An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2488

Chapter 2488

Nightfall gradually settled over the city.

Inside a modest, unassuming house, Cardinal Dragon Marshal sat on the bed, eyes closed, regulating his breathing.

After several days of recovery, he had expelled nearly 77% of the Ten Fragrance Softening Muscle Powder from his system. The poison was no longer a major threat to him. However, with the city under strict martial law, all key roads blocked, and wanted posters plastered everywhere, even at full strength, escape from the royal city was nearly impossible.

For now, he had no choice but to lay low.

As for the house’s original owner—he was long dead.

Bang, bang, bang.

A sudden knock at the door shattered the silence.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s eyes snapped open. His hand instinctively reached for the knife beside him.

“Who’s there?”

In the living room, several Red Fire Army guards tensed. Two silently drew their swords and positioned themselves on either side of the door.

“It’s me.”

A familiar voice rang out.

The guards exhaled in relief. One of them peeked through the crack in the door. After confirming the visitor’s identity, he quickly unlatched it.

A man in black stood at the entrance. His appearance was ordinary—unremarkable at first glance. But his sharp eyes told a different story.

“Third Brother! It’s late—what took you so long? We were starting to fear the worst!” A bearded guard stepped forward.

“The streets are crawling with patrols. I barely managed to slip through.” The man in black removed his hat, grabbed a cup from the table, and took a sip of water.

“How did it go? Is everything set?” The bearded man glanced outside, making sure they weren’t followed before shutting the door.

“Everything’s in place. They’ve arranged for someone to escort us out of the city tonight.”

“Excellent! I’ll report this to the General at once!” The bearded man’s face lit up.

Before he could move, the bedroom door creaked open.

A tall, imposing figure stepped out—Cardinal Dragon Marshal. His face had regained its color, his presence as commanding as ever.

“No need. I heard everything.” He turned to the man in black, nodding approvingly. “You did well. If we make it out of here, you’ll be the first to be rewarded.”

“It’s my duty, General. I don’t deserve credit.” The man in black lowered his head in respect.

“You are all my most trusted men,” Cardinal Dragon Marshal said. “Once we leave the royal city—and West Lucozia—I promise you a future of wealth and security.”

“Thank you, General!” The Red Fire Army guards clasped their fists in salute.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s expression hardened. “Any new developments outside?”

“Few pedestrians. The streets are swarming with patrols, and all key entry points are heavily guarded. No one gets in or out without a palace-issued token.”

The man in black hesitated, then added, “Also… I believe I saw General Steele today.”

“General Steele?” Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s brow furrowed. “Which one?”

“Dragon Guard—Jaxon Steele,” the man in black answered grimly.

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Every soldier in West Lucozia knew the power of the Dragon Guards. To call them the most elite unit in the kingdom was no exaggeration.

Each one of them could serve as a general in any other army.

And their commander, Jaxon Steele, was the deadliest of them all.

Even at his peak, Cardinal Dragon Marshal wasn’t sure he could defeat him.

If the Dragon Guards were truly involved, escape would be nearly impossible.

“Are you certain?” The bearded guard’s voice wavered.

The man in black thought for a moment, then nodded. “I’ve seen him once before. The man I spotted today—it was definitely him.”

“That’s bad news.” The bearded man frowned.

If it were just regular patrols, they could fight their way out if needed.

But against Jaxon Steele and the Dragon Guards? Even if the entire Red Fire Army were here, they’d stand no chance.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal, however, remained unfazed. He let out a cold chuckle. “So what if it’s the Dragon Guards? If our allies arrive on time, even they won’t be able to stop us.”

Jaxon Steele might be strong—but he wasn’t invincible.

“General, who exactly is coming to get us?” the bearded man asked hesitantly.

“No need for so many questions. You’ll find out soon enough.” Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s gaze darkened.

“My apologies.” The bearded man scratched his head, realizing he had overstepped.

“We still have time. Eat, rest, and regain your strength.” Cardinal Dragon Marshal glanced at the dim sky outside.

“Tonight… will be a battle for survival.”

If he managed to slip out of the royal city, escaping West Lucozia would still be a challenge.

But if there was no way out, then there was only one option—a fight to the death.