Scene: The Throne Chamber, 24 Hours Later
Chris's POV
The doors of the Great Hall slammed open with a thunderous echo that silenced every soul within.
I stepped in, dressed in pure obsidian-black robes stitched with gold thread — not for elegance, but for war. My aura was untouchable, heavy, god-like. Even the walls seemed to tremble.
They thought they'd seen my fury before. They had no idea.
Classic, my son, was in critical condition. His blood spilled because of a war that should've never begun.
And the man who allowed it?
Xavier. The Cainner.
He stood to the side of the throne, flanked by his elite guards. His face was unreadable, but I didn't need expressions — I saw everything.
I ascended the marble steps, my gaze sweeping across the hall, the nobles, the generals, the ministers.
Then I spoke, voice low… but it rumbled like thunder.
"The bullet that pierced my son's chest came from a Cainner's gun. From your ranks, Xavier."
Gasps echoed through the chamber. Xavier took a step forward, lips parting.
"My Lord, I—"
"Silence." I didn't shout, but the weight of that one word crushed the room into submission.
"You, Xavier Blackwood, stood as equal to the Dictator. You were given the power of a god amongst men. But you forgot one thing."
I stepped closer. Each syllable was a death sentence.
"You answer… to me."
I raised my hand.
"As of this moment, your title of Cainner is stripped. Your rank, your command, your access, your council seat—revoked. You are to be held under military arrest until judgment day."
Gasps turned to stunned silence. Xavier's men did not move.
But mine did.
Shadow Sentinels flooded the room like a storm, surrounding him with blades drawn, faces void of emotion. This wasn't politics. This was retribution.
Xavier stared me down. Not defiant. Not afraid.
Broken.
"I didn't order the shot…" he murmured, as the Shadow Sentinels closed in.
I stepped toward him, leaning in close, cold fury in my eyes.
"And yet, he bled. That's all history will remember."
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Christiana's POV
I watched it all from the corner. For once, I said nothing.
Chris—Father—was not human in that moment. He was pure fury incarnate.
Whatever pride I had for my position, whatever anger I held over Xavier's challenge... it vanished in the face of this power.
He had turned his wrath into law. And now, a former godlike figure was being dragged out of the court like a criminal.
The Empire would feel this quake for centuries.
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BNN Special Broadcast:
> "In a shocking move by Supreme Ruler Chris Blackwood, Xavier Blackwood—formerly known as The Cainner—has been stripped of all titles, authority, and power. This comes after a formal accusation that a Cainner soldier fired the bullet which critically injured Classic Blackwood, the heir to the Empire.
The Shadow Sentinels, Chris's most feared enforcers, have detained Xavier. Unrest is stirring. The Dictator remains silent. The world watches."
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Chris's POV
I sat on the throne, hand resting against the armrest, flames of anger still burning inside me.
Classic's life hung in the balance.
And someone would pay.
But this was just the beginning.
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E