In the queen's private wing, there was a hidden dungeon—an underground maze of damp corridors, eerie and twisting. The walls were soaked with moisture, yet what drew attention most were the torches lining the passageways, casting shadows that hinted at mystery and fear. Darkness consumed everything that dared to glow. Daniel was led into one of the dungeon's rooms, accompanied by Queen Lina's personal maid, who had been trained in combat since childhood under the kingdom's finest warriors.
In truth, the Kingdom of Uruk held secrets unknown to most. Beneath the open skies and public eye, the royal knights served under the king's banner. But in the shadows, another army operated—one tasked with espionage, torture, and silent assassinations, all under Queen Lina's command.
Known as the Shadow Army, it was composed solely of women, invisible to the surface world. When execution was necessary, they employed the vilest of methods: seduction to death, so a man would perish without realizing how—or even that—he was dying, often in the very bed he thought safest. This was Lina's
invention, her means of ensuring she remained free from the dominion of any man, even the king.
Daniel was brought into a room furnished with a small bed and torture tools on the opposite wall. What startled him most were the chains at the corners of the bed clearly intended for restraint, almost as if they'd been prepared just for him. Before he could process it, Lara—the queen's personal maid—shoved him onto the bed and chained him at all four limbs.
Daniel felt irritated. He craved chaos and freedom, hated control. Now, here he was, strapped to an old bed, his body locked in place, unable to even lie on his stomach. The cold bite of the chains against his skin made him grimace. He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to endure. This was just the first step—freedom always came with a price.
In a lavish room that reflected its occupant's wealth, Max sat with his brother Alex, sipping the finest tea. But nightfall, reserved for drinking and indulgence, had yet to arrive, and both brothers longed for it to drown the blinding light of truth. Silence reigned, each lost in his thoughts. Satisfaction painted their faces—they had disposed of their greatest threat. Now, all that remained was to wait for Daniel's demise at the hands of their mother, who had turned from protecting him to seeking his death for stealing their sister's honor.
Suddenly, Max broke the silence.
"So now that we've removed the troublesome obstacle… how's
Elena?"
Alex stirred from his trance and answered,
"That idiot was brutal with her. I heard her screaming his name, cursing him loudly. I've never heard her speak that way before. She's alright now, though. She'll need about a week to fully recover."
Max sighed in relief. Markus's plan had worked
flawlessly—two birds with one stone. Now only one obstacle remained: his younger brother, Alex.
Eliminating Alex would be simple, nowhere near as complex as Daniel or Elena. Daniel had once been insignificant—just a worm trying to survive—but the power he'd displayed two weeks ago was alarming. Where had it come from? Only fate would reveal the answer.
As for Elena, she was diligent and intelligent, always striving to surpass her peers. She was Max's second biggest threat after Daniel. He had to break her, crush every dream she held. If not for Markus's warning, he might never have realized this. But Elena had one fatal flaw: her absolute faith in her family. She was, after all, a tender-hearted girl—dangerous when threatened, clinging to those closest to her.
Max felt the peak of his ambition within reach. Just one more step, and he would inherit the throne. Alex interrupted the silence,
"And what about our mother? Do you really think she'll kill Daniel? You know how she sees the world—not just in black and white. She always says there's a gray realm, full of choices."
Max replied,
"There's a small chance she'll kill him herself. But even if she doesn't, she'll make sure he never poses a threat to us again. One way or another, he'll be neutralized. So don't worry—everything's going according to plan."
Alex nodded, knowing Max was right. But hatred still burned in his eyes—hatred that was clear and unresolved. The reason was obvious: Elena, the beloved, untouchable sister, had been defiled by Daniel. That deep-seated hatred was growing, taking root in the darkest corners of his soul.
In another royal chamber, Caris and Lina lay side by side, catching their breath after a marathon of passion. Sweat covered their bodies, and the scent of sex lingered in the air. Caris spoke between gasps.
"What's come over you lately? You've grown so sensitive. That frustration you've bottled up all these years… it came pouring out."
She replied with a soft, breathy tone,
"I think you're going off to war soon, and I don't know if you'll return alive or dead. I just… don't want to have regrets about anything I didn't do for you."
She added playfully,
"And also to lift the spirits of the supreme commander, so he remembers to come back to a warm bed, longing and waiting for him."
Her words made Caris smile. A happiness he hadn't felt in a long time filled him. With a teasing tone, he said,
"I could never disappoint my queen—my beloved. I'll return victorious… so you'll have a body to wrap around yours again."
Lina laughed at his words.
But the laughter wouldn't last. Only two weeks remained before the great battle would begin, and peace would vanish. The kingdom was on the brink of devastation, and victory would not come easily—especially against the vast army of Ashur, renowned for its brutality. Their forces were massive, composed of the most fearsome wounded veterans and sons of prostitutes, men with nothing to lose. They were more disciplined than the army of Uruk, which fought for survival not domination, nor to crush its enemies.