The sleek private jet descended smoothly, its engines humming steadily as it approached the private airstrip. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the sprawling estate. Inside, a man sat in silence, hands folded, exuding a quiet yet undeniable authority.
Zane "The King" Victor.
The king of the underworld. The man who inherited a criminal empire and ruled it with an iron fist. Wealth, power, influence—everything was at his fingertips.
The jet touched down, and as the door opened, Zane stepped out. Dressed in a tailored black suit, his piercing gaze swept over the private airstrip. A smirk played on his lips. This was his city. His kingdom.
A black limousine awaited him, but before he could step in, a sharp-eyed woman in a fitted black suit approached.
"Boss, we've got a situation," she said, her voice firm yet urgent. "A new enemy has appeared in the city. They're making moves, and it's starting to look like a real threat."
Zane stopped mid-step. His sharp eyes flickered with annoyance. A threat? In my city?
"No one threatens me," he said, voice calm but razor-sharp. "This city is mine. Nothing changes that."
His assistant hesitated. "I'm just saying, we might want to—"
"It's not a problem," Zane interrupted, his tone absolute. "I'll deal with it. Prepare the men."
She nodded without another word. Everyone knew—when Zane spoke, things happened.
The Show of Power
Zane slid into his black sports car, the engine roaring as he sped toward the warehouse district. If someone dared challenge him, he would put them in their place.
Arriving at the scene, he saw them—a group of armed men gathered outside a warehouse, thinking they could stake a claim in his territory.
He stepped out, his gang already in formation behind him. The air was thick with tension as the rival gang leader stepped forward, a feigned look of confidence in his eyes.
"You think you can challenge me in my own city?" Zane's voice was controlled, but it carried a weight that made the rival flinch.
One of Zane's lieutenants leaned in. "Boss, they're small-time. We could wipe them out right now."
Zane raised a hand, signaling for patience. He didn't need senseless bloodshed to prove a point. His presence alone was enough.
Then, in a flash, he moved. A single step forward—one strike. A man dropped, unconscious before he even hit the ground. Another moved to attack, but Zane was faster, dodging effortlessly and landing a blow that sent the man crumbling to his knees.
Within moments, the so-called "threat" lay sprawled on the pavement, groaning in pain. The remaining gang members scrambled away in terror.
"You still got it, boss," his lieutenant chuckled.
Zane didn't respond. Petty criminals didn't concern him. He had more important things waiting at home.
The Gift for His Wife
As he drove back, something tugged at his mind.
Lena.
His wife. His anchor. The only thing that kept him grounded in this world of chaos.
Then it hit him. Today was their anniversary.
A rare flicker of guilt surfaced. How could he forget?
Making a quick detour, he pulled into a luxury boutique. The shopkeeper greeted him with a knowing smile.
"Something special for your wife, sir?"
Zane nodded. "Make it meaningful."
Minutes later, he left with an exquisite bouquet of roses and a box of premium chocolates. He imagined the way Lena's eyes would light up when he gave them to her.
For a moment, he allowed himself to smile.
The Return Home
But as he neared his mansion, something was wrong.
Why is it so bright?
At first, he thought it was just the streetlights. But as he got closer, his heart pounded.
Then, he saw it.
Flames.
His mansion was on fire.
The bouquet and chocolates tumbled to the ground as Zane slammed the brakes, jumped out, and ran toward the inferno.
"Lena!"
His voice was raw, desperate.
The heat was unbearable, smoke thick in the air, but he didn't care. He barreled through the front door, ignoring the searing pain as flames licked at his suit.
Then—his world shattered.
Lena lay on the floor. Blood pooled beneath her. Stab wounds covered her body.
His breath caught. His chest tightened.
"No... no, no, no!" Zane collapsed to his knees, pulling her into his arms. Her once-warm skin was already growing cold.
His vision blurred. His hands trembled as he cradled her face.
"Lena… stay with me," he whispered. But there was no response.
Then—BANG!
A gunshot rang out.
Pain tore through his back. His body jerked, his strength fading.
He collapsed beside Lena, blood pooling beneath him. His breaths became ragged.
A shadowy figure approached, their face obscured by the smoke.
Zane tried to focus, to see his enemy, but his vision darkened.
Is this… how it ends?
His world faded.
Then—light.
A soft glow beneath him. A strange, intricate circle appeared on the ground, pulsing with energy.
For a split second, he felt his body being lifted, his consciousness pulled away from the burning wreckage of his life.
Before he could question it—
Everything turned white.
End of Chapter 1