Semua Bab BURNING EMPIRE: Bab 91 - Bab 100

Chapter 91: The Bullies Within The sky over the village school was cloudy that morning, the air thick with salt and something else—something quieter, heavier. Jonah, now nearly two months into his new life, sat on a wooden bench outside the small schoolhouse. He was dressed in a secondhand uniform Mama Sade had adjusted herself. It fit well enough, but it still felt foreign on his skin. He tugged at the collar as the school bell rang. "You okay?" Clara asked, her dark eyes full of concern. Jonah shrugged. "It’s just school. It’s not like it’s new anymore." She smiled softly, sensing something different in his tone. Jonah wasn’t exactly mean, but lately, there had been a sharpness in him. A confidence that sometimes looked like arrogance when he spoke to others who didn’t know him well. Inside, the classroom buzzed with noise. Kids moved between desks, laughing and chattering. But when Jonah entered, the noise dipped. He felt it immediately—the way eyes flickered to him, then awa

Chapter 93: TrapThe sun peeked lazily over the rooftops of the fishing village as Jonah walked toward school, his satchel hanging over one shoulder. The morning breeze tugged lightly at his shirt, and the salt in the air clung to his skin. It should have been a good day.But something was different.Clara walked beside him, kicking a small stone along the path."You didn’t eat much today," she said, glancing at him.Jonah shrugged. "Wasn’t hungry.""You always say that.""Because it’s usually true."Clara sighed. "You know, sometimes it’s okay to admit something’s wrong."He stopped and looked at her. "What if nothing’s wrong? What if this is just how I am?"She looked back at him. "Then that’s really sad, Jonah."They continued walking in silence.When they reached the school, the energy was off. Kids glanced their way, whispered in corners, then looked away quickly. Jonah noticed, of course, but he didn’t react. He just walked to his seat and opened his notebook.The teacher entere

Chapter 95: Shadows in the LightThe day broke slowly over the city, golden sunlight spilling into the rooms of Dominic's mansion. But even the warmth of the light couldn’t shake the heaviness that hung in the air.Matteo stood by the balcony, watching the streets below. He had barely slept. The memory of finding Jax the night before kept looping in his mind—his best friend, thin, scared, but alive.Behind him, the sound of footsteps."You’re up early," Dominic said softly."Couldn’t sleep."Dominic joined him at the balcony, holding two cups of coffee. He handed one to Matteo."How’s Jax?""Still asleep. Leo stayed with him last night. They fell asleep in the same bed. Like nothing ever changed."Dominic gave a small smile. "Maybe for Leo, nothing ever did."Matteo looked down at the mug in his hand. "He really missed him. We all did.""Jax made mistakes," Dominic said. "But he paid enough. He deserves a second chance.""He thinks you hate him.""I don’t. I never did."Silence settle

Chapter 97: The ArrivalThe sun rose slowly over the village, painting the sky in soft pink and orange. Roosters crowed in the distance, and smoke began curling from rooftops as families prepared breakfast. Life continued at its gentle pace. But something different was coming. Something the village didn’t expect.---A black SUV drove quietly along the narrow road leading into the village. It didn’t make much noise, but it still turned heads. Strangers in cars like that didn’t come here often.Inside the car, Dominic sat still, staring out the window. Matteo was beside him, holding a small box on his lap."You okay?" Matteo asked.Dominic didn’t look away from the window. "I don’t know. I thought I would be. But now that we’re here... I don’t know what to say."Matteo looked down at the box. Inside was a silver pendant. A simple circle with the letter 'D' engraved. Derek used to wear it every day."We’re not saying anything yet," Matteo said. "Let him feel. Let him see."Dominic nodde

Chapter 99: The Space BetweenThe wind rolled gently across the village, carrying the sound of ocean waves and the distant laughter of children playing. But Jonah felt none of that. He sat alone by the rocks near the water, the pendant clutched tightly in his fist. His elbows rested on his knees, his head down.He had been sitting there for hours.He didn’t cry. He didn’t speak. He just stared at the sea.He should have felt peace—this was where he always came to think. But now, everything felt wrong. The sea was too loud. The wind was too sharp. His breath felt like it wouldn’t settle right in his chest.He opened his palm slowly and stared at the silver pendant again. The letter "D" was carved in the center. He traced it with his thumb.Derek.That’s what they said his real name was.He shook his head hard, trying to push the thoughts away. But memories had started to come. Not clear ones—just flashes.A blue room. A voice calling his name. Laughter. Footsteps. Piano keys.He stood