Garrick's hand trembled violently as he pressed the glowing quill against the magical parchment. As the ink settled, a faint blue light flared from the contract, binding his life, his syndicate, and his absolute loyalty to Winterhaven Holdings.
Sylas Thorne calmly rolled up the parchment and tucked it into his robes. "The contract is sealed, Madam. The Black Vipers are officially a subsidiary of your empire."
Stephanie stood in the center of the filthy warehouse, looking down at the kneeling crime boss. She didn't look like a conqueror reveling in bloodshed; she looked like a CEO who had just successfully restructured a failing department.
"Get up, Garrick," Stephanie ordered smoothly. "We have a lot of work to do."
Garrick slowly pushed himself off the stone floor, keeping a terrified eye on the towering Demon King who stood just inches behind the Queen.
