Chapter Title: Return of the Phantom King

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One year later.

The Blackwood Empire stood taller, stronger. Christiana's rule had been ironclad—no rebellions, no civil unrest, no foreign interference. On the surface, all was well.

But deep within the cracks of silence, something else had been growing.

And now, the time had come.

The Imperial Courtyard was filled with spectators—soldiers, officials, high families, and the media—drawn like moths to a flame. The Blackwood Seal blazed above the obsidian gates, and beneath it, stood Chris.

Beside him, Christiana. Imposing, unreadable.

The courtyard doors opened.

Ethan walked in, flanked by two Sentinels. No chains. No crown. Just a long, dark coat, his chin lifted, his stride calm and measured. The crowd whispered.

He stopped before Chris.

The silence was thick.

Chris studied him. One full year of exile. One year of silence. Yet there was something new in Ethan now—colder, more precise. Not broken. Hardened.

"You asked to serve again," Chris said, voice echoing.

Ethan met his gaze without flinching. "I did."

"You accept that your authority comes from me and me alone?"

"I never forgot."

Christiana's jaw tightened, but she remained silent.

Chris took one step forward, so close now that the world around them faded. "Then kneel."

Without hesitation, Ethan dropped to one knee.

Chris reached out, fingers grazing Ethan's shoulder.

"By my word as Emperor and God of the Blackwood Empire," he declared, "I restore your right to rule—not above me, not beside me—but under me, as it always was meant to be."

A hush fell over the courtyard.

"But," Chris added, "should you overstep again…"

His eyes burned into Ethan's soul.

"I will not exile you. I will end you."

Ethan looked up. "Understood."

Chris stepped back. "Rise, Ethan Blackwood. Phantom King of the West. Commander of the Outer Rings."

Ethan stood, the crowd erupting into thunderous applause—but his expression remained calm, cold.

He had returned.

But this was not the old Ethan.

This was a version rebuilt in the fire of humiliation.

And his next move… would shake the throne itself.

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Just say "continue" when you're ready for the next strike.