Lucien's phone rang, and he picked it up without hesitation.
"Lucien!!"
His grip tightened around the phone as a familiar voice filled his ears.
"Kol," he growled. "Where is she?"
Kol let out a low chuckle. "You really thought you could kill Maximus and face no consequences?" he taunted. "Your new plaything is quite pretty, I'll give you that—you have good taste."
"Lucien!!!" Gemma's terrified scream echoed through the phone.
Lucien's chest clenched. "Gemma!" His voice was sharp, laced with fury. "Let her go, or else—"
"Or else what?" Kol cut him off, amusement dripping from his tone.
Lucien's voice dropped, dangerously low. "Or else I'll send you to a death so cruel, the devil himself will weep."
Silence stretched on the other end, then Kol sighed. "Here's the deal, Castillo. Leave me half of Maximus' territory, and I won't hurt her. Sign the same peace treaty you made with him, and I'll only hurt her a little." He chuckled. "I mean, I should at least get a taste, don't you think?"
Lucien's jaw tightened. "Kol?"
"Yes, Mr. Castillo?"
Lucien's voice was a quiet promise of death. "You're a dead man walking."
He ended the call.
"John, get the car ready," Lucien ordered, swinging his legs off the bed.
The doctor rushed forward. "Sir, you can't move too much right now. You need to rest."
Lucien shot him a cold glare. "Start looking for a new job. When I get back, I'll make sure you lose your license."
With that, he strode out of the hospital, his fury unchecked.
Lucien took the car keys from John and slid into the driver's seat. He already knew where to find Kol—Maximus' mansion. After all, Kol had been flaunting his victory, and if there was one thing Lucien understood about men like him, it was that they always returned to their thrones to bask in their so-called triumphs.
Maximus' Mansion
As soon as Lucien stepped out of the car, he found Kol already waiting for him, arms crossed and smirking.
"Well, well, well... if it isn't Lucien Castillo. You know, I want to be like you when I grow up."
Lucien scoffed. "You're older than me, you fool."
"Oops! My bad," Kol chuckled.
"Where is she?"
"Somewhere inside," Kol said casually.
Lucien smiled.
Kol narrowed his eyes. "What's funny?"
"I have to commend you," Lucien said, tilting his head. "You were bold enough to attack me in my own home. I just can't decide if that makes you brave or just stupid."
"Let's go with brave," Kol shot back.
Kol pulled a folded document from his pocket and held it out. "Here. I have the contract drafted already."
Lucien didn't take it.
"Come on, Lucien. Let's not make this more difficult than it has to be. Just take the damn paper and sign it," Kol urged.
Lucien sighed, then let out a low chuckle.
"Kol, Kol, Kol…" He shook his head. "You attack me in my home, kidnap my woman, and now you want me to sign a treaty with you?" His laughter deepened, dark and menacing. "Tell me, do you think I'm that easy to tame?"