The truth was, Emery had not been caught completely off guard.
Over the past few years, the Earth faction had worked closely with official Magus Alliance representatives, strengthening their presence and promoting their guild halls across the region. That steady rise had gradually weakened the Moonlight Guild's foothold, cutting into their influence, their profits, and ultimately—their authority.
With Nyx steadily expanding the influence of Lotus Hall, he had long been warned that retaliation from the Moonlight Syndicate was inevitable.
For the past few weeks, Emery had already been preparing for such a plot, anticipating that the Syndicate would eventually make their move. What he had not expected, however, was that it would take the form of the Midnight Brotherhood's strongest lineup.
His gaze sharpened as it moved across them, recognition settling in almost instantly.
