Chapter 439: The Emperor’s Return

Chris Blackwood – Ten Years in the Shadows

For ten years, I had been a ghost. A name whispered in remembrance, a legacy mourned.

But I was never truly gone.

And as I stood in my chamber once more, I could feel it—the weight of my empire settling around me. The quiet hum of power, the scent of control.

I had missed this.

I ran a hand over the polished surface of my desk, my fingers grazing over old documents and records left untouched since my "death." Everything had remained exactly as I had left it, as if time itself had been holding its breath for my return.

Ten years.

Ten years of watching from the darkness.

Ten years of testing loyalty.

Ten years of waiting for the perfect moment.

And now?

Now, I had reclaimed what was mine.

A slow smirk curved my lips as I removed my coat, tossing it onto the chair. Pouring myself a drink, I swirled the liquid, watching how the light caught its surface.

So much had changed.

Classic had grown into a ruler in his own right. Christiana had fought for her place. Ethan had kept my secrets well.

And Skylar?

Skylar had taken what was never hers to begin with.

The thought made me chuckle.

She had spent a decade ruling in my absence, thinking she had secured her throne. Thinking that by stamping her authority, by solidifying her rule, she had rewritten the order of power.

But power was never about the title.

It was about who controlled the game.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

I didn't need to ask who it was.

"Enter," I said smoothly.

Ethan stepped in, his usual composed expression in place. Ten years had changed us both, but some things never faded.

"Enjoyed yourself today?" he asked dryly, closing the door behind him.

I chuckled, taking a slow sip of my drink. "It was amusing."

Ethan exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "You always did like making them dance to your tune."

I leaned back against the desk, watching him. "And yet, they still think they're the ones leading."

He studied me for a moment. "Christiana will rise to the challenge."

I shrugged. "Perhaps. But she isn't my concern."

Ethan's gaze sharpened. "Then who is?"

I tilted my head, smirking. "Skylar."

Ethan nodded slowly. "She won't give up easily."

I set my drink down, crossing my arms.

"She doesn't need to."

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"Let her believe she still has control," I continued. "Let her fight, let her resist—let her exhaust herself trying to hold onto power that was never hers to begin with."

Ethan exhaled through his nose, a small smirk forming. "You really are ruthless."

I chuckled. "That's why I'm back on my throne."

Because no matter how many years passed, no matter how many rulers claimed the seat—

Power always belonged to the one who knew how to wield it best.