– Chris Reacts to Skylar's Speech
Chris Blackwood's POV
I stood in the shadows, watching the live broadcast in silence. Skylar, once my equal, now painted herself as the people's savior. My fingers gripped the edge of the cold marble table as I observed every word, every movement.
"I stand with the poor masses." Her words echoed in my mind. "I don't support Chris."
I could hear the reporters' questions—whispers of disbelief in the air.
The cameras cut to them, and I could almost hear their excitement as they surged forward.
"Skylar, is this an official break from Chris Blackwood's regime? Will you take actions against him?" one reporter asked, practically salivating.
Skylar paused, her gaze cool and composed. "Let me be clear," she said, voice measured, "I am not opposing Chris Blackwood as a leader. I am opposing the methods he has chosen to govern our people. But make no mistake—his reign remains strong. I am his ally, not his enemy. My fight is for the people, not against the Empire."
Another reporter shot a question: "What steps will you take to address the growing unrest among the Surviving Citizens?"
Skylar tilted her head slightly, as if considering the question. "We will implement a reformation of the identity auction system. A reduction of fees and the opening of more avenues for citizens to climb the ranks. For far too long, we've been trapped in a cycle of oppression. That ends now."
The crowd erupted in applause. The smell of hope was thick in the air.
I let out a slow breath. She was good—too good. She was using my own designs against me. But what they didn't know, what the masses didn't see, was that this was part of my plan.
Skylar was acting as the bait in a carefully orchestrated game. She didn't know it, but her every move was feeding into a cycle I had already written. The reforms she promised would lead nowhere. I would make sure of that. When she thought she was taking power, she would be handed a leash.
The real question was this: When will she realize she is playing into my hands?
The live feed ended, but I was far from done. I stood there for a moment, considering everything.
"Classic," I muttered to myself, "Time to move the pieces."
I turned, my mind already plotting the next phase.
End of Scene.
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