A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 6103

At dawn the next day, pounding on the door jerked Jared awake.

"Young Master Chance, time to depart."

Outside, Vivian's cool voice carried through the wood panels.

Jared rose, opened the door, and found her standing there in simple white robes.

The morning light wrapped her in a faint gold halo, like a figure from a painting.

"Good morning, Miss Janis," Jared greeted.

He stifled a yawn. "We're heading to Dragonmere this early?"

"The Dragonmere entrance is open only from the hour of the Dragon to the hour of the Snake—two short hours," Vivian explained. "Father and the elders wait at the main gate. Please come with me."

Jared dipped his head and fell into step beside her.

All along the way the manor bristled with alert guards, patrols crossing paths at every turn.

He noticed many of them stealing looks at him—some curious, some wary, a few carrying a hint of reverence.

Outside the gate eight beast-drawn carriages stood ready, harnesses already taut.

Garrick waited with hands clasped behind his back, the six elders arrayed in a line behind him.

Farther back thirty elite guards stood at attention, each one a High Immortal Realm Level Seven or above.

Garrick's eyes traveled over Jared once, then he gave a short nod. "Young Master Chance, did you rest well?"

"Thank you, Master Garrick. Quite well," Jared replied with a smile.

Still smiling, he added, "Your beds are far kinder than the stone caves I'm used to out in the wild."

A faint upward twitch touched Garrick's mouth.

Interest flickered again in the patriarch's eyes at the remark.

"Very well—let's be on our way."

He waved a hand and mounted the first carriage without further delay.

Jared moved to follow, but Vivian stepped in front of him, raising a hand.

"Young Master Chance, please share the third carriage with me."

He arched a brow, then followed Vivian up the steps into the third beast-drawn carriage.

The cabin offered plenty of room. Soft pelts blanketed the seats, and a low table carried prepared tea and light snacks.

Vivian settled across from him. She said nothing, only watched him in silence.

Jared felt the stare crawling over his skin. "Miss Janis, do I have paint on my face?" he asked.

Vivian gave a small shake of her head. She drew a delicate jade case from her sleeve, lifted the lid, and revealed a silver Binding Collar resting inside.

The Binding Collar gleamed silver-white from end to end. Dense runes covered the metal, each symbol pulsing with a faint inner light.

Jared's gaze sharpened.

Those markings were restriction sigils.

Vivian offered the jade case across the table, her manner steady. "Young Master Chance, before we enter Dragonmere, please put this on."

Jared did not take it. He looked at her evenly. "What is it?"

"A piece of protection."

Her tone stayed calm. "Dragonmere is layered with prohibitions. A careless step could trigger a Slaughter Array. Our forebears inscribed safeguarding runes on this Binding Collar. In danger, they will shield you."

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