Chapter 16: The Ultimatum

Anna returned to the manor under a grey sky, her mind in turmoil. The meeting with Charles Mercier had left her unsettled. His words still echoed in her mind: "Trust is not given. It is taken." She knew that the world she was navigating was far more dangerous and ruthless than she could have imagined. Mercier had been clear, almost threatening, and yet, he seemed to see potential in her that she had not yet understood.

That evening, as she prepared for another day of meetings and negotiations, a sense of uncertainty overwhelmed her. She knew the challenges ahead would become increasingly difficult. The question that kept coming back was: how could she assert herself without being crushed?

When she entered Louis's office, he looked at her without a word, as if he knew what was troubling her. With a slight smile on his lips, he gestured for her to sit.

"So, how did your meeting with Mercier go?" he asked, his tone neutral.

Anna sat across from him, observing his reaction. "He told me that in this world, there is no loyalty, only interests. He warned me that trust is not given, but taken." She paused, then added more quietly, "I think you sent me into a real trap."

Louis studied her for a moment, his expression shifting slightly. He didn't seem surprised, but there was a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. "Mercier is like that. A man of power, always seeking control. But you know what? He's right. Here, trust isn't given easily."

Anna wasn't sure if she should be comforted by his words or more frightened. She looked down, retreating into herself, her hands nervously gripping the chair. "And if I can't make it, Louis? What if I can't take that place?"

Louis stood slowly, walking toward the window. "You can't afford to doubt, Anna. In this world, you choose to either be taken or left behind. You choose to take what you want, or you risk losing everything. You made a choice coming here, and that choice involves sacrifices. A lot of sacrifices."

He turned to face her, his eyes dark with meaning. "This world is not for the weak. If you want to belong to this circle, you must be ready for anything. Even to do things you never imagined."

Anna looked at him, her eyes filled with confusion and apprehension. "I want to learn. I want to be able to defend myself, to survive in this world. But sometimes, I wonder if what I'm doing is right."

Louis approached her slowly, stopping just in front of her. He lowered his head, his gaze locking with hers. "This world doesn't care about what's right or wrong, Anna. It cares about power, about survival. And if you want to survive, you have to be smarter, more cunning than the others."

A heavy silence fell between them. Louis finally straightened, looking at his desk. "It's time to prepare for another trial. Mercier isn't the only one with expectations of you. There are others, allies, enemies... They are watching your every move. And some want to see if you're as capable as you claim."

Anna felt a dull anxiety stir within her. "What do you want from me this time?"

Louis sat at his desk, his piercing gaze fixed on her. "I told you, this world doesn't forgive. Another person we work with, a certain René Duval, is going to put you to the test. He will challenge your ability to make quick decisions. Some decisions are vital. Others... can cost you dearly."

Anna sat up straighter, her heart racing. "What does he expect from me?"

Louis fixed her with a long, calculating stare before answering. "He wants you to choose. A matter of life or death, Anna. And he won't give you a second chance."

Anna's face paled at the thought of what could happen. She understood the implications. A trial. A cruel, unforgiving trial, with no return possible. "How should I prepare?" she asked, almost in a whisper.

Louis stood again, this time more slowly, as if weighing every word he was about to say. "He's already on his way. I suggest you leave nothing to chance. Don't hesitate to assert yourself. René is not a man who takes 'no' for an answer. If he corners you, you must be ready to confront him. If you don't, he'll break you. He loves power, but he also enjoys seeing those with potential submit to his will. Don't be weak."

Louis's words echoed in her mind like a painful refrain. Don't be weak. She knew that, although harsh, this advice was essential for her survival. But at what cost? Conforming to this world, submitting to its rules—would it change who she was? And the question remained: was she ready to do whatever it took to survive?

Later that evening, Anna found herself face-to-face with René Duval in a discreet room in the manor. The man standing before her was imposing, with a massive frame and a gaze as cold as steel. He exuded an aura of domination, a dark energy that seemed to fill the room. Everything about him radiated overwhelming power.

"So, Mademoiselle," he said in a low, grave voice, almost amused. "Louis told me you're ready. Ready for what, exactly? To play this little game with us?"

Anna stood tall, her hands folded on her knees, her eyes fixed on him. She had seen many things since arriving here, but facing Duval, she felt a pressure unlike anything she had known before.

"I'm ready," she replied, her voice calm but determined.

"Really?" Duval said, standing up and walking towards her with measured steps. "Then prove it. Show me what you're capable of."

He took an object from his pocket, a small pen, and placed it on the table between them. "Do you see this object? This pen is precious. It represents everything you can attain here. Power, control, everything you desire. But there's a price. Choose it. Accept it, or refuse it. The decision is yours. But know this: if you refuse, you condemn yourself to remain outside this world."

Anna stared at it intently. She knew that her decision here would determine her future, and her instinct told her that she didn't have the luxury of backing down.

"I'll take the pen," she said, her gaze never leaving Duval's. "I belong in this world. And I'm ready to do whatever it takes to stay."

Duval smiled, a cold smile that left no room for humanity. "Good. Then prove it, Mademoiselle. We'll see if you're really ready."

Anna knew that the path she had just begun to walk had no turning back. But one thing was clear: she would not let herself be crushed. She had chosen her path, and she would move forward, no matter the cost.