Darius' POV – Outside the Sealed Chamber
The massive double doors of the imperial chamber loomed before me, flanked by four elite B.A.M. guards, each one standing like a statue, rifles held upright across their chests. The glowing red strip across the top of the arch screamed "Sealed by Royal Order."
But I didn't care.
My fists pounded once more. "Open this damn door!"
One of the guards turned to me, helmet visor down, voice mechanical. "Apologies, Commander Darius. Supreme Ruler Chris issued direct orders. No entry permitted until dismissed."
I stepped closer, barely containing my fury. "I am Commander of the Outer Intelligence Division. You answer to me when it comes to palace security breaches. Do you understand what that means?"
The guards didn't flinch.
I took a breath. My voice dropped lower—quieter, but far more dangerous.
"Chris disappeared for weeks. You remember that, don't you? During that silence, I coordinated the defense of this empire. I kept Amara's reign intact. And now he returns and blocks me out like a traitor?"
Still, silence.
I tapped my badge. "Override access, Code Black-D-777. Step aside."
The red light above the door blinked—then flashed ACCESS DENIED.
My heart slammed in my chest.
"He revoked my override codes…" I muttered.
The guards shifted slightly. One reached toward their side communicator, probably alerting the internal team that I was pushing for entry.
I narrowed my eyes.
"Tell Chris if he wants loyalty, locking me out is the wrong move," I growled. "Because the next time someone points a gun at him—it won't be one of my men. But I might not stop it either."
I turned, cloak sweeping behind me as I stormed off—but not far.
I stood at the corridor's corner, hidden in shadow, eyes on that door.
If he hurt her—if anything happened in that chamber—no law, no rank, no legacy would stop me.
Not even him.