Chapter 5 - The First Steps
Julian poured himself a glass of my most expensive whiskey and sat on the leather sofa across from me.
He casually informed me that he was officially taking full control of the syndicate.
He claimed my health was failing and the board of directors had voted to remove me from power.
Vance tightened his grip on his weapon, but I gave him a subtle look to stand down.
I played the role of the weak, defeated cripple perfectly.
I lowered my head, keeping my voice raspy and pathetic, asking Julian why he felt the need to betray his own blood.
Julian laughed, a cold and hollow sound that echoed off the library walls.
He told me the city needed a king who could actually stand up to his enemies.
He snapped his fingers, and his mercenaries stepped forward to disarm Vance.
Julian announced that I was being moved to a private medical facility outside the city for the rest of my miserable life.
He ordered his men to pack my things and clear the estate by dawn.
As Julian walked out of the room, leaving two armed guards behind to watch me, a dark fire ignited in my chest.
The guards stood near the doorway, laughing quietly and completely ignoring the paralyzed man in the corner.
Vance was kneeling on the floor with his hands zip-tied behind his back.
I waited until the guards turned their attention to a painting on the wall.
Then, gripping the armrests of my wheelchair, I planted my bare feet firmly on the hardwood floor.
I pushed my body upward.
My legs shook violently, the muscles screaming in protest after eight years of forced atrophy.
But they held my weight.
I stood up to my full height, towering in the shadows of the room.
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The guard on the left turned around and his jaw dropped open in absolute horror.
Before he could raise his rifle, I grabbed a heavy bronze statue from the desk and smashed it directly into his temple.
