A hidden location—far beyond the reach of Blackwood forces. Deep within the mountains, a fortress stood, concealed from the empire's watchful eyes. It was here that Adrian Blackwood had built his rebellion, gathering those who had once suffered under the empire's rule.
The air was thick with tension as Chris stepped into the dimly lit chamber. The guards who escorted him did not dare to breathe too loudly. They knew who he was. They knew that if he so wished, not a single one of them would leave this room alive.
And there, seated at the far end of the chamber, was Adrian.
For a moment, neither brother spoke. The silence between them stretched, filled with years of absence, betrayal, and unspoken words.
Adrian leaned back, his piercing gaze locked onto Chris. "I was expecting Ethan."
Chris smirked. "Ethan rules the empire. But I built it." He took another step forward, his presence swallowing the room. "You wanted my attention. Now you have it."
Adrian's expression remained unreadable. "The world doesn't belong to the Blackwoods, Chris."
Chris tilted his head slightly. "Doesn't it?"
Adrian exhaled sharply. "You think you've created something eternal. Something unshakable. But power built on control never lasts. The people may bow now, but one day, they will rise."
Chris chuckled. It was a low, dark sound. "You sound like a fool, Adrian. The people don't rise. They survive. And they survive under the strongest rule. That is the law of the world."
Adrian's jaw clenched. "You've enslaved them."
Chris shook his head. "I have given them order. Structure. Without me, they would have torn each other apart." He stepped closer. "You call yourself the 'Shadow Sovereign,' but you're nothing more than a man clinging to an old dream. The world before Blackwood was weak, divided, consumed by greed. And you want to bring that back?"
Adrian's fists tightened. "I want them to have a choice."
Chris's eyes darkened. "Choice is an illusion."
The two brothers stood face to face now, the weight of their history pressing down on them.
Adrian took a deep breath, his voice calm but firm. "Then tell me, Chris. Why are you here?"
Chris's smirk faded. "To offer you a choice."
Adrian frowned slightly.
Chris continued. "You can keep playing this game—hiding in the shadows, rallying the broken, striking at an empire you cannot destroy." His voice dropped lower, colder. "Or you can surrender, and I will spare those who follow you."
Adrian stared at him, searching for any trace of humanity in his brother's gaze. But Chris was unreadable.
Finally, Adrian let out a bitter laugh. "And if I refuse?"
Chris turned slightly, walking toward the exit. His final words echoed through the chamber.
"Then you die."
And with that, he was gone, leaving Adrian alone in the darkness, knowing that the war he had started was now inevitable.