(Cassius and the others have set their sights on the weakest link in Raziel’s network—the Heart of Dominion. A city where the mortal rulers who serve the Archangel gather, believing themselves to be the true masters of the world. But they are nothing more than puppets, bound to Raziel’s will. And now, those strings will be severed. Infiltration begins. Destabilization follows. And soon, the cracks in Raziel’s empire will start to show.)

  This chapter contains political intrigue, deception, and the first steps toward toppling an empire. Themes of manipulation, rebellion, and exposing the lies of the powerful are heavily present. Reader discretion is advised.

  ?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? TARGET LOCATION: HEART OF DOMINION IDENTIFIED. ? DANGER LEVEL: MODERATE – HEAVILY GUARDED BY MORTAL FORCES. ? OBJECTIVE: DESTABILIZE THE NOBLE RULERS WHO SERVE RAZIEL.

  The city was massive.

  Towering structures of marble and gold, streets lined with ornate banners, noble families moving through the streets in lavish carriages pulled by creatures bred for status, not function.

  Cassius watched from the shadows, his expression void of emotion.

  "They live in comfort while others starve."

  Lorien, crouched beside him, narrowed her eyes.

  "They have no idea what’s coming."

  This place was the foundation of Raziel’s mortal rule.

  The rulers of the world believed themselves independent, but every decree, every law, every war they waged—all had been whispered into their ears by the Archangel.

  And now, those rulers were about to learn how fragile their power truly was.

  ?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? INFILTRATION BEGINS. ? TRACKING NOBLE ALLIANCES…

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  "No violence."

  Cassius’ voice was low, cold.

  "Not yet."

  The others nodded.

  This wasn’t about slaughtering nobles.

  Not yet.

  This was about spreading doubt. Weakening the foundation. Letting them destroy themselves.

  ?? HIGH-RANKING TARGETS IDENTIFIED:

  1?? Duke Everan Valcrest – Wealthiest noble, controls trade routes.

  2?? Lord Cedric Hawthorne – Military strategist, Raziel’s enforcer in mortal affairs.

  3?? Lady Evanna Raye – A ruler who profits from slavery and war.

  Lorien smirked.

  "We pull one thread, the whole thing unravels."

  Cassius nodded.

  "Then let’s start pulling."

  ?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? IMPLEMENTING STRATEGY: MANIPULATION AND DISINFORMATION. ? OBJECTIVE: TURN THE NOBLES AGAINST EACH OTHER.

  They didn’t need to strike directly.

  They only needed to let paranoia do the work for them.

  Rumors spread like wildfire.

  "Did you hear? The Valcrest family has been hoarding resources."

  "Lord Hawthorne’s forces are preparing for something big. Something… off the books."

  "Lady Evanna has been keeping secrets from the Tribunal. Raziel would not approve."

  Whispers became suspicion.

  Suspicion became tension.

  Tension became conflict.

  ?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? THE BALANCE HAS BEEN SHAKEN. ? RAZIEL’S MORTAL FORCES ARE TURNING ON ONE ANOTHER. ? WARNING: EXPECT RETALIATION.

  Cassius watched from the shadows as the first cracks formed.

  And he smiled.

  End of Chapter 14: The Crumbling Throne

  ?? Author's Note: This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and settings are purely imaginary. This novel contains dark themes meant to enhance the story and character development. Reader discretion is advised.