Reuben dropped his head into his hands, his body convulsing with sobs that no longer held pride, no longer carried the weight of a man who once held power. It was grief now—grief for his ruined legacy, his exposed sins, and the fear clawing at him from inside.
"Why would anyone do this to me?" he choked, staring at the TV where his confession looped again. "Why… why would anyone do this…?"
Kai watched him in silence, a shadow against the flickering light of the screen.
Then, quietly, methodically, he walked behind Reuben. He pulled out a slim, matte-black dagger. No shine. No reflection. It had done this before.
Reuben didn't hear the steps behind him until the cold tip pressed gently against the nape of his neck.
"Please…" he whispered, without turning. "I did what you asked…"
Kai said nothing.
He raised the blade. And in one swift, clean motion—he ended it.
Reuben's body slumped forward, lifeless.
