NshedRana

In his first life, Damien Sterling was nothing but a fool. Naïve, trusting, and constantly manipulated by those around him, he lived his life as a tool—used, discarded, and ultimately forgotten. His kindness was repaid with betrayal, his trust exploited, and his life ended in the most humiliating way: alone, broken, and filled with regret.

But fate had a cruel twist in store.

One evening, as Damien wandered the cold streets in a daze, he saw an old woman trying to cross the road. She had always been kind to him—the only person who showed him any genuine warmth. When a truck came speeding toward him, she shoved him aside and took the hit herself.

She died.

Yet, the moment her body hit the pavement, something impossible happened. Time rewound.

Damien woke up years earlier, in his younger body—but with all the knowledge, pain, and betrayal of his past life intact. And that day, everything changed.

The Devil..

Damien Sterling walked down the marble steps of the Vaughn Tower, his polished shoes clicking against the cold floor.

Behind him, the empire of Richard Vaughn lay in ruins.

"One insect crushed. A thousand more to go."

As he exited the building, a sleek black car pulled up. The tinted window rolled down, revealing Luther Cain, one of the most dangerous fixers in the city.

A man Damien would have feared in his past life.

Luther Cain was a legend in the underworld.

A man who could make problems disappear. A man whose network of informants stretched across the city. A man who had once worked for Richard Vaughn.

Damien slipped into the car, facing the fixer with a relaxed smile.

"Luther. I believe we have something to discuss."

Luther raised an eyebrow. "Do we now? And what exactly would a man like you have to offer me?"

Damien chuckled. "You misunderstand. It's not about what I can offer you… but what you can no longer afford to refuse."

Luther frowned. "And that would be?"

Luther leaned back, studying Damien.

Damien shook his head. "Control? No. That would be inefficient. But persuade? Absolutely."

He placed a folder on the seat between them.

Luther hesitated before opening it.

Inside were detailed records—bribes, murders, betrayals—things Luther himself had covered up for Vaughn.

And now, they were in Damien's hands.

Luther's expression darkened. "How the hell did you get this?"

Damien's voice was calm, almost amused. "Luther, do you really think I started this war without knowing exactly who I'd need to win it?"

Damien continued, voice smooth as silk.

"Here's the deal. Work for me, and I'll make sure you don't end up like Richard Vaughn—penniless, powerless, and begging for mercy."

"Refuse, and… well." He gestured to the folder. "This will find its way to the right people."

Damien tilted his head. "So, what will it be?"

Luther let out a low chuckle. "You're a real bastard, you know that?"

With Luther Cain under his control, Damien had just secured his first real power piece.

Luther wasn't just muscle—he was information, influence, and connections.

With him, Damien could begin tearing apart the old power structures of the city.

And for that, he had another target in mind.

A woman who could either become his greatest weapon… or his most dangerous rival.

Final Scene – The Queen of the Underworld

Damien stepped out of the car, looking up at the towering skyscraper before him.

And at the very top of that building?

Or at least, that's what she thought.

Damien adjusted his cufflinks, a slow smile forming.

The First Step to Power