Page 58 of The CEO

“If that’s what you’d like to call it.”

I take a seat, watching Eve’s expression as she takes in the full scope of my power.

“Do you understand now?” I ask, my voice echoing in the chamber. “This is where we determine fates. Where we pass sentence. Where we separate the worthy from the damned.”

She moves forward slowly, her fingers trailing along the ancient wood of the council table. “So this is where you play god?”

“Play,”I repeat the word back to her with an irreverent chuckle. “I become someone I must. The traditional God has abandoned this city to corruption and greed. The old systems of justice have failed. Power flows to those willing to wield it. No matter how ugly.”

“And you’re willing?”

“I’m necessary.” I rise from the throne, descending the three steps to stand before her. “As are the others who serve The Shadows. We are the judgment that comes when all other avenues have failed.”

“And how do you decide?” She looks up at me, eyes challenging despite her physical disadvantage. “Who deserves mercy? Who deserves punishment?”

“We weigh souls,” I answer, circling her slowly. “We measure actions against intentions, crimes against circumstances. We deliver proportional consequences—no more, no less than what is earned.”

“And you never make mistakes?”

My laugh fills the chamber. “Of course we do. We’re notactuallygods, Eve. Just careful, thorough, and committed to a vision of justice that exists beyond the constraints of corrupt systems.”

“So what does that make me? A soul that deserves mercy? Or one that deserves punishment?”

“Perhaps both,” I reply, stopping directly before her. “The question is, are you willing to wield the power I offer you?”

Her eyes meet mine, challenging. “May I?”

I nod, once again intrigued by her boldness. She slides into the chair, her small form nearly swallowed by its imposing structure. Yet somehow, she doesn’t look diminished by it. She places her hands on the armrests, assuming the posture of authority with natural grace.

“It suits you,” I observe, the sight of her in my chair stirring something unexpected within me.

She runs her fingers over the carved armrests. “How many sentences have been passed from this seat?”

“Countless,” I answer honestly. “But none without due consideration.”

She nods, continuing to explore the room with her eyes while remaining seated. “The other chairs—they’re for the rest of The Shadows?”

“Yes. Six others, each with their own title, their own role.”

“And they all answer to you?”

“They do now.” I circle behind the chair, placing my hands on its high back, my fingers inches from her shoulders. “It wasn’t always so.”

She tilts her head back to look up at me. “Why are you showing me this, Damien? Why bring me into your sanctum?”

I move around to face her, leaning against the table. “Because I want you to understand exactly what you’d be joining if you decide to become part of my world. No illusions, no romanticized notions.”

“And what, exactly, would joining entail?” She leans forward in the chair, her eyes never leaving mine.

“Complete surrender,” I state simply. “To our cause. To our methods. To me.”

Her breath catches audibly. “Surrender? What does that mean?”

“It means accepting my authority in all matters related to The Shadows. It means following my lead, trusting my judgment.” I lean closer, my voice dropping lower. “It means giving yourself to me completely, Eve. In every way.”

A flush spreads across her cheeks, but she doesn’t look away. “Every way? You mean emotionally?”

“Yes.”

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