Chapter 6 - BETRAYAL IN THE SHADOWSBefore Julian could bark an order, a harsh voice rang out from the darkness near the loading dock.

"Show's over, Julian!"
A dozen men in black tactical gear stepped out from the shadows, their assault rifles raised and aimed directly at the center ring. At the front stood Viktor Vance, Julian’s long-time second-in-command and closest confidant, holding a smoking pistol. Next to him was a tied-up figure—Leo’s trembling best friend who must have sold out their location.
Julian’s eyes flared with incandescent rage. "Viktor. You traitorous rat."
Viktor laughed, a cold, arrogant sound that bounced off the concrete pillars. "Rethink your vocabulary, boss. You've gone soft. You lost a million dollars on a stunt with a blind brat, and you've been sitting on your throne too long. The syndicate voted this morning. Your reign ends tonight."
Panic erupted in the arena. The lower-level thugs scrambled for cover behind concrete pillars and steel barrels as Viktor’s hitmen spread out, surrounding the perimeter. Leo screamed from his pinioned position, trying to break free as a gun was pointed directly at his sister's back.
"Kill the girl, the dog, and Hart," Viktor commanded coldly, raising his rifle. "Take the cash on the table. We’re taking over the city by midnight."
Cyrus’s ears flattened instantly. The peaceful calm vanished, replaced by an explosive, primal fury. The dog stood up on all four legs, baring his teeth, a low, murderous growl building in his throat that sounded like tearing metal.
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Julian smirked, even as he stared down the barrels of a dozen assault rifles. He reached inside his tailored jacket, his fingers wrapping around the cold steel of a hidden submachine gun.
"Viktor," Julian said smoothly, his voice dripping with lethal amusement. "You have no idea what you just woke up."