The sleek black car pulled away from the curb, the silence inside broken only by the low hum of the engine and Luca’s occasional, amused glances at me in the rearview mirror.

  "You know, Young Master," Luca said, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, "is there anywhere you wanna go before we head back?"

  I leaned my head against the cool glass of the window, my expression souring. "That's not funny, Luca. Focus on the road. I can already feel my father’s glare from here. He’s probably standing at the front door right now, ready to chew me out for not coming straight home."

  Luca chuckled, a dry, joking sound. "My deepest apologies, sir. I’ll drive faster so you can reach your doom more efficiently." He floored the accelerator, weaving through the late-night traffic with practiced ease.

  Just as I predicted, the front of the safehouse was illuminated like a stage. Standing under the grand porch was my father, arms crossed, looking like a statue of judgment. To his right stood Xariel, looking characteristically tense, and to his left was Coach Isla, my combat trainer, who was already checking her stopwatch.

  As the car came to a halt, I let out a long, weary sigh.

  "Wish me luck," I muttered.

  "I doubt luck will help much at this point," Luca replied with a wry smile, "but I'll keep the car running in case you need to make a break for it."

  As I stepped out of the car, Xariel was the first to move. Breaking his formal posture for just a second, he stepped toward me, his eyes scanning my face and the bandages on my ankle.

  "Are you alright? Any dizzy spells? Did the Thornveil boy aggravate your injuries?" Xariel asked, his voice low and genuinely concerned.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "I'm fine... Xariel. Really," I replied.

  "Ahem."

  The cold, sharp sound of my father’s throat clearing cut through the air. Xariel immediately stiffened, his face returning to a mask of professional neutrality as he stepped back into his formal position behind the boss.

  "What were you doing?" my father demanded, his voice dropping to a dangerous level. "Why were you out wandering the city with the Thornveil child?"

  I met my father’s gaze, refusing to flinch. "I was doing exactly what you asked. You told me to apologize, didn't you? Well, I went above and beyond. I fixed the relationship. We're on speaking terms now. And all I get in return for saving your 'precious business connection' is you yelling at me the moment I get home."

  My father’s eyes narrowed. "I am not going to praise you for fixing a mess that you created. And do you have any idea how dangerous it was to go out like that? What if a Thornveil heir had been hurt or—worse—killed while under your watch in a public arcade? Our family would have been erased from the map before sunrise."

  "We had Luca!" I shot back. "Everything was fine in the end. Nobody died, nobody got kidnapped. It doesn't matter."

  "It matters," my father growled, stepping closer. "You got lucky today, Hitori. But one day, that luck will run out. And when it does, the reality of this world is going to hit you like a truck. You think this is a game? You think these people are your friends?"

  Xariel stepped forward slightly, checking his watch. "Sir, I apologize for the interruption, but the regional directors are waiting on the secure line. We are late for the briefing."

  My father didn't take his eyes off me for several seconds. Finally, he turned away. "I will be back soon. This conversation is far from over."

  He paused as he passed Coach Isla. "Amp up the training today. Double the intensity. It seems my son thinks the dangers of this world are something he can play with. Remind him otherwise."

  With a final, cold glance, my father made his way to his car, while Xariel silently followed.

  I stood on the driveway, the exhaust from the car still lingering in the air. Coach Isla stepped forward, her face unreadable as she tossed a practice wooden dagger at my chest.

  I caught it out of instinct, my knuckles whitening around the hilt.

  "You heard the man, kid," Isla said as she headed inside to get to the training room. "Let’s see if that 'luck' of yours works against me."

  (i know i said 17 but kinda moved a few thing around so it will take a bit long ty fot understanding) reword put it in first person and dont change anything)