Chapter 3 - The Shadow Behind the Throne
Mara sank to her knees beside the bed, terrified that even repeating the child's words would cost them their lives. "She signed... 'The man with the silver ring on his thumb,'" Mara whispered, her body trembling so violently her maid apron rustled in the quiet room. "The man who always carries the heavy brass keys."
Damian’s jaw clenched tightly. The silver signet ring belonged to Viktor, his trusted right-hand lieutenant and head of house security for over twelve years. Viktor had been at Damian’s side through every turf war, every triumph, and every tragedy. The idea that Viktor was slowly pouring lethal toxins into his daily heart medication sent a cold fury through Damian's veins that temporarily conquered his physical weakness.
"She must be mistaken," Damian said softly, though his dark eyes burned with dangerous intrigue. He looked closely at Lila, who remained sitting on the silk duvet, holding her gray stuffed rabbit under one arm while tapping her chest softly in sign language. She pointed to her pink hearing device behind her ear, then pointed out toward the balcony doors.
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"What is she saying now?" Damian asked Mara, his tone shifting from suspicion to an intense, quiet focus. Mara looked up, her eyes wide with fresh panic. "She says... she didn't just see him put the white powder in your bottle. She heard him talking on his radio on the balcony, because her hearing aid was turned up high. He was speaking to someone who promised him your empire."
👉 Keep reading to find out who was pulling the strings from behind Viktor’s betrayal.
