Breaking the Order

On the Edge of Truth

"The greatest strength

is not in power,

but in knowing

when to use it."

Kylin

The world is dull. People are predictable.

They repeat their pitiful patterns, as if I haven’t seen them a hundred times before. Lies, greed, manipulation attempts—it’s all so obvious. Do they think they’re smarter than me? Amusing.

But last night, something changed. Her. Selina. Her name flickered like a spark amidst this dreary monotony.

Her courage bordered on recklessness, and that made me pause. Not because of her intentions—I’ll unravel those soon enough. But because she left a mark on my mind.

—She saved my life. But why? Why did she interfere? And how did she so easily fit into my game, as if her lines were pre-written?—

I watched the snowflakes dance outside the car window. Winter always made me reflective. The pristine landscape covered the city’s filth, but I knew it was still there. Just like behind Selina’s smile, her true motives remained hidden.

—Find out everything about her,— I ordered one of my men.

—Who she is, where she’s from. I need all the details.—

I watched as snow blanketed the sidewalks and cars, rare passersby rushing to escape the cold. People fear winter. "A white facade hiding a dark core," I thought. People always fear what they can’t control. But not her. Her confidence, her gaze, her movements… Selina was playing with me, testing how far she could push.

—Why did you save me? Why intervene? You knew it was dangerous, and yet you did it.—

—Sir, we’ve arrived,— my guard’s voice broke my thoughts.

I nodded, stepping out of the car without looking at him. The cold air stung my skin, sharpening my focus.

The warehouse was old, reeking of metal and dampness, and in this desolate space, three men awaited their fate.

They were just as pathetic as I expected. Tied to chairs, their faces glistened with sweat despite the cold. They tried to mask their fear, but it was futile. "Selina would’ve smiled, seeing them like this," the thought flitted through my mind. It tugged at the corners of my lips briefly before I regained my serious demeanor.

I stopped before them, letting their anxiety grow.

—A misunderstanding,— one of them finally stammered, his voice trembling.

I couldn’t suppress a smirk.

—A misunderstanding? Is that what you’d call trying to undermine my trust? Or blowing up my car?—

I stepped closer, and one of them instinctively averted his gaze.

—Untie him,— I ordered, my voice calm.

As the guard released his bonds, the man collapsed to the floor, unable to stand. I sat across from him, leaning forward.

—You can explain yourself. You have a chance. But if you waste it, you won’t leave this building.—

His eyes darted around, searching for an escape. But there was none. Not for him.

—You’re all so predictable. And yet, she… she’s different. I’ll find out why.—

I watched him. His breathing was erratic, his gaze unfocused. Any moment now, he’d break. People are weak. They shatter faster than they realize.

—Fascinating,— I said calmly, turning the knife in my hand. —You’re afraid to speak, even though silence won’t save you.—

His face paled, lips trembling.

—I… I just… We…—

I leaned in closer, letting him feel the chill of my stare.

—We? You mean who? Or can’t you even name them?—

He swallowed hard, his fists clenched. Another pitiful attempt to feel some semblance of control.

—If we… if we don’t return…— his voice faltered. —They… they’ll come for you.—

I smirked, tilting my head.

—They?— I repeated, savoring the word. —You seriously think you can scare me?—

My fingers traced the edge of the blade lazily.

—You know, I’ve met plenty like you. The ones who think they can make deals with the devil, and the ones who think they can escape the cost.

I leaned back in the chair, studying him like a scientist observing a failed experiment.

—Tell me,— I finally said. —Who are they? Who thinks they can challenge me?—

His eyes darted around, struggling to form words, but fear clouded his thoughts.

—They… they…— he whispered, and I saw a tear roll down his cheek. —If we don’t return on time, they’ll kill you.—

My lips twitched into a smile.

—Is that so? So your life isn’t even your own? You’re just a tool?—

I stood, my steps echoing through the empty warehouse.

—You’re right about one thing. Your life isn’t yours anymore. It belongs to me. And I will decide what to do with it.—

—Please,— he begged, collapsing to his knees as if it would change anything. —I’ll talk! I’ll tell you everything! Just… just don’t kill me!—

—Then start talking,— my voice dropped to a near whisper. —But remember, every word better be true. Otherwise...—

I turned to one of my men lurking in the shadows and gave a slight nod. He stepped forward, his silhouette casting a shadow over the trembling man.

—Otherwise, I won’t be as patient as I am now.—

The man tied next to him began trembling even more, his psyche cracking faster. One by one, they were breaking. And I kept observing, feeling nothing but cold satisfaction. "Selina would’ve said something sarcastic," the thought flickered. She had wormed her way into my mind again, a reminder that not everything in this world was as dull as these men.

—You have one minute to decide if you want to talk or not,— I said, tossing a knife onto the table. —After that, I’ll decide what to do with you.