The Almighty Dominance

The governors sat in the chamber, the large screen still glowing from the online session.

Alfred Kingston's chair was empty-he had walked out mid-meeting, leaving the feed running but showing nothing.

The governors who remained pressed on with the agenda.

"If Alfred leaves Los Angeles," one voice broke the silence, "who takes his seat as governor?"

Eyes shifted across the screen, suspicion hanging thick in the air.

Jose leaned forward. "It's obvious. The leader of the rebellion should become governor. The people choose him."

He'd been made governor by a rebellion once himself.

"I disagree," Logan shot back. "Los Angeles has always been Alfred Kingston's domain. He'll take it back from the rebels. He's the only legal governor."

Samuel gave a dry laugh. “Legal? Alfred was never truly governor. He was appointed by the King after the last governor of Los Angeles dropped dead without warning."

"Now? Finally, LA belongs to the people. That's something worth celebrating."

Another governor snapped. “Nonsense. Alfred is the only governor. These rebels are nothing more than terrorists. We cannot bow to terrorists."

Bella smirked, contempt dripping from every word. "So when the government kills its people and they fight back, that's 'terrorism'?"

"No wonder you guys keep the military close — not to protect citizens but to keep them in chains. If you even call them citizens anymore, they're just slaves to you."

The chamber erupted, voices colliding, accusations flying. The debate grew heated, tempers flaring over who had the right to rule Los Angeles.

Then, in the middle of the chaos, the screen flickered.

A man appeared where Alfred Kingston had sat. Calm. Confident. Middle-aged with a warm smile that carried more defiance than charm.

"Well, fellow governors," he said smoothly, "allow me to introduce myself. I am Keaton Knight-leader of the Free LA movement. And the new governor of Los Angeles."

The room went silent. Every governor froze.

Logan sneered, "Governor? You're just a rebel with a webcam."

Keaton laughed, "True. But at least my Wi-Fi works, which is more than Alfred can say."

Bella clapped her hands, laughing like it was the sharpest joke in the world. "Good one."

But Logan's face twisted like he'd just swallowed poison. "We don't recognize rebels as governors. Keep dreaming, Knight. Alfred Kingston will return to Los Angeles."

Keaton laughed, a low, dangerous sound. "I doubt he'll come back. I saw him run -tail tucked between his legs."

Logan's jaw tightened. "If you don't hand the governor's seat back to Alfred, I'll make sure you're the one running with your tail between your legs."

Keaton's smile widened. "Funny. Come to Los Angeles, then. We'll duel. We'll see who's still standing and who's running for cover."

Logan snorted. "Why would I go? I've got ten thousand troops. Taking Los Angeles from you would be like stealing candy from a three-year-old."

"Charming. Armies are impressive," Keaton said with an easy smile. "But they won't save you when the whole city decides your name is nothing more than a bad joke."

laugh, sharp and merciless. "So the mighty Logan is just a

joke, Logan. You know the Los Angeles soldiers are gone. Only civilians remain. Are you really saying you'd march your troops

rebels don't want to die,

the new governor-Keaton Knight and the Free LA movement. Alfred sided with the elites, not the people. I

with a cold stare. "Jose, you're too old to start another war. If you want to go down with the rebels, be my guest —

said, voice low and

- king or peasant — is the one who finds peace at home. But under a cruel governor, people can't even call their land home; they're slaves and

keep a rat

me how to crush a rebellion. I'd turn their heads into

"When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty of every

my citizens,"

Logan." Samuel cut in, "Don't forget - I'm with Keaton,

sharpened, fury

mouth, but Bella cut him

as long as it's not Alfred Kingston. That's

"Chicago

Kingston family cut down from power, whatever it

five states backing Keaton out

laughed, her voice sharp

"Governor Logan,

straight. You've

into your camp but you forgot one thing Los Angeles

thirteen. And since you're so desperate, tell me how do you plan to drag Vancouver to your side when their governor isn't

against six. That's a tie, Logan. And you

and your whole damned family. Jasmine Kingston from Vancouver will

s

someone who already escaped one tyrant. Why would she line

thinks abuse counts

governors, all eyes cutting toward Logan.

Logan snapped, rage

smile sharpened. “Logan, let's make a wager. If Vancouver's governor sides with Keaton, you'll be

if you're wrong, Bella, instead of

sharpest governor in the country, you'll wear the

"Deal," she said.

"Deal," Logan answered.

put his hand on the table. "I'll be the

the dark square of the

Jasmine Kingston appeared.

devil," Logan spat, laughter

venom in

—

you, Jasmine Kingston, daughter of Alfred Kingston, will pick Keaton Knight that rebel as governor of Los Angeles over your own father. Tell her she's

s

a pale, empty map of pain. She didn't understand

that had been said.

could remember was the slap - her father's