Chapter 139: Hidden Enemy

A towering skyscraper stood proudly among the most prestigious buildings in the city, its sleek glass exterior reflecting the lights that illuminated the streets below. Its silver framework and imposing height made it an unmistakable symbol of wealth and influence, standing tall above the surrounding buildings.

At the very top of the skyscraper, the KINGS HOLDINGS LIMITED was engraved in elegant lettering above the main entrance.

To the human world, Kings Holdings Limited was one of the most powerful corporations in the empire, with its hands in industries that kept the empire running. From energy production and infrastructure development to pharmaceutical research, medical technology, and the supply of essential resources, the company had established itself as a force that few could afford to oppose. Its projects powered cities, supported hospitals, funded major construction projects, and supplied resources to institutions across the empire. Yet its influence extended beyond the services it provided. Through its numerous subsidiaries, private research facilities, and long-standing contracts with influential institutions, Kings Holdings Limited had access to information and resources that most corporations could only dream of possessing.

Its chairwoman was a woman whose influence stretched far beyond the business world.

She was respected by powerful men, feared by those who understood her capabilities, and regarded as one of the most untouchable figures in the empire. But that was only the identity she presented to humanity.

Within the supernatural realm, she was known as the Supreme Archwitch, the highest authority among witches and warlocks. Her word carried the weight of centuries of tradition, and even the most powerful practitioners of magic had little choice but to acknowledge her authority.

Her name was Morgana Kingsleigh.

Seated behind a spacious mahogany desk in her private office, Morgana calmly flipped through a stack of reports. The room was elegant without being ostentatious, furnished with dark wood, tasteful ornaments, and a few carefully selected pieces of art. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered an uninterrupted view of the city, where lights glittered beneath the night sky.

It was well past regular business hours, yet Morgana showed no sign of ending her work for the night. Beside her desk stood her personal secretary, a middle-aged woman holding a tablet against her chest as she waited for instructions.

Morgana turned a page, her eyes moving over the figures before her. "The eastern infrastructure project is behind schedule again," she remarked.

"This is the second report I’ve received this month with the same excuse. Have they explained what is causing the delay?"

"Yes, Madam Chairwoman. The contractors claim that the shipment of specialised equipment was held up at the northern border. They have assured us that the delay will not affect the final completion date."

Morgana lifted her gaze.

"And you believe them?"

The secretary hesitated. "Not entirely. I’ve requested an independent assessment of the situation, but the report has yet to arrive."

"Then don’t accept their assurances as facts. Contact the regional director first thing tomorrow morning. I want a complete breakdown of the delays, the missing equipment, and every payment made since the project began."

"Understood, Madam Chairwoman."

"Also, have the pharmaceutical division send me the revised figures for the new research facility. I approved their budget last quarter, yet their expenses have increased considerably without a satisfactory explanation."

"I’ll arrange it immediately."

Morgana returned her attention to the report.

"Good. You may leave the remaining documents with me. I will review them before the morning meeting."

The secretary inclined her head. "Is there anything else you require tonight?"

"No. That will be all."

"Very well, Madam Chairwoman. Good night."

Morgana gave a brief nod, already turning another page. The secretary gathered her tablet and walked towards the door. She had barely opened it when she found a young woman standing outside, her hand raised as though she had been about to knock.

The two women exchanged a brief greeting.

"Good evening," the secretary said.

"Good evening. Is the chairwoman still occupied?"

"She is, but I believe your business will be worth her time." The secretary stepped aside to let her pass. "Good luck."

With that, she departed, leaving the young woman to enter the office.

The newcomer was dressed in a fitted black skirt and a cream blouse beneath a tailored jacket. Her dark hair had been gathered into a neat low bun, giving her an appearance that was both professional and composed. She closed the door quietly behind her before approaching the desk.

Morgana continued reading for another moment before finally raising her eyes.

"Phoebe." Her gaze settled on the young woman. "What do I owe this visit at this hour of the night?"

Phoebe stopped before the desk and inclined her head respectfully. "Madam Chairwoman, we’ve established contact with our spy." She paused briefly. "And the information we’ve received is rather interesting, if not peculiar."

Morgana closed the report in front of her, her expression growing slightly colder.

"Interesting enough to justify interrupting my work this late at night?" she asked. "You know how little I appreciate unnecessary disturbances when I’m working."

"I apologise, Madam Chairwoman. I wouldn’t have come personally if the information weren’t important."

Morgana studied her for a moment, then gestured for her to continue. "Let’s hear it."

"It appears that the offspring of the five great clans, and even the Imperial Princes, are all beginning to gravitate towards one particular student at Asterion Academy."

Morgana’s fingers stopped moving over the edge of the report.

"All five great clans?" she repeated.

"Yes, Madam Chairwoman."

"And the Imperial Princes?"

"They appear to be just as interested in this student."

For several seconds, Morgana said nothing.

Beyond the windows, the city continued its nightly bustle, oblivious to the conversation unfolding high above its streets.

"That is unexpected," Morgana murmured at last.

The five great clans had their own interests, ambitions, and carefully guarded secrets. Their offspring had been raised to understand the value of influence and the danger of allowing humans too close, despite their need for them. Unless, of course, a particular human had something they wanted or needed. They were not the sort to gravitate towards someone without reason.

As for the Crown Princes, their every association carried political weight. Even the smallest indication of interest from them could shift the balance of power within the empire.

For all of them to be drawn towards the same student was not merely unusual.

Unless the werewolves had finally found what the witches had spent centuries trying to keep hidden from them, this development could prove troublesome. If the girl was somehow connected to the key that could break the curse their ancestors had placed upon the werewolves, the consequences could be far more serious than Morgana cared to imagine.

She leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting towards the city beyond the windows. A faint crease appeared between her brows as unease settled in her chest. "We cannot afford to take this lightly," Morgana murmured. "Perhaps I’m allowing my imagination to get the better of me, but my instincts have never failed me. Not once."

She fell silent for a moment, her fingers tapping slowly against the armrest.

"After everything our ancestors sacrificed to keep that key beyond the werewolves’ reach, I refuse to believe this is merely a coincidence. The five great clans and the Imperial Princes gravitating towards the same human girl? Something is happening, and I have a feeling that this girl is somehow at the centre of it."

Phoebe remained silent, watching Morgana carefully as she waited for her next instruction.

Morgana finally turned her attention back to her.

"Who is this girl?"

Phoebe met her gaze.

"Her name is Starlight Dawson, and she’s one of the Lunar Lottery winners.