Scene: Chris' Chamber – Immediate Continuation
Chris turned slowly from Amara, his eyes devoid of emotion. There was no more warmth, no lingering affection—only cold, imperial steel.
He reached for the black communication orb embedded into the chamber wall, pressed his thumb to it. A soft chime. Connection active.
"Captain Reign," he said into the air, voice calm yet deadly, "you have five seconds to draw your weapon and shoot Commander Darius outside this chamber. This is not a request. This is an imperial order from Blackwood One."
There was a sharp pause.
Amara's eyes widened slightly. She opened her mouth as if to interject, but stopped herself. This wasn't her battle. Not now.
The comm crackled.
"Yes, Supreme Ruler. Confirming: lethal force authorized?"
Chris didn't hesitate. "Yes. Shoot him. Now."
Silence.
Then—
Bang!
A single shot echoed from outside the chamber. Muffled, but undeniable. Final.
Amara's breath caught.
Chris didn't flinch. He turned back toward the center of the room, walked calmly to the crystal decanter of Blackwood Gold Brandy, poured a drink, and downed it in one go.
A moment later, the orb chimed again.
"Target neutralized, Supreme Ruler," said Captain Reign. "Awaiting further orders."
Chris exhaled.
"Leave the body where it fell. I want every single soldier in this castle to walk past it. A reminder."
"Yes, Supreme Ruler."
He turned to Amara at last. She stared at him, unreadable.
"I told you," he said quietly, "don't make me your enemy. And I meant it for everyone."