Page 67 of Savage Obsession

I glance at my father. He hasn’t moved, hasn’t spoken. But there’s approval in his sharp eyes.

The silence that follows Orestes' execution is deafening. Every man present understands the message loud and clear—betray theElliniki,and you don’t just die; you become an example.

Moments pass as everyone waits for his command.

The air in the chamber is thick with the scent of gunpowder and approval, and some of the members sigh with relief. No one wants to see their business collapse because of some traitor in our ranks. We all do dangerous businesses, and a blabbing mouth spells doom for us all.

Demetrios speaks up first, addressing my father and me. “I am sorry,Archigos.I never realized their campaign against Aithan and his wife was for such dark ulterior motives.”

My father’s only response to Demetrios’s apology is a raised eyebrow. His gaze remains on Orestas's lifeless body, slumped in the chair, his vacant eyes staring at nothing, the gaping wound in his forehead still dripping onto the marble floor.

Sebastian, ever composed, leans back in his chair, flicking a cold glance at the remaining council members. His expression is unreadable, but the weight of his authority presses down on every man in the room.

"This meeting is adjourned," he declares smoothly, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade. He doesn’t spare Orestasanother look. "The body will be disposed of accordingly. Helios, handle it."

Helios nods immediately, signaling a few men to take the body away. Two enforcers move forward, gripping Orestas by the arms, dragging him across the pristine floor. The blood leaves a long, dark smear in its wake. A fitting end for a traitor.

But I’m not done yet.

My gaze flicks to Basilis. The man is practically vibrating with tension, his fingers twitching like he’s seconds away from bolting. Sweat beads at his temple, panic glints in his darting eyes.

Good. He knows he’s next.

Basilis rises stiffly, giving a small nod, mumbling some half-assed excuse before making his way toward the exit. He doesn’t meet my gaze, but I watch him—every step, every nervous glance over his shoulder.

Run, little rat. Let’s see where your hole is.

Leon steps closer, muttering under his breath, "Want me to finish him off?"

I smirk, shaking my head slightly. "No need. He’s about to lead us straight to Lazaro himself."

Leon’s expression darkens with understanding, but he says nothing. Instead, he merely crosses his arms and watches as Basilis disappears through the doors.

Now, the real hunt begins.

Basilis practically sprints to his car. He fumbles with his keys, dropping them once before snatching them up with shaking fingers. He throws himself into the driver’s seat, slams the door shut, and exhales heavily, his hands gripping the steering wheel like a lifeline.

"Shit. Shit. Shit."

He jabs at his phone screen, dialing a number with frantic urgency.

The line rings once. Twice. Then—

Click.

"Lazaro," Basilis breathes, his voice frantic. "It’s done. Orestas is dead. Aithan shot him between the eyes, and Sebastian let it happen."

A slow exhale comes through the speaker. "You sound surprised."

"Surprised? I—" Basilis swallows, his throat dry. "I thought they’d at least—"

"You thought they’d show mercy?" Lazaro’s voice is like velvet, but there’s a sneer beneath the smoothness. "Then you’re an idiot."

Basilis grips the phone tighter, licking his lips. "I need to see you. We need to talk about what happens next."

A pause. Then, Lazaro chuckles darkly. "Meet me at the safe house. The one you know."

Basilis lets out a shuddering breath, nodding even though Lazaro can’t see him. "Alright. I’ll head there now."

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