An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“You bastard! With all this evidence in front of you, what do you have to say for yourself?” Austin barked.

“Your Highness, please let me explain…” Huxley broke out in a cold sweat, his voice trembling with panic.

“This is a lie. Someone’s trying to frame me! I’ve always followed the law-how could I possibly be involved in something so vile?”

“The evidence is right in front of you, and you’re still trying to weasel out of it?” Austin shot back. “Looks like you won’t confess until death is knocking at your door.”

He raised his hand and ordered, “Guards, throw him into Grimhold Keep. Use whatever means necessary-let’s see how long he keeps up this act.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

A squad of enforcement team members rushed in and surrounded Huxley.

Cornered, Huxley finally lost his nerve. He dropped to his knees with a thud and begged, “Your Highness, I admit I made a grave mistake.”

His voice cracked as he continued, “I wasn’t thinking clearly at the time. Please, for the sake of my years of service to West Lucozia, show me some mercy! From now on, I will serve you with my full loyalty.”

He lowered his head in a deep bow as he finished.

Huxley had no idea where the evidence had come from, but one thing was certain-if Austin pursued this to the end, it could mean the annihilation of his entire family.

At that moment, pride and dignity meant nothing-only survival mattered. As long as he could keep his wealth and status, he would do anything-even become Austin’s lapdog.

so defiant earlier. Where’d all

saw right through me. I see now I never could’ve fooled

in Austin’s hands now. All he could do was hope for mercy and pray that Austin might spare him. He’d give

him were elite fighters-the best he’d ever encountered. He

the castle, what then? He could run,

You just know you’re about to die, don’t you?” Austin’s voice was ice cold. “Your crimes are beyond forgiveness. If I let

expect anyone

law?”

like all the colors had been drained out of him. Still, he clung to a sliver

have accomplished great deeds, but I’ve worked hard. Even if I’ve made mistakes, I don’t

and looted without a second

thought about it, the angrier he became. He raised his hand and ordered, “Drag him out and give him 50 lashes. If he’s

“Yes, Your Highness.”

out. The rope sealed his cultivation, and he couldn’t

the punishment rod. He put all

mess of torn flesh and blood. He blacked out at one point, but Axel doused him with cold water to wake

Axel dragged him back

for mercy. His head hung low, and

ask you one question at a time. Answer truthfully, and I’ll grant you a quick death. Lie, and you’ll experience every one of Grimhold Keep’s 108 tortures.

“Austin shouted condescendingly.