not refundable."
Draven scowled, shadows coiling tighter. "I don't have time for foolishness. Surrender, or—"
Jack raised a palm mockingly, the glowing sigil flaring brilliantly. "Or what? You'll redecorate my apartment again?"
With a snarl, Draven lunged, shadows slicing through the air. Jack ducked instinctively, narrowly avoiding a lethal strike. Adrenaline surged, raw instinct driving him as he rolled and sprang up, palm thrust forward.
A violet pulse erupted from Jack's hand, colliding with Draven's shadows. The clash shattered furniture and windows, sending both combatants stumbling backward.
"Oh, now we're talking!" Jack grinned wildly, exhilaration overriding caution.
Lyra joined the fray, electricity crackling from her fingertips as she fended off the advancing guards.
"Glad you're having fun!" she shouted over the chaos. "Try not to destroy everything!"
"No promises!" Jack laughed, the fight filling him with reckless delight.
Draven regained his footing, eyes narrowed dangerously. "You have no idea what you've started, Wilson."
Jack flexed his glowing palm, energy crackling playfully around his fingers.
"Let's find out together."