Santiago’s tone hardened. "I’m just saying we need to be smart. If we hit him hard, he becomes useless. We need him willing and ready to trust us. Rushing this could ruin everything we’ve built so far. He’s fragile right now. One wrong move and he could shut down completely."

Viktor exhaled. "Fine. But don’t take too long. If you can’t win Leon back with charm and money, we will might consider kidnapping. If we can’t get leverage through Leon soon, he might go for more direct methods. And you know what that means. He’s already impatient. One more failure and heads will roll — literally."

Santiago’s stomach twisted. "I know."

"Good. Keep me updated daily. And Santiago — if Silas confronts you directly, don’t engage. Report back immediately, we can’t afford a war with him yet. Stay sharp and don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. This is bigger than one boy."

"Understood."

Viktor paused, then added in a lower tone, "And watch your back. The Emperor doesn’t tolerate failure. Neither do I. If you sense any danger, pull back and call me immediately. We’re playing with fire here, and the flames are getting higher every day."

The call ended.

Santiago lowered the phone and stared out at the city again. Leon’s bright smile from their last real conversation flashed in his mind. The way he had lit up talking about books. The hope in his eyes when he spoke about helping his brother.

Santiago whispered to the night air, "I’m sorry, kid."

He opened his messaging app and typed one more text to Leon, even though he knew it might go unanswered:

"Hey Leon, I hope you’re doing okay. No pressure, but I’m here if you want to talk or need anything. Take care."

He sent it, then slipped the phone back into his pocket. The game was far beyond his capabilities and Santiago wasn’t sure how much longer he could play both sides without destroying himself.

___________

Meanwhile, Viktor paced in the dimly lit underground chamber, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool air. The fresh bruises from his last meeting with the Emperor still ached.

He knew he couldn’t delay this report any longer. With a deep breath, he dialed the Emperor’s private line.

The phone rang only once before the deep, commanding voice answered.

"Viktor. Speak."

Viktor swallowed hard, keeping his tone steady and respectful. "My Emperor, I have an urgent update on the Sylvain operation."

"Make it good," the Emperor said coldly. "I have little patience for more excuses."

Viktor wiped his brow. "Santiago has been making steady contact with the younger brother, Leon. They met multiple times — cafés, bookstores and on walks. Leon was starting to open up. He accepted the side job offer that Santiago gave him. He was starting to trust Santiago completely. Talking about his brother’s troubles, his own fears. It was progressing well."

The Emperor’s silence was heavy. "And yet I hear hesitation in your voice. What went wrong?"

Viktor continued carefully. "Leon has suddenly gone cold. He’s ignoring Santiago’s calls and messages. When Santiago visited the restaurant today, the boy treated him like a stranger the entire time and kept a professional distance. It appears Silas Vane has interfered. He likely warned or threatened the boy. Santiago believes Leon is scared. He said the boy looked terrified when he tried to talk to him."

A long, dangerous pause followed.

When the Emperor spoke again, his voice was low and filled with controlled fury. "So the ghost failed to secure the boy. And now Silas is moving pieces on my board. This is unacceptable, Viktor. I gave you clear instructions. I expected a better outcome. What exactly is this ghost doing if he cannot even hold onto one scared boy?"

Viktor’s voice trembled slightly. "We are still trying to recover the connection, Emperor. Santiago is giving the boy space but staying visible. He believes forcing it too hard could make Leon pull away permanently or alert Silas further. He’s being cautious, but he’s still committed to the mission."

"Space?" The Emperor’s tone turned sharp as a blade. "We do not give space. We take what we want. Your ghost has become too cautious, Viktor. Or perhaps he has developed feelings for the boy. Either way, this weakness ends now. I will not tolerate any more delays or excuses."

Viktor bowed his head even though the Emperor couldn’t see him. "What are your orders, my Emperor?"

The Emperor’s voice became ice-cold and decisive. "Enough playing games. Kidnap them. Take both Sylvain and his brother Leon, bring them to me. Use whatever force is necessary. I want Sylvain broken and Leon as leverage. If Santiago gets in the way, take him too or eliminate him. I will not tolerate any more delays. Do you understand me, Viktor?"

Viktor’s blood ran cold. "Both brothers, Emperor? Kidnapping Sylvain directly risks open war with Silas Vane. His security is tight, and he’s extremely possessive over what he owns. This could start a full-scale conflict we’re not ready for."

"Then make it clean and fast," the Emperor snapped. "Use your best men. Strike when they are vulnerable. I don’t care about the method. I want them both in my hands within the next few days. Sylvain has information I need, and Leon will ensure he talks. Fail me again, Viktor, and the scars I gave you last time will feel like love taps. Do not test my patience any further."

Viktor’s hand tightened around the phone. "As you command, my Emperor. It will be done. I will personally oversee the operation."

"Good. Do not disappoint me. Report back the moment you have them. I expect swift action."

The line went dead. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Viktor stood frozen for a long moment, staring at his phone. Kidnapping both brothers was extremely risky. Silas would burn the city looking for them. But defying the Emperor meant certain death.

He dialed Santiago again.

Santiago answered on the first ring. "What did he say?"

Viktor’s voice was grim and heavy. "He’s furious. He wants us to kidnap both Sylvain and Leon. The Emperor will use them personally. He gave clear orders — no more delays."

Santiago’s grip on the phone tightened. "Both of them? That’s suicide. Silas has heavy security on Sylvain and Leon. If we snatch them, he’ll come after us with everything he has. We’re not ready for open war with him."

"You think I don’t know that?" Viktor growled. "But the Emperor’s order is final. He said if you get in the way, take you too or eliminate you. We will move within the next few days. Start planning. We need everything about them, their locations and timing. No excuses this time."

Santiago’s voice was tense. "This is too fast. Leon is already pulling away. If we kidnap him now, he’ll hate us. Sylvain will be hurt if we hurt his brother in front of him. This could backfire completely."

Viktor laughed bitterly. "The Emperor doesn’t care about anybody feelings anymore. He wants them in chains. Do your job, Santiago or we both die. Prepare yourself. This is no longer about slow manipulation. It’s about force."

The call ended, leaving Santiago staring out into the night with a heavy heart.

The Emperor had just escalated everything and now, innocent lives were about to be dragged into the darkness.