Under the glowing chandelier of the "Glass Mausoleum" — an elite sky-hall above Ebonvale — three women circled Ochieng like wolves in silk.
Vivienne Thorne poured him a glass of obsidian wine.
Anaya Lioré traced her finger across his jawline.
Kira Sol played a silent melody on her diamond flute, eyes burning with want and warning.
They weren't there for affection.
They were there for war.
Vivienne leaned in. "There's only one throne, love. One Queen."
Ochieng didn't blink. "Then may the best illusion win."
The toast clinked. And a timer activated beneath the table. Five minutes to detonation.
---
Far below, Jayden and Tielen raced through the corridors. They had discovered it — the truth behind the vault.
Someone had placed a bomb beneath the Glass Mausoleum.
Jayden cursed. "Cairo's not done."
Tielen drew a knife. "No. But neither are we."
They reached the security node, only to find someone already there — hacking.
New Character:
Name: Zion Vale
Age: 20
Profession: Digital thief / underground philosopher
Attitude: Playful, dangerous, unpredictable genius
Flaws: Addicted to chaos
Appearance: Pink dreadlocks, one golden eye, cybernetic fingers
Background: Once Ochieng's roommate at the orphanage. Now sells truths for sport.
"I'm not disarming it," Zion smiled. "I'm speeding it up. Let's see who really survives love."
---
Back at the sky-hall, the temperature rose.
Kira pressed her body against Ochieng. "You remember the piano room? You kissed me first."
Vivienne rolled her eyes. "Child's play."
She yanked him into a kiss that sent shockwaves through the room — cameras flashed. Powerhouses watching remotely gasped.
Anaya remained quiet.
Then whispered in Ochieng's ear, "Maggy's already engaged. To Cairo."
Ochieng froze.
"She didn't tell you, did she?"
Anaya handed him a necklace.
Inside the pendant — a photo of Maggy and Cairo. Wedding bands. Kisses.
But what Anaya didn't know?
Ochieng had planted that photo himself. A trap.
He stood. "Ladies," he said, "the game ends now."
He pressed a remote.
Explosion timer: paused.
---
Suddenly, Maggy stormed in — wearing a blazing-red ceremonial gown stitched with firestones.
Gasps followed.
She wasn't alone.
Behind her stood Comfort, Linet, and even Wendy, dressed like goddesses of vengeance.
Maggy walked to Ochieng, slapped him once — hard.
"Don't play me," she said.
Then she kissed him. Not like a lover. Like a warrior staking her claim.
Vivienne broke her glass.
Anaya stepped back.
Kira smiled — she liked chaos.
Then Maggy turned to the room.
"I, Maggy Eliran Thorn, daughter of the Forgotten Line, claim the title of Iron Queen of the Ebon Chain. This man is mine. Let any woman who wants him come… and bleed."
The crowd roared.
---
The aftermath sparked wars across cities:
Saphirra Town declared Ochieng their god.
Drenmouth placed a billion-coin bounty on his head.
Luxurellia, home of the trillionaires, sent their princess — Amora Reign, 26, 6-foot enchantress with ice-blonde hair and lips that cursed emperors. Her goal? Seduce or destroy Ochieng.
---
That night, Ochieng stood alone.
In his hand — a letter from a woman named Elira.
No one had heard her name in over 200 chapters.
The letter read:
"The real war hasn't begun. I'll see you at the Crimson Promenade. Bring your heart. Or bury it."
---