Declaration of War

The entire city fell into a heavy silence. For a long moment, not a single soul dared to breathe. I nodded in approval. This one would serve me well. As for the others? Fear was the best leash to keep them in line. And I had no intention of playing games.

Those who lay sprawled on the ground—I could almost hear their heartbeats, erratic and pounding against their ribs. Each second after the announcement stretched endlessly, as if time itself had halted, sealing this moment as an unshakable decree from the heavens. Frozen. Absolute.

I swept my gaze over the survivors, memorizing each face. I had to remember them. If any of them dared betray me in the future, I'd know exactly where to strike.