Chapter 2 1

Chapter 1

I gently caressed the tiger cub nestled on my lap, its fur as soft as cotton. A fleeting smile graced my lips, but it vanished quickly as reality reasserted itself.

Ahead, my pieces struggled to formulate a plan. Enkidu stood beside me, undoubtedly observing their disarray. To quell the burgeoning headache, I closed my eyes and counted to ten.

It had been a year, yet they remained like this, unable to make a move without my guidance. They lacked the capacity for strategic thinking, merely awaiting my directives.

I had urged them to devise a superior plan, for we intended to make our initial move soon. I envisioned the Red Faction as the white pieces, requiring us to strike first.

I was aware that some foes hadn't yet passed their mantle to their successors, claiming their youth as an excuse. But when I looked at Alter and Yucca, it was hardly a valid reason.

We would strike, readiness or not. This was a game, and we were prepared. Delaying the commencement of this Bloody Human Chess was not an option.

I could hardly wait to set my plan in motion.

Chess was a game of strategy and execution. An unprepared player was bound to falter. We, however, were more than prepared. My pieces eagerly contemplated their moves, their eyes betraying a thirst for blood.

How had my pieces transformed into this? They were ruthless, eager to kill, yet unable to devise a strategic plan. Their focus wavered, fixated on slaughtering the EL Ordre's pieces.

A smile played at my lips. They were precisely what I required-brawn without brains.

I would be the mastermind of this operation, one of my many advantages. While lacking in physical might, I possessed intellect. My beauty was another tool, capable of ensnaring anyone in its grasp. Together, they were enough to instill fear.

They would all fear my words.

"Silence," I murmured, unable to tolerate the cacophony any longer. They prattled on, betting on who could claim the most kills.

Dyke and Black engaged in a heated debate on the topic, a fruitless endeavor. They were brimming with strength but lacked strategic acumen.

Black sat in silence, an uncommon sight during our planning sessions. I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his uncharacteristic demeanor. Normally, he was quick to contribute.

That's when I noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes and his unkempt hair. Weight loss was apparent, and the pieces fell into place.

He was using drugs. It hardly surprised me; I knew he dabbled in dealing.

Alter, engrossed in her laptop, puzzled over her screen. Ross and Sieg, equally baffled, gazed at it. Even if they stared for a year, the intricacies would remain beyond their grasp.

Chapter 2

Yucca always seemed out of place, a constant air of fear surrounding her. It pleased me; young minds were malleable.

"Let me hear your plans, my dear chess pieces," I finally interjected, silencing their inane chatter.

Ross eagerly offered, "Kill them," to which I rolled my eyes in mock approval. The tiger cub stirred, prompting me to soothe it with a lullaby.

"Why not target the former Rooks?" Dyke proposed, a notion even more absurd than Ross's. Did any of them possess a modicum of strategic thinking?

"It's against the rules," Sieg interjected, and I shot him a grateful smile. The youth had a discerning mind.

I chuckled inwardly. Youngsters were proving to be more astute than my own pieces.

"Thank you, Sieg," I acknowledged, noting his blush and relishing in the power of my allure.

Dyke persisted, "They won't find out. Alter is adept with computers. Hacking the former Rooks' information should be a breeze."

Alter looked to me for guidance, and I bestowed her with a smile. Over the years, her hacking prowess had flourished. She could unearth any information I required in record time. Dyke's plan had merit.

"We'd still be breaking the rules," Black interjected, visibly irked. "We risk punishment from the gamemasters."

"They won't reveal their roles to their teammates," Black continued, prompting my interest. How absurd. How could they protect their King or Queen without knowing who they were?

I couldn't resist adding a theatrical flair. "Let's kill the EL Ordre's former Rooks to remind them that the game is underway."

I sighed, struggling to maintain composure. Looking to Enkidu, I knew he sensed my impatience. If only they'd recognized their limitations and let me take the lead. We could win this game together.

"Alter, find the EL Ordre's former Rooks' information," Dyke ordered, disregarding my authority.

"Dyke," I called, voice steady. "I haven't yet approved your plan."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty," he reassured. "I'll ensure success. This will strike fear into them."

"The gamemasters will punish us," I affirmed, acknowledging the risk. Seeking such information was against the rules, deemed cheating.

Fuck the gamemasters. Fuck this game.

"Alter, follow his directive," I relented, watching as she swiftly complied. That child would obey every command, solidifying her as my favorite piece. Unlike Yucca, who cowered before me, hesitant.

Something about Yucca unsettled me. I mistrusted the glint in her eyes, harboring a suspicion that when she came of age, she might defy me.

"Fuck this shit!" Black's outburst shattered the moment.

"What's wrong?" I inquired. His annoyance was palpable, rooted in the troubles afflicting his drug operations.

"Somebody wants to leave my group, damn it. They already took the money for their child's dengue treatment!"

I snorted. It was the same group of drug pushers he'd hired. Now, they were causing him headaches by wanting out.

"Handle it yourself, Black," I dismissed. He heaved a sigh and glanced at Alter, engrossed in her laptop.

"Hey, kid," he called her attention. "After you finish, find out where the Fiestada family is."

I smirked, turning my attention back to the slumbering tiger cub. My pieces may require my command to move, but together, we could be formidable.

However inept they may be, a sound strategy could compensate for their shortcomings.

My gaze shifted to the second-floor office, my father undoubtedly cowering inside. His inability to face me was no surprise.

Alter approached, laptop in hand, offering it to me. With a swift embrace, I commended her. Sanford-EL Ordre's former Rooks. The revelation surprised me. They held a significant presence in the corporate world.

Impressive.

I perused the information, my lips curving into a satisfied smile.

"Children... Hunter Chase Sanford and Grayson James Sanford."

The images of the two boys with their matching gray eyes captivated me. One was notably younger, intriguing me further. He was only a year older than Alter and Yucca.

Grayson James...

My attention shifted back to my father's office, studying it for a minute. A smirk slowly graced my lips.

Finally, a plan had crystallized. This could be the move we needed.