Blackwood Castle – Chris’s Chamber

The dim candlelight cast flickering shadows along the walls of Chris's private chamber. Unlike the grand halls of the palace, this room was quiet, secluded—a place where the true ruler of Blackwood Empire once resided. Now, it was simply a retreat for the man who had become a god in the eyes of his people.

A soft knock echoed through the room.

"Enter," Chris said without turning.

The heavy wooden door creaked open, and Christiana stepped inside. She moved with purpose, her sharp gaze locked onto the figure of her father, who sat in a high-backed chair near the balcony, watching the world below.

"You haven't spoken much since Ethan's coronation," she said, her voice steady but laced with something beneath—curiosity, maybe even frustration. "You're just… watching."

Chris finally turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Because it is no longer my place to speak."

Christiana scoffed, crossing her arms. "You are the god of this empire. Above all. And yet, you sit back and let Ethan take full control. No interference, no guidance. Nothing."

Chris studied her carefully before replying. "Because that is the law. The moment I passed the torch, my time ended. Ethan rules now. His choices, his consequences."

Christiana's jaw tightened. "And what if he fails? What if he makes mistakes that weaken the empire? What then?"

Chris leaned forward, his voice calm yet absolute. "Then he will learn. Like I did. Like you will, when your time comes."

She frowned, a flicker of something crossing her face. "My time?"

Chris's eyes bore into hers. "You are the Dictator of Blackwood. The enforcer. That is not a title of convenience, Christiana. It is a responsibility. If Ethan's rule ever falters, it is not I who will step in—it will be you."

She was silent, absorbing his words.

Chris rose to his feet, stepping closer. "I built this empire, but I will not hold its hand forever. You, Ethan, and Classic—each of you have your roles. It is time to fulfill them."

Christiana held his gaze, something unreadable in her eyes. Then, slowly, she nodded. "Understood, Father."

She turned to leave but paused at the door. "One more thing… if I ever need your guidance, will you give it?"

Chris exhaled, glancing back at the moonlit city beyond his window. "Only if you ask the right questions."

She smirked. "Figures." Then, without another word, she disappeared into the halls of the castle, leaving Chris alone once more.

And as the winds howled outside, he knew—his silence was not weakness. It was the beginning of something far greater.