Aiden Knight's POV
I wake before dawn, my internal energy still churning from last night's failed attempt with the black stone. The mysterious artifact sits on my nightstand, its surface as cold and unresponsive as ever.
Three hours of meditation yielded nothing. Whatever power lies dormant within that stone remains locked away from me.
Chloe's soft breathing echoes from the living room. She fell asleep on the couch again, probably still processing my rejection of Clara Vance's offer. Twenty billion dollars means nothing when you're searching for the keys to immortality.
I dress quietly and slip out before she wakes. The morning air carries the scent of rain and exhaust fumes as I walk through the city streets. My destination is clear: Virtuous Benevolence Hall, the most prestigious apothecary in the province.
If I can't unlock the stone's secrets through meditation alone, perhaps the right materials will provide another path forward.
