An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2650

Chapter 2650

“Brother, you’re joking. If I had any clues, why would I just happen to run into you here?” Nathaniel smiled, then shifted the topic. “On the other hand, your soldiers look worn out, but their eyes are sharp. Did something good happen to them?”

As he spoke, his gaze carefully scanned Matthias, searching for the smallest hint of something unusual.

But Matthias stayed composed, his voice calm. “We’ve been through wind, frost, rain, and snow and nearly lost our lives. How could that be a good thing?”

“Wind, frost, rain, and snow?” Nathaniel raised his brows, puzzled. “Brother, there are dangers on Fairyharbor Island, yes—but the whole way here looks like spring. Where would there be any frost?”

“The situation’s not entirely clear,” Matthias replied evenly. “Ancient books mention that some places are like separate worlds. If you happen to find the entrance, you’re pulled straight into it.”

“So that’s how it is.” Nathaniel nodded, though his eyes still flickered thoughtfully. He was convinced Matthias had stumbled into some kind of opportunity, and he needed to find a way to test that theory.

“Nathaniel, our supplies are running low. I’ll be counting on you to help keep us going for now,” Matthias said with a faint smile.

“Of course.” Nathaniel’s own smile shifted. “This place may be dangerous, but there’s food and water everywhere. I hunted something large yesterday. We’ll share a proper meal tonight.”

At his signal, his soldiers began setting up camp nearby and preparing to cook.

Matthias’s men did the same, keeping up appearances of calm.

Though Matthias and Nathaniel were rivals, on a perilous island like Fairyharbor they could afford a temporary alliance—at least until someone found the elixir. When that happened, the truce would shatter instantly.

Once the camp was ready, fires blazed and food was roasting.

Matthias and Nathaniel sat around a spit-roasted bird, drinking and talking, tearing off pieces of meat.

They spoke amicably on the surface, but every sentence was a probe, each man careful to reveal nothing.

No one knew what the other had truly experienced.

Then, just as they were eating, a blinding light tore across the distant sky.

It started as a faint golden shimmer, then swelled into a towering beam shooting straight upward.

Everyone’s heads snapped up. Within the pillar of light, something descended slowly—disk-shaped, its surface etched with strange patterns, golden light pulsing like it was alive.

As it came down, the ground trembled. Flowers bent and swayed, streams rippled with concentric rings.

Birds scattered in a panic, butterflies dropped to the grass, frozen in fear.

When the object finally landed, the air around it seemed to ignite. Waves of heat rolled outward, painting the distant mountains in a golden glow.

Matthias shot to his feet, the dried meat falling unnoticed from his fingers. His eyes locked on the object, shock and curiosity flooding his face. Deep down, he sensed it might be tied to the elixir.

Nathaniel rose too, stunned for a heartbeat before excitement overtook him.

Ancient texts spoke of heavenly signs heralding rare treasures. Whatever had fallen was no ordinary item.

Their gazes met—both men reading the same thought in the other’s eyes.

“Quick! Everyone, gather!” Matthias barked first.

He drew his sword and pointed toward the golden light. “We move now. We have to see what it is!”

Nathaniel echoed him, rallying his troops. “Pack up and form ranks. Anyone who helps find the elixir will be richly rewarded!”

The soldiers moved at once, rolling their gear and falling in line. Together, both parties headed toward the mysterious landing site.

The sun poured down on them, but no one spared it a glance. All eyes fixed on the golden haze ahead, hearts pounding with a mix of hope and dread.