Episode 7: The First Move

Season 1: Rise of the Villain

Episode 7: The First Move

Damien had always been a survivor. From the moment he was abandoned by his father, he learned that power was the only currency that mattered. And now, the man who had taught him that lesson was his enemy.

Salazar had played him for years, grooming him into a weapon only to discard him when he became too dangerous. Damien could have killed him in that study, but that would have been merciful. He didn't want Salazar dead—he wanted him ruined.

Sitting in a secluded warehouse, Damien mapped out his strategy. He knew Salazar's strengths, but more importantly, he knew his weaknesses. The Black Vultures ruled Blackhaven through fear, but fear only worked when people believed their leaders were untouchable. Damien's goal was simple—make them question that belief.

But he couldn't do it alone.

He needed soldiers.

The underworld of Blackhaven wasn't just ruled by the Vultures. There were other factions, smaller gangs that had been forced into submission. One of them was the Iron Fangs, a brutal crew of ex-military enforcers who had been crushed by Salazar years ago. Their leader, Nikolai Petrov, was locked up in Blackhaven Penitentiary, serving a life sentence.

If Damien could break him out, he would gain not just an ally, but an army.

Blackhaven Penitentiary was a fortress, but every fortress had cracks. Damien spent days studying guard rotations, weak points in security, and bribing the right people.

The plan was set.

At exactly 2:00 AM, an explosion rocked the east side of the prison, triggering chaos among the guards. Sirens wailed as prisoners rioted, taking advantage of the confusion. Dressed as a correctional officer, Damien moved through the corridors, his heart pounding.

He reached Nikolai's cell, picking the lock in seconds. The massive Russian man stepped out, cracking his knuckles. "Took you long enough."

"No time for jokes," Damien muttered. "We move now."

Fighting their way through the prison yard, they cut down anyone who stood in their way. Nikolai was a beast, snapping necks and breaking bones with brutal efficiency. Blood sprayed the concrete as Damien led him to the escape route—a stolen prison transport waiting outside.

Bullets flew past them as they climbed inside, the driver already peeling away before the guards could react. As they sped into the night, Damien turned to Nikolai.

"I didn't break you out for free."

Nikolai smirked. "I figured. What do you need?"

"I'm taking down Salazar."

Nikolai's grin widened. "Now that's a war I want to fight."

Damien had made his first move. The game had begun.

To be continued...