Nathan's face fell. Myst was too powerful; fifty lashes… would that not kill him? Yet, he dared not complain, obediently lying on his belly. Myst never held back against those who crossed Dustin.
She struck him viciously. The pain twisted his face, but he endured the lashes silently; calling out would be too embarrassing. Fortunately, Myst spared his life.
After fifty lashes, his flesh was torn; he couldn't sit upright, needing assistance. The West family and Richard watched in horrified fascination. Richard felt uneasy, breaking into a profuse sweat when Dustin looked at him. He dropped to his knees, bowing.
"Master Fox, I didn't know! If I had, I never would have come! Please, have mercy!" he pleaded, echoing Nathan's desperation. Lacking a Howard-like advocate, he anxiously awaited Dustin's judgment.
Dustin's icy glance stressed Richard further. "I'll inform Central Harbor. Tomorrow, you'll be demoted three grades," he said indifferently. Richard was stunned. Dustin, the master of Star Tower, had arranged his demotion with a few words.
"Thank you for your mercy, Master Fox!" Richard exclaimed, relieved to be alive.
The West family assault quickly concluded. Richard and Nathan, so boisterous upon arrival, departed silently.
Beyond the villa, a mini-laptop reactivated, displaying Margaret and Amara. "Mr. Nelson, General Sweeney, what happened? Arrested? Information?" Margaret demanded sternly, Amara expectant. With the police, Lupine Special Forces, and Western Forces, Dustin's capture seemed assured.
"Six years ago, I received support from the Winter family, rising through the ranks. That's why I served them," Nathan said, his face icy. "I've repaid that kindness. From now on, I take no more orders. Farewell!"
He turned and left, ignoring them. The women were stunned, baffled by the turn of events. After a long moment, Margaret's face darkened.
"How dare you, Nathan Sweeney! I am the Winter family matriarch! We made you, and we can break you!" she yelled, her fury wasted on his departing back.
"Mr. Nelson, what's going on?" Margaret asked Richard.
"Tomorrow, I'm no longer Lannopolis' commissioner. Demotion by three grades. The Winter family's fault!" Richard said icily. "Ma'am, take care of yourself!" He, too, left, ignoring Margaret's enraged shout to halt.
At the Wyatt family villa, Margaret seethed, furious at Nathan and Richard's disrespect. Amara attempted to comfort her.
"What happened? How did this happen?" Amara was perplexed. Despite their assembled forces, Dustin remained uncaptured, their allies turned against them. What power did he possess? Why did every attempt fail?
"It seems we must leave Rivenesco for this," Amara said slowly. "I'll go to Grayvale, unify the Wyatt forces, then confront Dustin. It will be easier."
At the West family villa, Dustin received a report from a Hell Guard. "The final ingredient is in Grayvale? Good. I'll retrieve it myself!"