Chapter 4 — The First Confrontation
The moon hung low over Evereign City, its pale light spilling across the quiet streets of Old Harbor. The city seemed peaceful, almost serene, but Ethan Walker knew better. Darkness often hides behind a perfect façade, and tonight, that darkness would meet its reckoning.
Ethan's taxi moved silently along the cobblestone streets, headlights off, blending into the shadows. Aaron Blake sat in the back, clutching the folder of evidence Chloe had compiled. Each page, each screenshot, each video clip was a piece of the truth — the proof that would finally bring the Royal Club Kings to justice.
Chloe's voice buzzed softly in the earpiece.
"They're at the waterfront now. Henry Price and Derek Ames are arguing over something trivial — perfect. They're distracted. Minimal witnesses around."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "Good. Lucas, cover the rear exit. Ryan, stay close to Aaron. Chloe, feed me any updates instantly. We move smart."
Lucas Bennett's laugh was barely audible through the comm. "Smart, sure. I'll also make sure nobody leaves without a little surprise."
Ethan ignored the joke. Humor had its place, but precision had more. The boys had underestimated the city, underestimated their victim, and most of all, underestimated the Retaliators. Tonight, they would learn.
The taxi slowed to a crawl near the waterfront. Derek Ames, Oliver Hayes, Marcus Voss, Trent Locke, and Henry Price leaned against the railing, laughing, phones out, entirely unaware of the shadow that followed. The Retaliators had them in their sights — digitally, physically, mentally.
"Chloe, confirm the feed," Ethan whispered.
"Live. Aaron's jacket is visible, clear as day. They don't suspect a thing."
Ethan exhaled slowly, steadying himself. This was the moment where planning met action.
He tapped the horn lightly, just once. The sharp sound made the boys look up in surprise. In that fraction of a second, Ethan opened the rear door, stepping out with calm authority.
Aaron's voice trembled slightly. "E-Ethan?"
"Stay calm," Ethan said quietly. "Trust me."
The boys froze, seeing Ethan approach. Their laughter died instantly, replaced by nervous glances and shuffling feet. Arrogance faltered when faced with calm confidence.
Derek Ames straightened, trying to mask his unease. "Who… who are you?" he demanded, voice shaking slightly.
Ethan's eyes scanned the group, resting briefly on each of them. "I'm someone who delivers what you refused to face. You've hurt him, humiliated him, and thought no one would care. But we care."
Oliver Hayes scoffed, trying to regain control. "This is ridiculous. Who even—"
Ethan's hand subtly tapped the side of the taxi. A hidden camera activated, catching every movement, every expression. Chloe's voice came instantly through the comm.
"Recording all angles. Evidence secured. Every word, every gesture, every reaction."
The boys looked at each other, suddenly realizing they were exposed. Panic flickered behind their confident masks.
Aaron stepped forward slightly, summoning the courage he had never felt before. "You… you can't just hurt people and get away with it," he said, voice steadying with every word.
Ethan placed a hand gently on Aaron's shoulder. "That's right. Tonight, you reclaim your power. They face the consequences. And we make sure the world sees it."
Henry Price tried to step forward, arrogance returning. "And what? You think you can—"
Ethan shook his head. "I don't think. I know. And you're about to learn that fear is earned, not bought."
The tension was suffocating. The city seemed to hold its breath. Chloe's eyes on her laptop flashed updates — all five boys trapped in the lens of exposure. Lucas and Ryan waited nearby, ready to intervene if anyone tried to run. Every angle, every movement, every possibility had been accounted for.
For the first time, the Royal Club Kings realized that their money, their families, their influence — none of it could shield them from what was coming. And for the first time, Aaron Blake felt alive, powerful, unafraid.
Ethan's voice was low but commanding. "The first lesson begins now. And it's one you won't forget."
The night had begun.
And for the Royal Club Kings, there was no escape.