The city slept, but the streets whispered of unrest. Government officials who had secretly plotted against Lucius moved carefully, unaware that every step left traces.
Adrian Crowe sat in his study, reviewing every law, contract, and backroom deal. "They are striking," he muttered, lips tight. "But they move into my hands. I will see them crushed before they realize it."
Darius Veylan sharpened his knives and axes, the Butcher of Shadows preparing for the inevitable. "Enzo," he said, "tonight you learn the cost of hesitation. The enemy will not wait for mercy. Neither will we."
Enzo nodded, feeling the weight of Darius's expectations. The boy had grown into a weapon, yet tonight would test the edge of his resolve.
Silvio Marcellus studied city layouts and political contacts. "They have infiltrated three government offices," he said, pointing to marked buildings on his maps. "Our response must be precise. Strike wrong, and the city will erupt in chaos. Strike right, and we end them in one night."
Ravenna Veyra sharpened her blades, humming softly. "They will know fear. Every scream, every plea will remind them of who rules this city. I will not fail."
Cain Mortalis simply raised his axe, the Silent Executioner waiting patiently. His presence alone made even seasoned soldiers hesitate.
Victor Draemont called for his financial analysts. "Freeze accounts. Divert funds. Make sure their support crumbles the moment we move."
Selene knelt at Lucius's feet, chains lightly clinking. "I will find their leaders, master. I will make them suffer before you decide their fate."
Lucius's crimson eyes scanned his council. "Tonight, the Devil shows his teeth. Loyalty will be rewarded. Betrayal, punished. Let the city remember who rules from the shadows."
The strike began at midnight. Darius led Enzo through the alleys, moving silently, blades gleaming under the moonlight. Government offices were breached, conspirators eliminated before alarms could sound.
Silvio coordinated the attack from the estate, sending signals and adjusting tactics in real time. Every movement of the enemy was countered before they could act.
Ravenna appeared in the enemy's barracks like a nightmare made flesh. Her blades whispered death, leaving chaos and screams in her wake.
Cain Mortalis executed the most dangerous officials with surgical precision. One swing of his axe, and the man who had plotted to undermine Lucius was gone, leaving the room in terrified silence.
Adrian Crowe ensured that legal repercussions would protect Lucius and his council. Judges ruled in his favor, contracts voided, and any investigation was diverted or discredited.
Victor Draemont froze the conspirators' financial support, making sure that no hidden funds could buy weapons, bribes, or influence. Their networks collapsed like a house of cards.
Selene captured the key figures who had planned to betray Lucius. She tortured them mercilessly, extracting every hidden connection, every secret, and brought the information to Lucius personally.
Lucius observed the aftermath from his tower. The city had been cleansed of the immediate threat, and yet his crimson eyes were sharp. "This is only the beginning," he whispered, lips curling into a cruel smile.
The captured conspirators trembled at the estate, realizing too late that they had underestimated the Devil. Their whispers revealed the names of others, deeper and more dangerous, hidden in government offices they thought untouchable.
Lucius turned to his council, his grin wide and terrifying. "There are more who believe they can challenge me. Prepare yourselves. The next wave is coming, and it will test everything we have built."