Damon’s POV)
The city was still sleeping when my war began.
By the time the sun broke over the horizon, three of Cassian’s safehouses were in flames, smoke choking the skyline.
My men moved like shadows, striking fast, leaving bodies in alleys, money scattered like ash. Every hand Cassian had planted in my empire was cut off at the wrist. Every whisper of loyalty to him was silenced with a blade across the throat.
I didn’t delegate this war. I led it. My knuckles split again and again as I broke bones, shattered teeth, forced names from trembling lips. I didn’t care if they begged. I didn’t care if they swore innocence. If their breath had once carried Cassian’s orders, I ended it.
By noon, the streets of the city stank of fear. And still, it wasn’t enough.
Cassian had branded my Ka
