Title: A Moment of Reckoning

POV: Chris Blackwood

Chris stood in front of the large window in his chamber, staring out into the sprawling city that stretched far beyond his view. The city was his creation, a testament to his power and vision. Yet, it was built on the fragile threads of loyalty, and those threads were beginning to fray.

His mind was still reeling from the information Sarah had just given him. Baron Elias—an ally, a trusted figure—had betrayed him, and that betrayal could no longer be allowed to linger. He had given Elias the benefit of the doubt for too long. Now it was time to settle this, and settle it quickly. His empire, his family, his legacy were too important to allow such a threat to fester.

Without a second thought, Chris turned away from the window and marched toward the communication panel on the wall.

"Commander Frank," he said, his voice cold and authoritative. "Get Baron Elias here. Immediately. I want him in front of me. Now."

There was a brief pause before the familiar voice of Commander Frank crackled through the comm system. "Sir, may I ask why? Do you want him brought in for questioning, or—"

Chris didn't wait for him to finish. "Don't ask me why, Frank. Just get him here. I'll handle the rest. He's a traitor, and I will deal with him personally."

The words were delivered with an icy finality, leaving no room for negotiation or discussion. He wasn't going to waste time. Elias had made his move, and now Chris would make his. He would not allow a single moment of hesitation, not a single crack in his rule.

"I will have him brought immediately, sir," Frank replied, his tone laced with respect and understanding, despite the tension in the air.

Chris ended the communication without another word. He walked to his desk and stared at the pile of documents, the decisions that weighed on him, the planning, the careful orchestrations of his empire. But now all of that had been overshadowed by the need for this one act of retribution. It had become personal.

He was no longer just the ruler of the Blackwood Union—he was the father, the protector, the one who had been betrayed by someone he had trusted.

And betrayal, Chris knew, was not something you could let slide, especially in his position.

Moments later, the door to his chamber opened, and Commander Frank stepped in, his face grim but composed. Behind him, flanked by two armed guards, was Baron Elias. The man who had once been Chris's right-hand ally now stood there, looking every bit as defiant as he had the day they first met.

Chris didn't waste time on pleasantries. He stepped forward, his gaze never leaving Elias. The air in the room felt thick with tension, the kind that only preceded something inevitable.

"Baron Elias," Chris said, his voice steady but carrying an edge of menace, "you've betrayed me. And there is no room for betrayal in my empire."

Elias stood tall, his chest puffed out slightly, as though still trying to project power. But Chris could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. He was beginning to realize the gravity of his situation.

"I did what I had to do, Chris," Elias said, his voice calm but laced with the faintest hint of desperation. "You were never going to see things my way. My actions were necessary for my survival—and for the future of this empire."

Chris stepped closer, his face inches from Elias's. "The future of this empire?" he scoffed. "The future of this empire belongs to me, and me alone. You thought you could play both sides, didn't you? You thought you could deceive me without consequences."

Elias opened his mouth to respond, but Chris held up a hand, silencing him.

"I don't care to hear your excuses," Chris said, his voice dark with resolve. "You've crossed a line, Elias. And for that, you will pay the price. But not through the swift death you might have hoped for."

Elias's eyes widened, as if Chris's words were a weight sinking into his chest. He tried to step back, but the guards were positioned too well, and there was nowhere to run.

"You've become a liability," Chris continued. "And no liability goes unpunished."

"Chris—" Elias started, but the words died on his lips as Chris's hand raised, signaling for Frank to step forward.

"Commander," Chris said with a quiet, authoritative command. "Take him away. The time for talk is over."

Elias's face shifted from defiance to panic. "Wait—please, Chris, let's talk about this—"

But it was too late. Frank stepped forward, his eyes cold and resolute, as the guards grabbed Elias by the arms and began dragging him away. Chris watched as the man who had once stood beside him was taken from the room. His mind was clear now. The only thing left was to finish what he'd started and ensure that no one would ever doubt the strength of his rule again.

"Prepare him," Chris muttered to himself, his eyes hard. "And make sure it's public. The Blackwood Union will remember this day."

It was a reminder to anyone who might think to betray him in the future. A lesson in the cost of treachery. And Chris Blackwood always made sure the lessons were unforgettable.