The brutal fight raged between Oliver and Cal's minions, with flames burning in their eyes. Blood and sweat dripped down their faces as they exchanged deadly blows, their bodies contorting with each strike while swiftly evading incoming punches. Amidst the chaos, the resounding groans of exertion filled the air, accompanied by the haunting sound of bone meeting bone as the men clashed in fierce combat.

     As the intensity of the battle escalated, the blistering heat seemed to be momentarily quelled by an unexpected visitor. A sudden gust of cold breeze crept through the creaking doorway, diffusing the scorching humidity that clung to every surface. Beyond the threshold, nothing but pitch-black darkness awaited.

     A silhouette gradually took shape within the deep darkness—a tall figure with broad shoulders emerged from the depths. With each step, the figure moved closer, crossing the doorway and entering the room. It is none other than Gregory, the spouse of the Remaining Podeshire.

     Dim sunlight filters through the blurry glass of the windows, casting a beam of light onto Gregory's face. The brightness momentarily blinds him, causing him to squint. With careful steps, Gregory moves closer, allowing his vision to adjust until his gaze lands upon a scene of utter devastation.

     As Gregory comprehends the sight before him, his eyes widen, encompassing the vastness of his shock. His jaw hangs open, nearly touching the floor, as his mind grapples with the harsh reality unfolding before his eyes. Emotions wells up within him, threatening to burst forth in a yell. His eyes grow heavy with tears, and the weight of his grief and anger presses against his chest.

     Seeing his beloved lover being beaten ignites a fierce wrath within Gregory's soul. His eyes become fiery orbs of fury, his heart yearning to rip apart the limbs of the two assailants. Clenching his teeth and fists, Gregory strides forward.

     As Gregory steps further into the room, his gaze fixes upon a figure that immediately douses the wildfire within his veins. He freezes, his feet rooted to the floor. Gradually, Gregory releases a silent breath through his nose, keeping his eyes on Cal.

     Gregory's gaze slowly wanders around the room, eventually meeting the desperate eyes of Jean. His attention is drawn to the tight ropes that confine Jean to a chair. In a fleeting moment, Jean's eyes see his other father, and he yearns to shout. However, before Jean can utter a sound, Gregory raises a finger and places it against his quivering lips. Jean holds his breath as he stares at Gregory.

     Fear and confusion grip Gregory, yet driven by parental instincts, he starts to tiptoe towards Jean. His gaze remains fixed on Cal, never wavering, as he stealthily inches closer. Gregory's trembling hands reach Jean's back, seeking to provide him comfort and reassurance.

     As Jean locks eyes with his father, Gregory lifts a finger to his lips, signalling for silence. He drops to his knees, his palms moist with sweat, and brushes Jean's cheeks. Leaning in closer, Gregory presses a tender kiss on his son's forehead.

     Tears overflow from Jean's eyes, slowly spilling over and tracing a path down his cheeks. He fights the urge to weep, tightly sealing his lips together. Each passing second weighs heavily in the stifling atmosphere, making his breath more strained, his heartbeat resonating like a drum.

     Gregory's gaze shifts downward, fixating on the tightly bound rope. He studies the intricate knot, his hands twisting and turning around it. He then begins manipulating his fingers, working to loosen the constricting hold.

     Amidst the ongoing ferocious fight, Gregory steals the opportunity while Cal's attention is diverted. Gregory quickly attempts to untie the rope that binds his son. Anxiety slips through Gregory's veins, causing him to huff audibly as the weight of the situation bears down on him.

     The faint sound of rustling reaches Cal's ears, abruptly capturing his attention. His once vindictive smirk fades, replaced by a frown and furrowed brows. Cal's gaze drops to the floor for a quick second. Then, his eyes flit behind him.

     Cal's fangs grit together, his eyes narrowing with fury. Anger pierces his heart as he witnesses Gregory's attempts to untie the child of the Remaining Podeshire. Cal growls as he turns around and walks towards them.

"Gregory!" Cal snarled.

     Gregory's eyes widen, the hand of fear tightening around his skin like a strap. The sensation of a thousand icy daggers piercing his being sends shivers down his spine. Gasping, he steps forward, shielding his son from Cal's menacing presence.

     As Oliver hears his spouse's name, his body gives way, crumbling to the floor. His brows furrow in distress, his eyes closing halfway in pain. A guttural moan escapes his lips as he reaches out a trembling hand towards Gregory. Suddenly, a forceful impact strikes Oliver's head as a shoe slams down upon him, almost blinding his vision with a burst of white light.

"What do you think you're doing!?" Cal's voice erupted in a furious yell as he glared into Gregory's eyes.

     Cal swiftly tucks the knife into his coat's pocket, the blade finding a concealed resting place as he steps towards Gregory and Jean. His teeth gnash against each other as he senses a tempting urge to crush Gregory. Cal's hands shoot out, forcefully seizing Gregory's collar and yanking him close, their faces mere inches apart.

"F-f-father!" Gregory's voice quivered, his head coming dangerously close to slamming against Cal's forehead.

"Why are you saving Podeshire's son!?" Cal interrogated with a seething intensity, their foreheads nearly touching as his gaze bore through Gregory's messy hair.

     Gregory's brows gradually furrow, his courage building within his heart. His teeth grind together as he seizes Cal's collar, pulling him closer. Their faces draw near until their noses touch, locked in an intense confrontation. Their eyes lock in a fierce glare, their leers filled with anger.

"How dare you yank me like that, Gregory..." Cal's voice growled with an edge as his teeth sharpened in anger. "Do you even have an idea whom you're defending!?"

"...I know who I am protecting... Father..." Gregory growled back.

"...Who are you protecting, Gregory!? Who!?" Cal shouted. "The man who belongs to a family that has tarnished ours!?"

"The man whom I love!" Gregory's scream tore through the air, his voice tearing apart.

     Cal's eyes widened in disbelief, and a profound heaviness settled upon his heart. It was as if an immense weight was pressing down on his chest, making breathing a struggle. The air in the room grew dense, causing Cal to pant as his gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet Gregory's eyes.

     The revelation landed with a mighty power, hitting Cal like a forceful blow. It felt like a boulder was crushing his insides, leaving him breathless and overwhelmed. The unexpected words proved too much for him to bear, causing a haze to disperse in his vision—as if reality had fractured and splintered.

     Unexpectedly, Cal's hand shot up, palm outstretched, gesturing sharply at his minions. The minions, moments away from ruthlessly stomping their feet onto Oliver's vulnerable skull, caught sight of Cal's commanding signal. They froze in their tracks, their heels suspended mid-air, refraining from inflicting further harm upon the wounded Remaining Podeshire.

     Blood trickled from Oliver's mouth, his groans punctuating the air as he strained to lift his head off the floor. Slowly, his gaze shifted towards Gregory and Cal. An ocean of tears shined in Oliver's eyes as he silently watched the conversation between the two men.