Chapter 480: The King's Blood

Ethan POV

The moment Chris stepped out of the vehicle at the council hall, the world slowed. A sharp crack echoed through the air—then another.

Chris staggered.

My breath caught as his body jerked slightly, his dark suit staining red. For a split second, the entire hall was frozen. Then chaos erupted.

"Get him inside! Now!" I barked as I lunged forward, catching him before he collapsed completely.

Guards swarmed, forming a shield around us. Guns drawn, security forces rushed to locate the shooter, but my only focus was on Chris.

"Chris—stay with me!" I pressed against his wound, trying to slow the bleeding. His eyes met mine, burning with something other than pain.

"I'm fine," he rasped, but his body betrayed him, leaning heavily against me.

Skylar stormed forward, her face pale but unreadable. Classic stood rooted to the spot, fists clenched. Christiana... she was watching, her expression unreadable.

"Who ordered this?" I demanded, my voice a lethal growl.

No one answered.

Chris gritted his teeth, forcing himself upright despite the searing pain. Blood dripped onto the pristine marble floor, a stark reminder of betrayal.

Then, in a voice that sent chills through the hall, he spoke.

"Whoever thought they could kill me…" he chuckled darkly, wiping blood from his lips, "made a grave mistake."

I tightened my grip on him.

Someone was about to pay.