After Axel's declaration, the private room went silent.
Falcone hadn't heard such calm, resolute certainty in a long time. Thirty years at Gotham's pinnacle had left him unshaken by madness or hysteria, yet Axel's presence reminded him he was getting old.
Axel leaned back lazily on the sofa, watching Falcone weigh his options. Both men assessed each other like predators.
A knock at the door broke the tension. Axel's hand instinctively tightened around his pistol. Falcone's eyes flicked to him before he spoke.
"Enter."
The door opened slowly. A woman with flawless posture and a silver tray stepped inside.
Falcone exhaled, relief and suspicion mingling. "Why is it you?"
Axel blinked, startled. "Anne Hathaway?"
"Not Anne Hathaway, Axel," Selina corrected, ignoring Falcone. She smiled brightly at Axel. "It seems some old pickup lines still work. Remember my name; it would be my honor."
Turning to Falcone, she bowed slightly. "Mr. Falcone, a room with only you and Mr. Axel feels heavy. The others were too scared to come."
Falcone waved her away. "Get out."
Selina obeyed, but as she left, she threw Axel a quick, shy smile. He appreciated it openly. Falcone cleared his throat at the obvious glance.
"Why the stare? Can an old man not notice a young one?"
Axel chuckled, swirling his glass of red wine. "Look at that dame. Damn, she's hot. Makes you wonder how she'd be in bed. Every man thinks it; just no one admits it. What about you, old man? You still got it?"
Falcone tapped the table. "Careful. That's my daughter."
Axel nearly choked, spitting wine across the table. "What?! Selina Kyle is your daughter?!"
Falcone's smirk was faint. "Why so shocked? Her mother was just as tempting."
Axel laughed, shaking his head. Gotham truly was a jumble of worlds—Falcone, Penguin, Selina, Alfred—all in one city. And now he wondered which Batman version he might meet.
Another knock sounded. Axel's hand shot to his gun again.
This time, Falcone didn't tense; he only smiled faintly. The door opened to reveal Victor and Sabatino, while Selina peered curiously from the doorway.
Victor moved to pour wine for Falcone. Axel stood suddenly. Victor reacted instinctively—but Falcone's hand caught his, stopping the motion.
Axel approached Sabatino, meeting his gaze. "You are Sabatino?"
"It's me! You told the boss to find me—"
Bang! Axel shot Sabatino in the thigh, sending him sprawling. A few precise shots later and the man's limbs were crippled. Axel slammed the gun butt into Sabatino's face.
"Thanks, buddy. Your war with the Dimitrovs helped me discover something important—my immortality. Since you assisted, I'll help you uncover your extraordinary qualities too."
Axel silenced Sabatino's screams with the barrel pressed against his mouth. Sabatino looked at Falcone, incredulous. How could Falcone allow this?
Bang! Sabatino went down, his doubts unanswered. Axel shook his head, sneering. "No talent at all."
He replaced his pistol on the table, gesturing to Falcone. "Consider me indebted. Even as enemies, I'll repay favors when the time comes."
Falcone leaned forward, intrigued. "No need to wait. Since you've acknowledged a debt, I'll claim it now. Marry my daughter, Axel, and bring your talent to the Falcone Family."
Axel laughed and slammed the table. "Are you joking?"
"This is no joke. And she is legitimate, rest assured."
"That's worse! You don't get it, old man. A lion can only recognize his king by defeating another lion. The strong crave war; only cowards long for inheritance."
He downed his wine, smashing the glass against the wall. "I wanted a proper meal today, and now I'm losing my appetite. Sabatino's dead. Time to hunt the next bastard. Gotham's absurdity never ends!"
Striding toward the door, Axel noticed Selina's lingering gaze. Grinning, he pinched her cheek.
"Still smiling, huh? Your dad said marrying you would be an insult. If I were you, I'd go slap him a few times—let him know those manicures weren't for nothing. You're a failure!"
Axel swaggered out, leaving chaos, disbelief, and a little fear behind him.
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