The first thing Elara learned about Victor’s world was this.
Silence was never empty.
It was loaded.
She sat in the backseat of the car, hands folded tightly in her lap, eyes fixed on the road ahead. The city was waking up, unaware that deals were being made in the shadows that would shape its future.
Victor sat across from her, relaxed, reading messages on his phone.
“You handled yesterday well,” he said without looking up.
She did not respond.
“That silence,” Victor continued, amused, “it means you are thinking. Or regretting.”
“Both,” Elara said flatly.
Victor smiled. “Good. Regret keeps people obedient.”
Her jaw tightened. “I am not obedient.”
“No,” Victor agreed. “You are careful. That is much better.”
The car slowed and turned into an underground parking structure. Guards
