An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2491

Chapter 2491

Disguised as a city guard, Cardinal Dragon Marshal walked openly through the streets, led by the crew-haired man. Night had already fallen, and the streets were empty—no pedestrians, only heavily armed patrol teams moving through every alley and intersection.

Every critical checkpoint was fortified, requiring even patrol units to present their identification tokens when passing through.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal stayed at the back of the group, his hat pulled low, shadowing most of his face. The darkness further concealed his features, making it difficult for anyone to recognize him unless they got close.

“Austin is thorough,” he thought. “Without the spies from the Temple of the Gods, I wouldn’t have made it out of the royal city.”

As he observed the numerous guard posts and hidden sentries throughout the city, a deep sense of unease settled over him.

In just five miles, they had already crossed seven checkpoints.

Beyond the main guard posts, countless concealed sentries monitored the streets, ready to act at the slightest disturbance. Any sign of trouble, and they would respond immediately.

Earlier, Cardinal Dragon Marshal had planned to contact his informant and slip away unnoticed with his men. Given his advanced cultivation, he had believed escaping the royal city would be manageable.

But now, he realized how wrong he had been.

With checkpoints every ten steps and sentries stationed every hundred, sneaking out was nearly impossible.

If discovered, they would be instantly surrounded.

Not even his formidable abilities would allow him to break through such a siege.

The streets were eerily silent. No one spoke as they moved.

Whenever they encountered other patrols, they exchanged only the briefest nods before continuing on their way.

Blending seamlessly with the patrol unit, Cardinal Dragon Marshal advanced toward the outer city.

After three hours of walking, they finally neared the final checkpoint separating the inner and outer city.

This checkpoint was the most crucial.

Since the city had been placed under martial law, all vehicle movement was banned within the inner city. Only in the outer city could one take a carriage or bus.

A significant military presence had been stationed here to prevent unauthorized movement.

While city guards had the freedom to patrol the inner city, they were restricted from crossing into the outer city without proper authorization.

As the crew-haired man led his team toward the checkpoint, the more than a hundred elite guards stationed there immediately went on high alert.

“Stop!”

The leading general’s sharp gaze swept over them. His tone was firm, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

“The city guards are responsible for security within the inner city. What are you doing here?”

The surrounding guards tensed, their eyes locked onto the approaching group.

Cardinal Dragon Marshal frowned slightly, quietly gathering his strength.

Up until now, everything had gone smoothly.

Had something been discovered?

“Stay calm, General. This is just standard procedure. Let me handle it,” the crew-haired man whispered, reassuring Cardinal Dragon Marshal before stepping forward with a confident smile.

“Mr. Zha, it’s me—Alec,” he greeted warmly.

“Alec?”

The guard general scrutinized him before his rigid expression softened.

“I remember your patrol unit is assigned to the inner city. You’re not authorized to leave without a transfer order.”

“Mr. Zha, I’m following direct orders. I have business in the outer city,” Alec explained with a smile. “I’d appreciate your cooperation.”

“Alec, you work for the government—you know the rules.” The guard general’s voice remained steady. “The entire city is under martial law. Without a proper token, I can’t let you through.”

In normal times, bending the rules might have been possible.

But now, with the city under lockdown and a wanted order in place, any lapse in protocol could result in dismissal—or worse, imprisonment.

With their own careers and safety on the line, none of the guards could afford to be careless.

“Of course, Brother Zha. I wouldn’t put you in a difficult position.”

Alec smiled as he reached into his pocket and retrieved a copper token.

“This is an official order from Commander Manuel St-Onge of the law enforcement team. I’m acting on his behalf.”

The guard general took the token and examined it closely. After confirming its authenticity, he returned it.

“Why would Commander Manuel St-Onge send you to the outer city at this hour?” he asked, still wary.

“Brother Zha, I wish I could explain, but this is a highly sensitive matter,” Alec said in a low voice. “Commander St-Onge specifically instructed me to keep it confidential. If I reveal anything, my position will be at risk. I hope you understand.”

The guard general hesitated before finally nodding.

“If this is Commander St-Onge’s order, I won’t question it further.”

With that, he turned and signaled his men.

“Open the gate. Let them pass!”

At his command, the guards moved swiftly, pulling aside the heavy barrier blocking the road.

“Much appreciated, Brother Zha!” Alec clasped his fists in gratitude.

The guard general gave a curt nod, saying nothing more.

“Let’s move,” Alec signaled to his team.

As they stepped forward, just as they were about to cross the checkpoint—

“Wait!”

The guard general’s voice rang out sharply.

The single word sent a ripple of tension through Alec and his men.

Instantly, every muscle in their bodies tensed.

Had something gone wrong?