Chapter 25: Secrets of the Black Feather
The dim light of Leo's study cast elongated shadows across the walls, mirroring the weight of the information he had just received. Across from him sat an informant—a man whose face bore the weariness of someone who had seen too much. His eyes darted nervously, scanning the room as if he expected danger to emerge from the corners.
Leo leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "Tell me everything you know about the Black Feather."
The man hesitated, wringing his hands. "It's not something you can understand easily, Mr. Leo. Black Feather... it's not just an organization—it's a system, a power structure that's existed for decades. Seven members sit at its core, each bearing a symbol that signifies their rank and role. But only one among them is the leader, the King."
Leo's brow furrowed. "The King?"
The informant nodded. "The King's mark is unlike the others. While the rest bear their symbols on their hands or waists, the King's symbol is a massive feather tattoo, spanning his back. It's black with streaks of blood-red, a sign of his absolute authority. He's the one who controls everything—money, power, and even lives. The King isn't just a man; he's an idea, a force that bends the world to his will."
Leo leaned back in his chair, digesting the words. "And these members—how powerful are they?"
The man gave a hollow laugh, his voice tinged with fear. "Powerful enough to make kings bow and nations crumble. They don't operate like other organizations. They don't negotiate, they don't leave witnesses, and they don't fail. If they want something, it's as good as theirs. The King... he's not someone you want to cross."
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A Dangerous Curiosity
Leo's mind raced with the implications. His business empire was vast, his influence significant, but this... this was something on an entirely different level.
"Why are you telling me this?" Leo asked, suspicion lacing his tone.
The informant's gaze hardened. "Because someone needs to stand against them. They've grown too comfortable, too powerful. But be warned: if you dig too deep, you might not like what you find."
The weight of those words lingered as the man left, disappearing into the night like a phantom. Leo stared at the glass of whiskey in his hand, his thoughts a storm of questions.
Who was the King? And why did it feel as if this shadowy empire was closer to him than he realized?
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The Inquiry
Later that evening, Leo called Marco into his private quarters. The man entered, his usual confident demeanor replaced by an edge of caution.
"What did you learn about Black Feather?" Leo asked, his tone clipped.
Marco sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Not much. They cover their tracks well. But from what little I could find, they don't just control crime. They have legitimate businesses, political ties, and influence in places most people can't even imagine. They're untouchable."
Leo's jaw tightened. "Nothing's untouchable."
Marco shook his head. "You don't understand, Boss. These people operate on a different level. They've got reach, resources, and the ruthlessness to do whatever it takes. One wrong move, and..." He trailed off, unwilling to finish the thought.
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The Warning
As the night deepened, Leo found himself unable to shake the unease creeping into his mind. The Black Feather was more than just a threat—it was an enigma, a dark force that seemed to defy logic.
And then, just as he began to drift into restless sleep, his phone buzzed with a notification.
"Stop looking into us, or the consequences will be severe. - B.F."
The message was simple, yet its implications were chilling. Someone was watching him.
Leo's hand clenched around the phone. He wasn't one to back down from a challenge, but this was unlike anything he had ever faced.
Still, one thought lingered in his mind as he stared at the ominous initials: Who was the King?
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