Chapter 420: A Whisper in the Dark

Classic Blackwood – The Storm Before the Truth

The halls of the royal palace were eerily silent as Classic strode through them. The ceremony had ended, but the weight of it still hung in the air.

Five years. Five years since the world lost Chris Blackwood.

And yet, something inside Classic refused to let go.

He had learned to rule, to make decisions without waiting for guidance. But no matter how much power he gained, a shadow still loomed over him.

His father's legacy.

As he entered his office, Amal followed behind, closing the door.

"You're restless," she said, watching him with knowing eyes.

Classic sighed, rubbing his temples. "Something doesn't feel right."

She didn't push. She just waited.

Finally, he turned to her. "If my father were alive… would you want to know?"

Amal blinked, taken aback.

Then, she exhaled. "You still don't believe he's dead."

Classic didn't answer immediately. "It's not about belief. It's about facts. No body, no clear cause. Just a declaration. That's not how a man like Chris Blackwood dies."

Amal studied him. "So what are you going to do about it?"

Classic's eyes darkened.

"I'm going to find the truth."

---

Skylar Blackwood – A Silent War

Skylar stood on the balcony of her private chambers, gazing at the city below. The remembrance ceremony was over, and the people had returned to their lives.

But she could feel it.

Something was changing.

The Prime Minister had strengthened his hold over the council, growing bolder in his decisions. He thought she was too focused on mourning to notice.

He was wrong.

Skylar had ruled with an iron will for five years, ensuring stability. But in the process, she had made enemies.

Tonight, the palace was quiet. But beneath that silence, a war was brewing.

A war she had every intention of winning.

Her grip tightened around the balcony railing.

If Chris were alive…

She let the thought linger before shutting it down.

If he were alive, he would have revealed himself by now.

Wouldn't he?

---

Ethan Carter – The First Crack

I watched as Chris paced the dimly lit room, his mind working at full speed. The communicator in his hand remained active, but he hadn't spoken again.

Whoever was on the other end was waiting.

Chris finally broke the silence.

"I want you to move. Slowly. Carefully. No one should know yet."

A short pause. Then a voice replied, "Understood."

Chris ended the call and turned to me.

"It's time to shake the empire," he said. "Let's see who can survive the storm."

I exhaled. "And what about Classic? Skylar?"

Chris smirked.

"They'll show me exactly who they've become."

And with that, the king made his first move.