Apocalypse King: The Return of Lucian-Chapter 32 -

The night was thick with tension as Lucian surveyed the landscape from the top of his fortified villa. The city had long since fallen to the chaos of the apocalypse, but his domain remained untouchable—a beacon of power amidst the ruin.

As he turned from the window, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. It was Evelyn, her expression unreadable. "Lucian, we have a problem."

He arched an eyebrow. "Go on."

She hesitated before stepping closer. "Some of the women in the shelter... they're uneasy. They feel like prisoners."

Lucian chuckled. "They have everything they could possibly want. Safety. Luxury. Protection."

"But not freedom." Evelyn met his gaze firmly. "They follow your rules, but they fear you."

Lucian's smirk faltered for a moment. Fear? He hadn't built his empire on compassion, but he needed loyalty—not just obedience. "Who started this?"

"Mira. She's outspoken about it."

Lucian's red eyes flickered with amusement. Mira had been a fiery woman from the moment he let her in. She had a score of 92—an undeniable beauty, but her spirit had yet to break.

"Bring her to me."

---

Mira stood before him, arms crossed, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. "If you called me here to scare me into silence, it won't work."

Lucian leaned back in his chair, studying her. "You misunderstand, Mira. I value honesty. I want to know what you think."

She scoffed. "Fine. You treat us like collectibles. We live in comfort, sure, but at what cost? We have no choice. We can't leave. We can't decide our futures."

Lucian tapped his fingers on the table. "The world outside is a wasteland. Would you prefer to be out there, where death is certain?"

"I'd prefer a say in my own life," she shot back.

Lucian leaned forward, his crimson gaze locking onto hers. "And what would you do with that freedom? Run? Fight? Find another man who will use you in a different way?"

Mira flinched but held her ground. "I'd choose for myself."

He exhaled slowly. "I admire your fire, Mira. Truly. But the reality is, you're here because you belong to me now."

She tensed, but he continued, "However, loyalty is earned. So tell me, what would make you feel... free?"

Mira hesitated. She hadn't expected this.

---

Meanwhile, outside the villa, a new threat was brewing. A group of survivors had caught wind of Lucian's shelter—desperate men willing to do anything for food, water, and women.

They watched from the ruins, their leader—a man named Kane—grinning. "Boys, we've hit the jackpot. That bastard inside is hoarding everything. We take him down, and we own this place."

Lucian was unaware that in just a few hours, blood would stain his sanctuary.

---

As Mira left Lucian's study, Evelyn stopped her in the hallway. "What happened?"

Mira exhaled. "He's... complicated. I expected threats, but instead, he asked what I wanted."

Evelyn nodded knowingly. "Lucian isn't just a brute. He plays a long game. He'll twist you without you even realizing it."

Mira frowned. "And you? Are you loyal to him?"

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Evelyn hesitated. "I don't know anymore."

Before Mira could respond, a loud explosion shook the villa.

The attack had begun.