BXBX NOVEL Chapter 96: A Debt Repaid
He hurried through the mansion, his steps echoing in the grand hallways. He needed to get to the warehouse district quickly, before Macmillan could slip away. His vitality surged through his body, in beautiful patterns of anticipation and rage, driving him forward.
As he reached the front entrance, Olivia and Gen were waiting for him, their expressions filled with concern. "What did Griffin say?" Olivia asked.
Ezra paused briefly, his eyes meeting hers. "He handed over the Three Axe gang to us and informed me that he now owns my debt. But he also said that Macmillan is no longer under his protection and is trying to leave the city. We need to stop him."
Gen's eyes lit up with a fierce anticipation. "Heck yeah. Let's go, then. We can't let him get away."
They hurried to their car, the urgency of the situation propelling them forward. The drive to the warehouse district was tense, the silence filled with their thoughts. Ezra's mind raced with memories of his death, fueling his anger and resolve to see this through.
When they arrived at the old warehouse district, the area was dimly lit, the shadows deepening the sense of urgency. They moved quickly and quietly, their vampire senses heightened as they searched for any sign of Macmillan.
Ezra's keen eyes spotted movement near one of the warehouses, and he signaled for Olivia and Gen to follow him. They approached cautiously, their footsteps silent on the rough ground.
As they neared the warehouse, they saw Macmillan and a few of his loyal followers loading a truck. Macmillan's back was turned, but the tension in his movements was clear. He was in a hurry, desperate to escape.
Ezra stepped out of the shadows, his voice cold and harsh. "Going somewhere, Macmillan?"
Macmillan froze, his body tensing. He turned slowly, his eyes widening in fear as he saw Ezra, Olivia, and Gen standing there, blocking his escape.
"Ezra," Macmillan said, trying to keep his voice steady as his eyes searched the surroundings. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Really?" Ezra took a step forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "You tried to destroy me, Macmillan. You framed me, manipulated evidence, and now you think you can just run away?"
Macmillan took a step back, his fear palpable. "I had no choice. Griffin offered me a way out. Please, Ezra, let's just forget this. I'll leave, and you'll never see me again."
Ezra shook his head, his expression hard. "It's too late for that. You made your choices, and now you'll face the consequences."
Macmillan's followers moved to protect him, but Olivia and Gen were faster, their movements a blur as they clashed with the guards with ruthless efficiency. Macmillan was left standing alone, his fear turning to confusion.
"Wait a minute..." He tilted his head. "You came alone? With just your wives? No peacekeepers?"
Ezra didn't answer, stepping forward with no sign of stopping.
"That's... that's foolish, Ezra." Macmillan's confusion melted into joy. "I guess the world is on my side. I don't know what you did against Aaron but I'll have fun ripping your heart out." Macmillan reached out, a giant bow appearing in his hand. He drew back and a glowing arrow appeared nocked.
Ezra's eyes widened and he dived to the side, dodging the arrow as it sliced through where he had been standing. Ezra rolled and materialized his sword.
"Yes." Macmillan called out as his lips curled into a smirk. "Stay back, Ezra. This is my domain." He loosed another arrow, the deadly projectile whizzing towards Ezra.
Ezra sidestepped, the arrow grazing his leather coat, and dashed forward, closing the distance with swift, calculated steps. Macmillan released another arrow, but Ezra deflected it with a swing of his sword, sparks flying as glowing metal met dark metal.
Ezra knew he had to close the gap. He zigzagged, making himself a difficult target. Macmillan, frustrated, fired a rapid volley. Ezra called up the blood song in his veins, the world slowing enough for him to use his agility. Each arrow narrowly missed, embedding harmlessly into the asphalt or ricocheting off the warehouse walls.
In a bold move, Ezra feigned a stumble, luring Macmillan into a false sense of security. The archer hesitated for a split second to gloat, and that was all Ezra needed. With a burst of speed, he lunged forward, his sword an extension of his fury. Macmillan's eyes widened in surprise as Ezra's blade slashed through his bow, cutting the weapon in half.
Before Macmillan could react, Ezra was upon him. Ezra's sword flashed again, this time slicing through Macmillan's side, drawing a pained cry.
Macmillan staggered, clutching his wound. Ezra swung and one of Macmillan's hands fell to the floor. Another swing and a leg was separated.
"Wait. Wait!" Macmillan scrambled back, his wounds slowly bubbling and regenerating. Ezra shot a cloud of darkness, sapping a huge chunk of his vitality and slowing down his regeneration.
"Wait! Please, Ezra," Macmillan begged, his voice trembling. "I'll do anything. Just let me go. Just this once."
Ezra stepped closer, his anger a cold, controlled fury. "You've caused enough damage. It's time to pay for what you've done."
With a final, decisive movement, Ezra lunged forward, his hand closing around Macmillan's throat. He dismissed his sword and raised his hand. He met Macmillan's eyes and thrusted his hand deep into his heart. Macmillan struggled briefly but he was not strong enough.
Ezra grabbed Macmillan's heart. "See you in hell." He grinned and crushed it. Darkness shot out of his hand, drawing in every bit of vitality within Macmillan.
After draining everything, he released Macmillan's lifeless body, stepping back and taking a deep breath. The tension in his chest eased slightly.
Olivia moved to his side, her expression a mix of relief and satisfaction. "It's over." She said softly.
Ezra nodded, his gaze lingering on Macmillan's body. "Yes, it is. Now, we can move forward without his shadow hanging over us." He looked up. "Wait. Where's Gen?"