Damian al ghul 14.

Damián al Ghul had turned forty and ruled an empire built through both inheritance and conquest. Entire cities, trade routes, and territories where his authority was unquestionable prospered under his name. Some admired him; others only dared to fear him

The palace glowed that night with a luxury difficult to match. Crystal lamps cast golden glints upon marble columns, while musicians filled the hall with elegant melodies. Servants traversed the corridors with trays brimming with delicacies, attentive to every movement of their sovereign

Damián observed the celebration from an elevated divan, dressed in dark fabrics adorned with gold details. At forty, experience had replaced the impulsiveness of youth, but it had not softened the intensity of his gaze

He had known victories, betrayals, and alliances. He had started a family and secured the future of his lineage. However, a sense of emptiness continued to appear at the most unexpected moments

The dancers twirled amidst silk veils, the nobles conversed with measured laughter, and the banquet continued without pause. Everything was perfect

Too perfect

With an indifferent gesture, he set his glass upon a carved table and scanned the hall with his eyes

Damian: This has become predictable.

The music dipped for just a moment

Damián rested an arm on the backrest and traced a slight smile, one that rarely heralded anything good

Damian: Surprise me.

The atmosphere shifted immediately. The musicians exchanged nervous glances and the servants bowed their heads

Because everyone in that palace knew one truth: when Damián al Ghul desired something new, someone's fate was about to change