The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 66

Norris erupted. He stormed over and laid into Dawson with everything he had—punches, kicks, the works. All the fear and rage of the past five minutes channeled directly into Dawson's ribs.

Of all the people to pick a fight with. Of all the people in this city. This idiot had to go after the Fiend.

If Norris didn't handle this right—if the Fiend decided he was somehow involved—he'd be back in Dragon-Suppressing Prison before sunrise. And this time, there'd be no getting out.

By the time Norris was done, Dawson's face looked like ground meat. Blood poured from his nose and mouth. Ribs cracked under Norris' boots—and Norris didn't stop. Not until Dawson could barely breathe.

Then Norris dragged him across the floor and dumped him at Stefan's feet.

"You don't get his forgiveness, I'll kill you myself."

Dawson's eyes went wide. He dropped to his knees instantly, forehead hitting the floor. "Mercy—please—I beg you—" His voice came out broken, desperate. "I was blind—I didn't know—I'm nothing but dirt beneath your feet—please, just let me live—" Tears and blood mixed on the floor. His whole body shook.

He never imagined. Never in his worst nightmares. That Stefan could make Norris kneel.

And he'd gone after him like he was just some punk.

"You think I'm the one you need to apologize to?"

Stefan's voice was flat.

Dawson froze. Then spun toward Eliza. "Miss—please—I'm sorry—I was wrong—everything I did—please forgive me—I swear I'll never—"

Eliza was still trying to process what she was seeing.

The men who'd terrorized her. Who'd grabbed her off the street. Who'd drugged her. They were on their knees.

Because of Stefan.

Who was he? How did he have this kind of power?

She blinked, snapped back to reality by Dawson's pleading.

Seeing him like this—the man who'd swaggered and threatened—it felt almost absurd. But it was real.

And Eliza, soft-hearted as always, found herself wavering. "Just... just get up. Don't do that." Her voice was quiet. "Just leave me alone. Leave my parents' restaurant alone. That's all I want."

"I will—I swear—never again—"

Stefan's gaze shifted. Found Leo, frozen like a statue in the corner.

Leo wasn't just frozen. He was dying inside. The terror had swallowed him whole. He'd thought Stefan was just some guy who could fight. Some tough kid who'd gotten lucky. Now he knew the truth. Stefan wasn't just out of his league. Stefan wasn't even playing the same sport.

He took Eliza's hand and walked out.

Only when the door clicked shut did Norris allow himself to breathe. He collapsed onto the floor, drenched in sweat, shaking like a man who'd just survived a firing squad.

Then the pain hit.

He looked at his palm. A perfect burn mark. Still smoking.

He turned and slapped Dawson across the face. "You almost got me killed, you piece of shit."

Dawson was quiet for a long moment. Then, barely above a whisper. "Mr. Burgess... who... who is he?"

"The Fiend. From Dragon-Suppressing Prison."

Norris took a breath. "You know who they keep in there?" Norris' voice was hollow. "The worst of the worst. Killers. Kings. Men who bring earthquakes when they walk. One of them gets out, the whole city shakes.

"You think I'm tough? You think my name means something in this town?"

Dawson nodded frantically, genuine awe in his voice. "Everyone knows your name in this city, Mr. Burgess. Half-step Transcended Sect. Nobody dares cross you."