BLOOD CROWN

SEASON 3: THE RISE OF MARIAN; Part 1*Chapter One: A Name in the Shadows

Kade could still hear the Syndicate's message.

WE SEE YOU.

It posed no danger.

It was a declaration.

It had finally dawned on someone within the Marian Syndicate that the illicit economy of the city was being reshaped by an unseen hand. Millions of dollars in profits had silently moved into unidentified hands, shipments had vanished, and dealers had switched allegiances.

They were still unsure of whose, though.

Kade's biggest weapon was that ignorance.

Rain pounded on the windows of a deserted warehouse with a view of the docks to the east. Eight men and one women, who had gradually committed themselves to Kade rather than the Syndicate, were seated around a steel table.

"Our influence now reaches seven districts," Juno stated, spreading a map of the city across the table. "Nearly forty independent distributors buy directly from us."

A man smiled and said, "We're becoming an empire."

Kade gave a headshake.

"No."

Everyone turned to stare at him. "Empires make noise."

He gave the map a tap.

"We're still becoming a rumor."

The room fell silent.

They followed him because of this.

He became more cautious with each triumph.

Juno gestured to the harbor.

"The Syndicate has increased security."

"They expected that," Kade said. "They'll expect another attack." "And?"

"We won't attack."

The chamber scowled.

Rather, Kade grinned and said, "We'll buy."

As everyone readied themselves for another conflict, Kade surreptitiously started utilizing shell corporations to buy failing enterprises all throughout the city.

nightclubs.

transportation firms.

facilities for storage.

import companies.

Once-d**g-related money now went through legal fronts.

It moved more slowly.

more tidy.

much more difficult to find.

The Chairman used terror to rule.

Kade wanted to use infrastructure to govern.

"You've surprised my father," Amara said when she showed up by herself late that evening.

With a view of the water, Kade rested on the warehouse railing.

"I was hoping to." "No."

Stepping next to him, she said, "You've frightened him."

Turning, Kade remarked, "I thought you said your father feared nothing."

With a little smile, Amara said, "He doesn't."

"He fears losing control." There is a pause.