However, that was only her perspective.
There was no way the Lancaster family would agree to it.
Jerrick watched Serena's silence, his gaze turning somber.
"I'll go," he said coldly, without a second of hesitation. "Leave Whitecliffe Harbor to my team. I'll take the Dragon-Thorn Squad over and completely tear Project Zero-Transit apart."
"Why would someone with official ties go?" Jasper straightened his posture, thumping his chest. "I'll go! I'm the best fit. I know exactly how those lunatics in Whitecliffe Harbor operate. As The Abyss's Top-Ranked Hunter, I understand them far better than any of you."
A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. "Who the hell does The Raven think he is, setting a trap for Serena? I'll gut his entire base first."
Julian kept his eyes fixed on Serena.
Unlike his two younger brothers, he didn't wear his aggression on his sleeve. "Everyone, calm down."
His voice wasn't loud, but it immediately drew their attention.
Standing beneath the light, Julian's features were soft, his demeanor as refined and elegant as ever.
Yet, there was absolutely no compromise in his tone. "Serena, the Lancaster family's overseas network can scout the path first."
"I will secure the intelligence, the trading routes, and the boarding passes for Whitecliffe Harbor in the shortest time possible."
His tone was gentle, but every word carried undeniable authority. "But Serena, you cannot offer yourself as bait."
Jasper nodded vigorously. "Exactly! Julian is right. You absolutely cannot go!"
Jerrick added sternly, "Let us handle it."
The three of them were in complete, unusual agreement.
It wasn't that they doubted Serena's abilities.
On the contrary, they knew better than anyone just how exceptionally capable she was.
But it was exactly because they knew her strength that they understood Obsidian Sun was coming specifically for her.
Whitecliffe Harbor wasn't a normal place.
Project Zero-Transit was certainly not an ordinary ship.
It was a dark, floating prison drifting through the high seas.
The moment Serena stepped aboard, she would be willingly walking into the hunting grounds Obsidian Sun had prepared for her.
No matter how powerful or capable she was, that was no excuse for them to sit back and let her risk her life.
They had the power to protect her.
He was genuinely terrified.
Terrified that she would do exactly what she had done in the past—push everyone away and walk straight into the line of fire alone.
Serena stared at him for a few seconds before raising an eyebrow. "You just got your title, and you're already trying to manage me?"
Nicholas met her gaze, his voice incredibly raspy. "I wouldn't dare."
He didn't playfully banter with her like he usually did. Instead, he lowered his eyes, his fingers tightening around hers once more.
"But I'm begging you... please don't go alone."
Those words somehow kept Jasper from snapping at him for once.
Because every single one of them was afraid.
Afraid that Serena would shoulder the entire burden herself, just like before.
Afraid that even knowing the danger, she would still march forward on her own.
Afraid she would put herself in the most perilous position possible.
Afraid that the sister they had so desperately searched for would get hurt in a place where they couldn't see or protect her.

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