The crowd gasped as Pravar and the guard fell, their lifeless bodies sprawled on the ground. Even Ashvapati, who had seen his share of violence, was taken aback by Arya's swift and merciless decision. The twins instinctively took a step back.
A hush fell over the pit.
Raghav broke the silence, stepping forward, his voice filled with disbelief. "What have you done, Arya? Why kill them?"
Arya turned sharply to face him. His expression was firm and his eyes had a cold certainty. Then, he looked past Raghav, his gaze sweeping over the gathered soldiers, the pit fighters, and the onlookers who had borne witness to the executions.
"What you saw here," Arya's voice measured and unwavering, "will happen to anyone who betrays the pit. A single act against our city, even the smallest theft, will earn the same punishment. This is the price of treachery."
The weight of his words settled over the gathering. For a moment, silence reigned. Then, a murmur spread through the crowd, growing into a roar. The eruption was not of outrage, but of acceptance. The soldiers stood taller, their wavering doubts vanishing. Arya had made a statement—one that could not be ignored. Even Ganak, who had held reservations about Arya's methods, gave an agreeing nod. This was not an impulsive act of desperation. This was a calculated move, a declaration of power.
In the months since he had taken control, Arya had displayed authority, but now he was commanding fear as well. Respect was one thing, but fear ensured obedience. Some doubted him, others questioned his rise, but after today, no one would dare to openly challenge him. This execution had two purposes: to warn the city of the consequences of betrayal and to send a clear message to Sharvas—Arya was not to be taken lightly.
As word spread through the city, reactions varied. Some were horrified, others merely nodded in grim approval. But one thing was undeniable: Arya had solidified his control. The Council of Merchants, which had previously hesitated in fully supporting him, now reached a unanimous decision. Trade and business would align with Arya's rule. His reputation had shifted—no longer a mere successor, no longer a gamble. He was now a force to be reckoned with.
In Sharvas's fortress, the crates were pried open by his men. As the contents were revealed, a stunned silence fell over the room. The bodies lay there, eyes glazed.
Sharvas's hands curled into fists as fury twisted his features. "That arrogant boy," he hissed, his voice barely controlled rage. "He dares?"
Raktapasu, standing at his side, watched the scene unfold. His expression was harder to read, but there was no mistaking the tension in his posture. "This is bold. More than I expected."
Sharvas exhaled sharply, then barked out, "Summon Yamsabha. Now."
The Yamsabha hall was filled with tension when Arya arrived. He stepped inside with Ashvapati and the twins at his side. The warlords were already present, their expressions ranging from intrigue to hostility. At the center, the crates lay open for all to see, the bodies still inside.
Sharvas stood at the head of the room, his rage barely contained. "What is the meaning of this, Arya?" he demanded.
Arya's reply was calm, almost mocking. "Oh, you mean the corpses? Those two were behind the smuggling operations in my territory. I dealt with them accordingly."
Raktapasu took a measured step toward Arya. "And what proof do you have that they were responsible? A mere guard and an officer from your own city?"
Arya turned his attention to the gathered warlords. "I caught them red-handed, smuggling goods under the cover of night. It was an act of treason against my rule and, by extension, against Yamsabha itself. I did what any of you would have done."
He let the words sink in before continuing. "But let's consider this for a moment. A mere officer and a guard wouldn't dare such acts unless they had strong backing. The officer may have held some influence, but a guard? What gave him the confidence to be part of this?"
The room went still as Arya pointed to the weapons found on the captured guard. "We all know who carries such weapons."
All eyes turned to Sharvas. His face darkened, but he scoffed. "Planted evidence. A weapon found in a dead man's hands proves nothing."
Arya's smile was cold. "You are right. A single weapon proves nothing. But how about these?" The twins stepped forward, presenting arrows wrapped in cloth. "These were used to kill the merchants who tried to warn me of the smuggling ring. You recognize them, don't you?"
The silence in the hall was deafening. The arrows bore the distinct craftsmanship of Sharvas's territory. His eyes flickered with momentary surprise before narrowing.
"This is a fabrication," he spat. "You are twisting events to suit your own agenda!"
Arya nodded. "Perhaps. Or perhaps the truth is simply inconvenient. But if you need more, I have something else for you."
At his signal, his men dragged a figure into the room. Kalanemi, hands bound, looked up at the gathered warlords. Recognition dawned in their eyes—he had been Upendra's trusted servant for years.
Kalanemi's voice was steady despite his predicament. "Yatnish bribed me. He orchestrated Upendra's assassination, intending to place himself in power. And he did so with the promise of support from Sharvas."
Gasps rippled through the warlords. Sharvas's face twisted in fury. "Lies! This is nothing but a plan against me!"
"Is it?" Parashar's voice cut through the tension. He turned toward Sharvas. "Strange how Arya's arrival coincided with the uncovering of the truth, rather than its creation."
Sharvas's fists slammed onto the table. "You dare question me, Parashar?"
Savignya spoke next, his voice thoughtful. "Then how do you explain all of this? What would Arya gain from fabricating such an elaborate scheme?"
The room was divided. Kritipal, after a long silence, finally stepped forward. "Looking at the evidence, it does seem that Sharvas's men were involved. But we cannot dismiss the possibility that Arya orchestrated this to weaken a rival. The truth is unclear. Do we trust a newcomer or the man we have known for years?"
Sharvas exhaled, knowing he still had allies. Raktapasu stood with him, as did Eknandini. But then Dhanudanda spoke, his voice grim. "If you are lying, Arya, remember this—I will be the first to end you."
And with that, the Yamsabha was split.
The balance of power had shifted, but whether Arya had gained enough ground remained uncertain. The battle for control was far from over.