And then… the second family stepped forward.
The Blackwood Family.
The Lord of the Blackwood Family, Vincent's father, was not like the others.
He did not bring gold.
He did not bring technology.
He brought death.
And proof of loyalty written in blood.
Behind him, six chained figures were dragged into the hall.
The world gasped as they recognized who they were.
💬 "Those are the heads of the six families who tried to betray the Raventhorn-Vasiliev dynasty in secret."
💬 "He's offering them as sacrifices to Anastasia."
The men screamed behind their gags, their eyes filled with terror.
Vincent's father turned to Anastasia.
"My Queen," he said darkly, "these men conspired against you."
"And I offer their lives to you as proof of my family's undying loyalty."
The room was deathly silent.
The world watched in horror.
And then, Anastasia raised her hand.
Without a flicker of hesitation, she lowered her fingers.
The executioners moved.
A second later, six heads rolled across the marble floor.
💬 "Oh my god—"
💬 "She just… she just killed them without a second thought."
💬 "This… this is a message to the world."
💬 "Challenge her, and you die."
Anastasia smiled, her perfect lips curving into something deadly.
"A rare and valuable gift," she murmured. "I accept."
And that was that.
The Blackwood Family had officially sworn its loyalty.