A heavy, suffocating silence fell over the shattered courtyard as Dylan's words hung in the air.
Nathan, Joe, and the surrounding Black Skull members stared at Dylan with wide, disbelieving eyes, their breaths catching in their throats.
To commoners and street-level gang members, the City Lord of Soaring Cloud City was an exalted king-like figure who ruled the entire territory with absolute authority. He was a Half-Saint residing far beyond the reach of ordinary mortals!
"The... the City Lord?!" Joe gasped, his face draining of color as he unconsciously shrank back. "Boss... why would someone as high and mighty as City Lord Alistair target a small, upstart tavern like ours?!"
"Because I offended him a while back," Dylan stated flatly, his tone even and devoid of emotion.
Victoria, who had been standing quietly under the eaves, shifted her weight as her posture stiffened.
