Amara's POV
The chamber grew darker as the storm outside howled against the tower walls. But within this silence, I felt something shift—subtle, yet final.
Chris rose slowly from his seat, his back to me as he stared out over the empire through the towering glass. The city lights flickered like stars bowing to his shadow.
Then, in that stillness, he spoke.
"I need you to act in my name."
The words hit harder than any command he'd ever given. Not because of fear. But because of trust.
He turned back to face me—eyes sharp, voice steady. "They've all made their moves. Skylar's pretending to be the savior of the masses. Christiana thinks I'm too distracted to see her. Classic... sits on the fence like a man waiting to see who bleeds first."
I crossed my arms, already anticipating where this was going.
"I want clarity," he continued. "I want fear. I want results."
I raised a brow. "What exactly are you asking me to do, Chris?"
He stepped closer, eyes locked on mine. "Remind them. Every single one of them. That I'm still God in this empire. And when I'm quiet… it's not weakness. It's war, waiting."
I felt my heart pound—not from pressure, but from purpose.
"You want the people shaken," I said. "You want the rebellion infiltrated. You want Skylar's agency exposed. And Christiana…?"
His jaw clenched. "Watch her. Closely. She forgets her title was given—not earned."
I nodded, my mind already calculating.
"And Classic?" I asked.
Chris's expression turned unreadable. "Let him choose his side in peace. But if he ever stands against me…"
His voice dropped to a whisper.
"…he'll learn that blood doesn't shield betrayal."
That was all I needed.
I stepped back, bowed—not out of protocol, but respect.
"I'll carry your will, Chris. Quietly. Precisely. Fatally, if needed."
He didn't smile. He didn't nod.
He just whispered the words I had been waiting years to hear.
"You are my sword, Amara."
I left that chamber with a storm behind my eyes.
No uniform. No badge. Just purpose.
And in the coming days, they would all learn:
Chris may wear the crown.
But I am the hand that enforces it.