The whispers traveled faster than the morning wind. Ministers and advisors hurried through marble corridors, their polished shoes clattering against floors, voices shaking as they spoke in hushed tones. Every noble house that had once scoffed at the streets had now bowed before Lucius Draxion, and the city itself seemed to recognize a shift in power too great to ignore.
"Have you seen the reports?" one minister asked another, fingers trembling as he held the parchment. "The nobles of Valerion… they have bent their knees. They have pledged themselves to him."
"Impossible," replied his companion, eyes wide. "No gangster, no criminal has ever made the blue bloods submit. Yet here we are, watching it happen without a blade drawn."
Silence fell for a moment. The city held its breath as officials realized the truth. If Lucius could bend the proudest houses to his will, who could resist him? Who could hope to survive his gaze?
At Lucius's estate, the council watched as reports came in. Victor Draemont's fingers tapped on the table, reading the latest updates from every noble quarter. "They move like chess pieces," he said. "Every house bending, every alliance reconsidered. This is more than obedience. This is complete fear."
Darius Veylan's gaze was sharp. "Fear does not falter. The moment they try to resist, we remind them of who holds the leash."
Ravenna Veyra grinned, twirling a dagger lazily. "And if any dare plot? We will carve their ambition into the walls for all to see. The Devil does not tolerate hesitation."
Cain Mortalis stood silent, but his presence was enough to make even the council pause. One look at his axe reminded them that enforcement came without mercy.
Enzo watched with wide eyes, absorbing the scale of their master's influence. "Master," he said quietly, "you do not just rule the streets or the nobles. You rule the very fear in their hearts. You are… more than I imagined."
Lucius's crimson eyes glimmered as he turned to the council. "Fear is not weakness. It is a tool, a crown that rests heavier than any gold. They obey because they understand it is better than death or disgrace."
Adrian Crowe adjusted his spectacles, pointing to reports of ministers whispering and secret letters intercepted. "The laws, the courts, even the ministers themselves—they bend before him now. Resistance is not only futile, it is impossible without utter ruin."
Victor leaned back in his chair, sipping wine. "They thought wealth or lineage could shield them. It cannot. Lucius has made fear the true currency, and everyone will pay."
Ravenna's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Some will plot, some will whisper. Others will crawl. Let them try to defy. We will remind them how fragile pride is."
Darius nodded, sharpening his blades. "Every move they make is already anticipated. Let them tremble as we strike."
Lucius's gaze swept over the council. "Prepare for whispers. Let every plot be uncovered, every hesitation punished. The city must know that even palaces are shadows beneath my rule."
In the government chambers, ministers debated nervously. "If we resist, he will see every plan before we act," one said, voice low. "We cannot even hide from him anymore."
Another shook his head. "To submit is to survive, but at what cost? Our offices, our influence, our dignity—all will belong to him."
Outside, the streets reflected the tension within the walls. Merchants whispered in markets, guards exchanged wary glances, and servants carried news up and down corridors. Every corner of the city recognized the presence of a force that could not be opposed openly.
Enzo remained at Lucius's side, absorbing every detail. "Master," he whispered, "they feel your shadow in every hall, in every chamber. They see it, even if they do not know your face."
Lucius's smile was calm, cold, and commanding. "Good. Let them recognize the Devil in every decision, every decree. Let them fear me not for blood alone, but for the reach of my will."
Adrian outlined plans to monitor nobles and ministers alike, intercepting letters, predicting whispers, and shaping the city silently. "We will know their thoughts before they are spoken," he said.
Victor added, "And their wealth, their influence, all of it flows to him indirectly. The city bends because even power itself fears the Devil."
Ravenna's grin widened. "And if any dare to oppose? I will ensure their screams echo through their marble halls."
Darius's eyes gleamed. "Fear is discipline. Obedience is survival. Those who hesitate will be reminded immediately."
Cain Mortalis adjusted his grip on his axe. His silence spoke louder than words, a promise that failure would be met with swift, brutal consequences.
Lucius's gaze swept the city from his tower, crimson eyes taking in every street and alley. "Let them tremble. Let them bow. Let them learn that I am not a ruler of crime, but a master of fear. Every corner of this city is mine, every whisper belongs to me."
The city, once proud and defiant, now shivered under the weight of the Devil's reach. Ministers, nobles, and criminals alike understood the unspoken truth. Resistance was meaningless. Submission was survival. And fear… fear was the crown that Lucius wore without needing gold.
Enzo stepped back, awe etched on his face. "Master… the city itself bends. They do not resist, they do not plan openly. They are already yours."
Lucius's smile widened, crimson eyes glinting. "And this is only the beginning. Let the whispers grow. Let them tremble even more. Soon, all who think themselves untouchable will learn the price of defiance."