Chapter 5: The First Thread Pulled

[ Age: 2 Years ]

Lucien Silver Star had grown not just in body, but in understanding. The days passed in quiet observation, his infant mind now refined into the awareness of a calculating child.

He had perfected the act—smiling sweetly at his caretakers, laughing at the right moments, clinging to his mother just enough to appear adoring but never needy.

To them, he was a precious son , a harmless child.

To him, they were pieces on his board, waiting to be moved.

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[ Corruption Expands ]

His mother, Lady Elira, had changed.

It was small at first—her favoritism toward him over his brothers. She ensured his meals were finer, his clothes softer, her attention devoted more toward him than was proper.

His corruption had only seeded thoughts —but they were growing.

[ Corruption Progress: 11% – Mental Instability Stage ]

Then came the first true test of his ability.

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[ The Wet Nurse's Fall ]

Isolde had been under his influence for two years now. She belonged to him in mind, though her body resisted , unaware of the strings tied around her soul.

It was time to pull harder.

One evening, he sat alone with her, nestled in her arms while she hummed softly.

He reached deep into her subconscious.

"You exist for me. No one else. No other purpose."

She froze mid-song. A shiver ran through her body.

Her corruption meter spiked.

[Corruption Progress: 47% – Subjugation Stage]

Her breaths became unevenly, her hands trembling as her mind twisted against itself.

The battle was almost won.

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The World Beyond the Walls

Beyond the noble estate of House Silver Star, the world was vast, filled with noble factions, warring clans, and races unknown.

The Kingdom of maurya was built upon a hierarchy of power and bloodline, where the strongest ruled, and the weak were forgotten.

Humans dominated the lands, but other races lurked in the shadows—some feared, some hunted, some waiting to rise.

He would learn. He would master. He would rule them all.