Title: The Execution Day

POV: Classic Blackwood

The day had arrived. The air felt heavier than it ever had before, a suffocating weight that pressed down on every inch of the Blackwood Empire. The day of Baron Elias's execution was not one for celebration, but rather, a somber reminder of how the consequences of betrayal could reach even the highest echelons of power.

Classic stood at the window of his chamber, looking out over the vast city below. The Blackwood Empire was a sight to behold—majestic, pristine, and unyielding. But even beneath its grandeur, there was a simmering tension. Every citizen, every servant, every guard knew what was about to unfold. The execution of a traitor was not a simple matter, especially not one so publicly known. The whispers would spread like wildfire.

He couldn't help but feel a knot form in his chest as he thought of Christiana. His sister, the one person whose heart had been torn between duty and love. She had tried to protect Baron Elias, but in the end, it wasn't her decision to make. Chris had made sure of that.

"Are you ready, sir?" Henry's voice broke through his thoughts.

Classic turned, meeting his trusted advisor's gaze. "As ready as I can be," he replied, his voice low. "Is everything in place?"

Henry nodded, his expression unreadable. "The execution will proceed as planned. The entire city will witness it. It's already being broadcast across all the Blackwood Union channels."

Classic's jaw tightened. His father was not one to do anything quietly, and this was no exception. If there was a statement to be made, it would be loud, public, and impossible to ignore.

They had prepared for this day for weeks. The guards were in position, the city square secured, and the media was primed. The Blackwood Union was about to send a message to anyone who dared to cross them.

---

The Square

Outside the palace, the massive public square was filled with spectators. The elite, the common folk, everyone was here, all standing in anticipation. They didn't know the full story—none of them did—but they knew the power of the Blackwood family, and they knew the weight of their decisions.

Classic made his way through the crowd, his cloak flowing behind him. His gaze was cold, his expression unwavering. He had seen many executions in his time, but today felt different. Today, he wasn't just a spectator; he was part of the judgment. He was his father's son, and the consequences of betrayal were now something he would witness firsthand.

Christiana stood near the front, her face pale and tense. She caught his gaze for a brief moment, but neither of them spoke. There was nothing left to say. The execution was set in motion, and they both knew it had to happen.

Baron Elias was led to the platform, his hands bound by thick ropes. His once-proud demeanor was gone, replaced by a look of defeat. His face was drawn, his eyes devoid of the arrogance they had once held. Even the strongest of men could break under the weight of their actions, and the baron had realized too late the cost of betraying the Blackwood family.

"Baron Elias," Chris's voice boomed through the loudspeakers, "you have been found guilty of treason. Your actions have threatened the very foundation of the Blackwood Union. And today, we will ensure that no one ever dares to cross us again."

Classic watched his father, standing tall and unwavering. There was no mercy in his words, no room for redemption. This was not a lesson in forgiveness—it was a lesson in power.

Elias didn't speak. He simply stood there, his head bowed, awaiting the inevitable.

"Execute him," Chris commanded, his voice final, as though this was just another business transaction. The guards stepped forward, and with the precision of a well-oiled machine, they carried out the execution.

The crowd fell silent.

The only sound was the cold, metallic click of the guillotine, followed by a sickening thud that reverberated through the air.

---

Classic's POV

Classic stood motionless, his eyes fixed on the lifeless form of Baron Elias, his mind swirling. The execution was over in an instant, but the effect it had on him would linger far longer.

He felt nothing, and yet, in the pit of his stomach, there was a gnawing sensation, a realization that this moment was both necessary and inevitable. The Blackwood family had made its point, and the power of their empire had been reaffirmed. But what did it cost them?

Christiana's face, twisted in a mixture of grief and anger, was hard to ignore. She was holding herself together, but he could see the cracks forming, her hands trembling as she gripped the railing in front of her. He couldn't begin to imagine what she was going through. The man she loved was dead because of a decision made by the family.

Classic's chest tightened. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Families were supposed to be united, not torn apart by duty and power. But in the Blackwood Union, duty always came first.

He turned away, stepping into the shadows of the grand palace. The sounds of the crowd still echoed in his ears, but inside, he felt a deep, gnawing silence.

The Blackwood Union had won the battle today, but what about tomorrow?