Game On

The moment Governor Elias Morrow spoke Silas Kane's name in front of the press, the city felt it. It wasn't just another corruption scandal. It wasn't just another political battle. It was a declaration of war.

For years, Kane had ruled without a face. He operated from the shadows, his influence stretching through business, law enforcement and even government officials. He had built an empire of gold and fear and until now, no one had dared to challenge him directly.

But now, the people had heard his name. The country was watching. Morrow had just painted a target on his own back. And Silas Kane was about to remind him why ghosts should never be hunted.

Three nights after Morrow's press conference, an explosion rocked the capital. The blast tore through a government records office, reducing critical files and evidence to ash. It was the very office where Morrow's task force had been collecting evidence on Kane's illegal gold operations. The city shook. The nation trembled.

And Elias Morrow knew: this was Kane's answer.

At Kane's Dominion, Silas Kane sat in his estate's war room, a glass of whiskey in his hand. Across from him, Jonas Wren, his most trusted enforcer, paced.

"The explosion got their attention," Jonas said. "No casualties. Just… a warning." Silas swirled his whiskey slowly. "Good." Jonas crossed his arms. "We can hit harder."

Silas took a slow sip. "Not yet. Morrow thinks he's winning. Let him feel that for a little longer." Jonas frowned. "And then?" Silas smirked. "Then we teach him what it means to lose." He leaned forward. "Find me his family." Jonas hesitated. "That's a big move." Silas exhaled through his nose. "Morrow has never felt real fear. We change that." Jonas nodded. "I'll handle it."

Silas turned back to the screen, watching the news coverage of the explosion. "You wanted war, Governor? Fine. Let's see how much you can take before you break.

Meanwhile, across the city, Maya Raines ran for her life. She had barely escaped her apartment. The moment she found Project Obsidian, the files exposing Kane's offshore accounts, illegal military deals and hit list, her apartment had been compromised.

The first warning had been a gold coin. The second warning had been a man in black gloves, waiting for her in the dark. She had hit him with pepper spray and ran. Now, she was being hunted. The black SUV behind her surged forward, barreling through traffic.

Maya gritted her teeth, gripping the wheel of her battered car. "Oh, hell no," she muttered. She slammed the gas. The streets blurred as she weaved between lanes, heart hammering. The SUV kept coming. Then, gunfire. A bullet shattered her side mirror. "Shit!" Maya swerved hard, narrowly avoiding a streetlight.

She had seconds to act. Her eyes flicked to a narrow alleyway ahead. It was a risk. But she had no choice. With a deep breath, she yanked the wheel and swerved into the alley. The SUV followed. Narrower. Tighter and walls closing in. But Maya knew the streets.

At the last moment, she yanked the handbrake, sending her car into a tight spin. The SUV wasn't so lucky. It slammed into the alley wall, the front end crumpling. Maya didn't wait to see if they survived. She gunned the engine and tore out of the alley. She needed to get to Morrow. Now.

By the time Elias Morrow returned home that night, something was wrong. The house was too quiet. His wife, Caroline and daughter, Lena should have been waiting for him. But they weren't there. His stomach twisted as he stepped inside. Then he saw it. His breath stopped. A gold coin. Sitting on the kitchen counter. And next to it, a note.

"A king must protect his kingdom. You failed." Morrow's hands clenched into fists. His worst fear had just come true. His family was gone. And Silas Kane had just crossed the line.

Morrow slammed his fists against the wall. "DAMN IT!" He yanked out his phone and called Holt. The moment his head of security answered, Morrow barked, "They took them. Kane took them. Find them, NOW!"

Holt didn't hesitate. "I'm already tracking their last known location. We'll find them, sir." Morrow's hands shook. He had fought corrupt politicians, cartel leaders and even warlords. But this? This was personal. His phone buzzed, another call. He answered immediately. "Where are they?" A slow chuckle on the other end.

Not Holt. Silas Kane. "Careful, Governor," Kane's voice was smooth, almost amused. "You sound upset." Morrow's grip tightened. "If you hurt them!" Kane cut him off. "I don't need to hurt them. I just need you to understand something."

Morrow's teeth clenched. "You son of a…!"You made this personal," Kane continued. "You stepped onto my battlefield. Now, you learn the price."

Morrow's mind raced. He couldn't let Kane control the conversation. "Where are they?"

Kane ignored the question. "Your daughter Lena, is it? Pretty name. She reminds me of someone I once knew." Morrow's blood turned ice cold. "If you so much as touch her!"

Kane sighed. "Relax, Governor. I'm a businessman, not a monster. They're safe… for now." Morrow's hands were shaking. "What do you want?" A pause. Then, "Your surrender." Silence. Kane's voice lowered. "Drop the investigation. Stop digging into my businesses. Walk away. And your family goes home… untouched."

Morrow's heart pounded. He had never backed down. Not once. But this wasn't just politics anymore. This was his wife. His daughter. He exhaled slowly. "If I do this…" His voice was raw. "If I back down… how do I know you'll let them go?"

Kane chuckled. "You don't." The line went dead. Morrow stood there, phone still in his hand, breathing hard. He had a choice to make. But deep down, he already knew, there was no surrendering to a man like Silas Kane. There was only war. And this time, he would make Kane bleed.