Maxwell's Private Chambers
The pen in Aiden's hand felt heavier, like it was tied to a stone.
His grip was tight and his knuckles had gone white. The contract in front of him was a declaration of surrender, a complete forfeiture of his empire to Maxwell! Maxwell watched him with a mocking patience, reclining lazily in his chair. "Ticktock, cousin," he mused. "I don't have all night, you know."
Behind the glass wall, Jayden and Amira still sat bound and bruised. Jayden's head dangled slightly forward, with blood trickling from his forehead. Amira, who was always stubborn, kept her eyes fixed on Maxwell, her heart was filled with disdain.
Marina was seated beside Aiden, her hands were balled into fists on her lap. She secretly wished for Aiden not to sign the cursed contract.
Maxwell tapped the table once, and then twice.
"I won't ask again, Aiden." he warned, "Sign… or they die!"
