Chapter 4: The Weight of Chains

The endless sky stretched forward, bathed in gold and blue. The city below stirred with life, people bustling along the streets, their chatter mixing with the rhythmic clatter of bicycle wheels. 

A sleek black automobile stood parked before the grand mansion. It was a silent declaration of power, a reminder that times had changed.

The heavy door of the mansion creaked open.

Thane stepped out, his long dark overcoat brushing against the pavement as he moved. Behind him, a row of guards moved in perfect sync, their presence enough to make onlookers lower their heads.

Hesin followed closely, his strides sharp with agitation. "My Lord, how dare the Esmere household stretch their hands this far, shoving their daughter into your mansion as if the old ways still matter. We can't let them think they can do as they please." His jaw tightened. "These noble houses need a reminder. This is not the old empire where the aristocrats ruled unchecked. It's time they understand that."

Thane exhaled a plume of smoke from his cigar, his fingers flicking the ashes away. "When a hand reaches too far, we must sever it."

Hesin inclined his head, understanding as he stepped aside. "Understood."

The driver, already in position, stepped forward and pulled the door open. "My Lord."

Thane nodded and just as he was about to step in, movement at the entrance caught his eye.

His gaze shifted slightly.

Elysia appeared at the entrance, her gown pooling around her feet as she dragged its heavy fabric forward.

Their eyes met.

Then, as if by accident, he looked away as he stepped into the car.

The driver held the door open for her next. She hesitated briefly before stepping in, the weight of her dress dragging against the floor as she settled into the seat.

The vehicle moved smoothly, the towering gates of the mansion fading behind it. Its smooth acceleration starkly contrasted with the horse-drawn carriages still favored by most noblemen, which rolled slowly down the streets.

Elysia barely glanced at them.

It was her first time in such a sophisticated vehicle. But as refined as it was, Elysia still found the old carriages more comfortable. She was not used to it.

She sat stiffly at the farthest edge. Even without looking, she could feel the weight beside her. The scent of tobacco and something sharper filled the air.

Hesin, seated in the front, continued speaking. "Several noble houses have already expressed their willingness to align with us. The Verons sent a formal letter of submission this morning."

Thane leaned back, seemingly focused on the conversation. Then, without a word, his arm only reached out, fingers wrapping around Elysia's waist, pulling her effortlessly into his side.

Her body locked up.

The embroidered tassels on her gown slipped between his fingers as he toyed with them absently. 

If she could, she would've pushed him away. But here, in his domain, resistance was pointless.

Hesin paused for half a beat before continuing, unbothered. "The Remmingtons are willing to negotiate, but their eldest son still clings to the delusions of restoring noble dominance."

Elysia wished she could shut the word entirely. She didn't want to know any of this.

It felt like a countdown to her own demise.

Did they not care that another person was sitting here? Or had they already considered her existence irrelevant?

Thane shifted slightly, reaching forward to extinguish his cigar. "They can refuse to adjust," he said, "but their fate will be sealed with the consequences." 

The air inside the car felt heavier.

Elysia swallowed back the itch in her throat.

The car came to a halt.

The driver spoke up. "My Lord, we've arrived."

Elysia barely suppressed a cough that slipped past her lips, her face flushing as she tried to stifle it.

Thane finally looked at her, head tilting slightly. "Are you so eager to return home?"

Elysia shook her head. Her lips parted but she didn't answer. There was no point.

He didn't wait for a response anyway.

The door opened, and as soon as Hesin stepped out, Thane followed.

"Everything is in place," Hesin said. "We await your command, my Lord."

Elysia's door opened next. The driver stood patiently, waiting.

She stepped out, her eyes falling on the familiar mansion.

Her lips pressed together.

This man had no regard for noble traditions.

His men had already entered, standing in formation. The estate had already fallen under his control.

Thane strode forward naturally. Hesin walked ahead, leading the way.

Elysia felt the stares around her, the weight of unspoken orders compelling her to follow.

A furious roar erupted from inside.

Her father.

Even in his disheveled state, he refused to let go of his authority. His roar shook the walls.

"Do you know who I am?!" His fist slammed against the table. "You dare to trespass in my house and raise weapons against me? You think your master can–"

His words faltered for a moment as Thane stepped into the room.

"How could you possibly have the nerve to be here?" He took a step forward, his knuckles whitening as his hands curled into fists. "Do you think, just because the tides have shifted, you can do whatever you want?" His breath came sharp, caught between anger and disbelief. "If you keep at it, I might have to reconsider my stance. I even gave up my daughter."

He said it like it was something to be proud of.

Thane watched him indifferently. "Indeed. I have to say, I am very pleased with your 'gift', Lord Esmere." He dusted off his sleeve, unhurried. "And now you think that puts you in a position to bargain?"

Hesin scoffed, unimpressed. "Lord Esmere, your time is over. The noble families still clinging to their old ways are nothing but remnants of a past long gone." He let out a slow breath. "But it seems some are still struggling to accept reality."

Elysia stepped inside. Her father, once an untouchable man, now cornered like a prey.

And still, all he cared about was the power slipping from his grasp.