As the meeting concluded, the appointed Supervisors left to assume their positions, each returning to their respective domains to implement the Blackwood Union's rule. But within the towering halls of the Blackwood Imperial Castle, Ethan sat silently, gazing at the holographic projection before him—a live display of the world map, now marked with the Blackwood insignia over every Union-controlled territory.
Christiana stood beside him, arms crossed. "This is just the beginning," she murmured.
Ethan exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Yes. And the world will soon learn there's no undoing what we've set in motion."
He turned to his trusted enforcer. "We move forward. Effective immediately, all non-aligned nations must comply or face economic collapse. We will control trade, medicine, and security. They have no alternative."
Christiana smirked. "And if they resist?"
Ethan leaned back. "Then they will cease to exist."
A notification flashed across the projection screen. The first nations outside the Union had sent emissaries—desperate to negotiate entry.
But Ethan already knew the answer.
They would kneel, or they would perish.
---
Skylar POV – Within the Imperial Residence
Skylar paced the lavish corridors of the Imperial Residence, her heart heavy despite the luxury surrounding her. The world had changed in ways she could barely recognize.
Chris, her husband, the God of the Empire, had remained silent since the transition of power. She found him in the private garden, seated beneath the Blackwood Crest, his gaze lost in the artificial night sky above.
She sat beside him. "You've barely spoken since Ethan took over."
Chris sighed, tilting his head slightly. "Because there's nothing left to say, Skylar. The empire is set. My role is complete."
She reached for his hand. "You're still the most powerful figure in existence. You could intervene. Guide him."
Chris shook his head. "No. That's not how this works. Ethan is the Supreme Ruler now. I will not interfere unless absolutely necessary." His voice was distant, yet resolute. "He must carve his own path."
Skylar exhaled softly, watching the distant glow of the Imperial City beyond the palace walls. "And if his path leads to destruction?"
Chris turned to her, his eyes unreadable. "Then it was meant to be."
She frowned. "You don't believe that."
Chris smirked faintly, pressing a kiss to her hand. "No, I don't. But it's not my place to stop it—yet."
The words lingered between them. A warning. A promise. A prophecy.
And for the first time, Skylar feared the future.