Marcus leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I don’t need Patrick,” he said plainly. “I can handle Alexander myself. The way I see it, Patrick’s desperation only proves my strength. It proves he’s vulnerable, willing to bend to my terms, willing to offer assistance out of fear of what Alexander could do to him. That’s not what I’m looking for.”
Gerald exhaled, a mixture of frustration and caution threading his tone. “I understand your confidence, Marcus, I really do. But pride can blind you. Patrick can be resourceful. You may be stronger than him, yes, but the game isn’t just about strength—it’s about resources, knowledge, and timing. You’ve yet to secure any real alliances from Blood Crescent. Do you honestly think you can do this alone?”
Marcus scoffed again. “Gerald, I’ve bee
