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Christiana's POV
I stood in front of the grand marble mirror in the west wing chamber—my new quarters. The flames of the empire had nearly consumed me once. And now, I had risen from the ashes.
My fingers traced the golden insignia now pinned to my shoulder. "Blackwood Diplomatic Commander". A mouthful for some. But for me, it was a symbol of redemption. Power was never stripped from me—it was simply redirected. And now, I had something to prove… to everyone.
A knock.
> "Enter."
Amara stepped in, crisp as ever, eyes scanning the room like she always did.
> "You've been summoned," she said. "Council meeting. Your first as commander."
I smiled faintly. "Let them talk. I'll show them I'm not here to reclaim the past—I'm here to forge a future."
She didn't smile back. Amara never did. But she nodded once. That was enough.
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Council Room – Later That Day
The seats were full. Skylar on one end, elegant and unreadable. Amara beside her, arms crossed. And at the head, the King himself—Chris Blackwood. Still in all black, still the shadow that ruled the world.
He stood.
> "This meeting is to affirm Christiana's reinstatement as Diplomatic Commander. She'll begin with the Southern Factions. As you all know… they've been restless."
Murmurs spread through the room. Some supported me. Others didn't hide their disdain. I knew their eyes were sharp. Waiting for a single misstep.
But I didn't flinch.
> "If the Southern Factions want dialogue, they'll have it," I said, stepping forward. "But let it be clear—this empire does not beg. We extend our hand. Not bend our knees."
A few nobles nodded. Some still whispered. But the King only raised a brow—and gave a faint nod. That was all I needed.
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Classic's POV – Recovery Chambers
My chest still burned from the ordeal. The injection had nearly destroyed me. But I was healing. Slowly.
Father hadn't visited since the festival. Not directly. But I knew he was watching—always.
Christiana's return was all over the Dominion channels. Some hated her. Some were inspired. Me? I was just trying to breathe again.
But I couldn't shake the feeling…
> Something bigger is coming.
And this time, I'd need to stand on my own.
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Skylar's POV
Watching Christiana reclaim power brought back echoes of my younger self. Ambitious. Dangerous. Proud. But I'd learned long ago that love and leadership often tore at each other's throats.
I wasn't sure if Chris gave her this post to protect her… or test her.
Either way, I would be watching her just as closely as I once watched him.
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Chris's POV
The pieces were in motion.
Christiana had been restored.
Classic was healing.
And the world was watching—waiting to see if the Blackwoods could hold the weight of power without tearing each other apart.
But let them watch.
I built this empire from shadows and silence. I made gods out of mortals. And I still hold the crown that sits above them all.
Let the games begin.
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