Chapter 8:
Ethan's POV
The weight of the moment pressed down on me like a storm. I had always known this day would come, but seeing it unfold before my eyes was something else entirely.
Chris—no, The God of Blackwood—sat on the throne like he had been carved from the very foundation of this empire. Every person in this hall, from the highest-ranking officials to the lowest servants, could feel it. A shift in power so absolute that even the air carried his command.
And yet, despite his overwhelming presence, my role remained unchanged. I was still the ruler, still the enforcer of his will.
I stepped forward, my voice steady. "Your Excellency, the transition is complete. The world has accepted the rule of Blackwood, and the union stands stronger than ever."
Chris gave a slow nod, his expression unreadable. Then, he spoke.
"Then it is time for my first decree."
The hall tensed. Everyone knew this was history being made. The first words of a god in power.
Chris's gaze swept over the gathered rulers, ministers, and enforcers. His voice, calm but absolute, echoed through the chamber.
"From this day forward, The Blackwood Empire and The Blackwood Union shall no longer be governed by temporary laws of men. A new constitution shall be written—one that binds not just rulers, but generations."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but no one dared interrupt.
Chris leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto mine. "Ethan, you are to oversee this personally. Every law, every system, shall be rewritten under the doctrine of Blackwood. No outside influence, no interference. Only the will of the empire shall stand."
I nodded immediately. "Consider it done."
Chris's gaze then shifted to Christiana. "You will ensure that no dissent threatens this transition. If necessary, remove those who resist."
Christiana smiled slightly, her posture unwavering. "Understood."
Then, his attention turned to Skylar. For a moment, there was something unspoken between them. A history, a connection only they understood.
"Skylar," Chris said, his tone softer but no less commanding, "you will oversee the diplomatic affairs. Any nation that refuses to align fully with Blackwood shall be dealt with accordingly."
Skylar nodded, her expression unreadable. "I will handle it."
Chris leaned back in his throne, exhaling slowly. "Then it is decided. The new era of Blackwood begins today."
The entire room bowed in unison.
The God of Blackwood had spoken.