An Understated Dominance (Dustin Rhys)

“Put the city on lockdown?” Neville was momentarily stunned, then quickly nodded. “I understand, Your Highness. I’ll handle it right away.”

As a soldier, following orders was his sacred duty. Whatever command Matthias issued, he would carry it out without hesitation.

“Hold on.”

Just as Neville prepared to leave, Matthias stopped him.

He said, “This outbreak is no ordinary crisis. All information must be completely contained, and we can’t have any more leaks.

“If any officials in Thornwick refuse to cooperate or act like they’re following orders while secretly disobeying them, they’ll be removed from their positions immediately and investigated. Anyone who stirs up trouble will be thrown straight into prison.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Neville responded, then hurried off.

With direct orders from Matthias, he could finally act without restraint. He’d long been fed up with Thornwick’s officials-backstabbing their superiors, misleading their underlings, and playing everyone with phony politeness

When there were benefits to grab, they were the first in line. But when trouble arose, they made excuses and did nothing.

If it weren’t for these people getting in the way, the outbreak in Thornwick wouldn’t have gotten this bad.

Previously, Neville had restrained himself out of concern for disrupting Matthias’ plans. But now things were different. Anyone who dared to obstruct military orders or play games behind the scenes would face immediate consequences.

position. At worst, they’d end up in prison. There would be no room for

the outbreak in Thornwick was spiraling out of control, Sommertown, where Nathaniel

been working tirelessly since arriving the night before.

medical team in advance. He immediately ordered them to

an antidote, he had also clamped down on all information flow.

of infected had jumped from around 30 to over 100. Unfortunately, several infected individuals had escaped and were

lockdowns of all surrounding towns and sealed off every major

he sat in the director’s office listening to status reports from his

wrong with you people? How hard can it be to catch a few plague carriers? It’s been a whole day and

to know our every move. It’s like they’re playing cat and mouse with us. They’re so cunning that every time we arrive at a

Are you telling me we have a mole in our ranks?” Nathaniel caught on

only explanation, Your Highness. Otherwise, we would’ve caught them by now. But there’s something else. I

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes slightly. “Are you suggesting foreign operatives are

We haven’t been able to track them

theories. Get out there and find them!” Nathaniel

subordinate didn’t dare to

was really behind it.” Nathaniel rested his crossed arms on

tasked with handling the crisis. Even Tristan and Matthias had received similar missions.

saving lives, but a test. It was about proving who had the capabilities and who