Codename Black: Rise of the Fallen Commander

Power & Status

Heinrich raised an eyebrow, genuinely taken aback by Alex's request. "Victoria Hale?" he repeated. "I can't say her family name has crossed my radar.” He paused for a moment, thinking. “They must not be very prominent. Well, at least not in the circles I operate in."

Alex leaned back in his chair, his eyes hardening as he began explaining. "They might not be high-profile, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous, especially when it comes to their ties with Dorian Blackwood. Her father, Sir Thomas Hale, is trying to force her into a marriage with Dorian, and it’s more than just a family arrangement. It could also ruin Victoria's life entirely."

Heinrich leaned forward, hands resting on the desk, listening intently as Alex continued. "I need you to intervene. Victoria's in over her head, and her family clearly values their alliance with Dorian more than her well-being. If they make any attempt to harm her—physically, emotionally, or otherwise—they need to know that there will be consequences."

Heinrich’s eyes flickered as his posture became rigid. “Consequences?”

Alex’s voice was steely. “I want you to warn them. Make sure they understand that if they harm Victoria in any way, I won’t spare them.” He clenched his jaw. “No hesitation. No mercy.”

Heinrich crossed his arms, considering the gravity of Alex's words. "You're asking for a lot of discretion here, Alex. A threat like that could stir trouble if it leaks out."

"I’m not asking you to wage war," Alex clarified. "Just make sure her family knows who they’re dealing with. They won’t take me seriously if they think I’m just some nameless mechanic, but they will if it comes from you."

Heinrich sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation heavy in the air. Finally, he nodded. "Consider it done. I’ll make sure the message gets to them. They’ll think twice before crossing any lines with her."

Alex seemed satisfied, but his expression remained unreadable. “Good. But there’s one more thing, Heinrich. From now on, publicly and privately, you’ll refer to me as your nephew.”

Heinrich blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tone. “Nephew?” The surprise was evident in his voice. “You want me to pretend we’re family?”

Alex’s lips curled into a slight smirk. “Not pretend. For all intents and purposes, we are family. It’s easier that way, and it’ll keep people from digging too deep into why we’re suddenly so close. It’ll explain why you’re going out of your way to help me and why you’re getting involved in my affairs.”

Heinrich stared at Alex, his mind processing the unusual request. After a brief silence, he let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by anything you say anymore…”

“It’ll keep things clean.” Alex met his gaze steadily. “You’ve already pledged loyalty to me. This just makes it official, without raising suspicion.”

Heinrich’s laugh faded into a contemplative smile. "Very well. If that's how you want it, then ‘nephew’ it is." He leaned back in his chair, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You always know how to twist a situation to your advantage, Alex.” He sighed. “Don't worry, I'll play my part well."

Alex nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Good. Then we're settled."

***

Isabella paced back and forth in the lavish hallway, glancing occasionally at the closed door of the study. Her curiosity had been gnawing at her ever since her father had rushed home with this mysterious man named Alex.

She turned to Hawthorne, the family’s long-serving butler, who stood nearby. “Hawthorne, who is he, really?” she asked in a low voice, casting another quick glance at the door. “My father has never been this... unsettled about anyone before.”

Hawthorne straightened his coat, maintaining his usual dignified composure. “Miss Isabella, I’m afraid I do not know much. But from the way your father is acting, this man is no ordinary person.”

Isabella frowned. “You think he’s dangerous?”

Hawthorne offered a tight smile. “Not in the traditional sense, perhaps. But there’s something about his presence... a certain air of command. He is not someone to be taken lightly, that much I can tell.”

Before Isabella could respond, the heavy doors to the study creaked open. Heinrich emerged first, his posture still stiff, while Alex followed, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

Isabella’s curious eyes flickered between her father and Alex. Heinrich, clearing his throat, gestured toward Alex as if introducing a nobleman at court, though there was an underlying hesitance in his voice.

“Isabella,” Heinrich began. “I would like to formally introduce you to... Alexander. From this day forward, I expect you to address him as ‘cousin.’”

Isabella’s heart skipped a beat. “cousin?”

The request felt strange, almost absurd. She hesitated, glancing at Alex, who met her gaze with cool detachment. There was no warmth in his eyes, just that same quiet intensity that made him difficult to read.

Alex sensed the awkwardness of the situation and raised a hand. “There’s no need for formalities, Heinrich,” he said. “Your daughter doesn’t need to call me anything she’s not comfortable with.”

Heinrich looked slightly embarrassed by Alex’s calm refusal. “Of course, of course.” He nodded quickly. “I just thought... well, never mind.”

Alex turned to Isabella, softening his gaze slightly. “Actually, I think it’s time I head back. Heinrich, I appreciate your offer for dinner, but I’ve got other matters to attend to.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “Isabella, would you mind escorting me back to the villa?”

Isabella blinked, caught off guard by the direct request. She had expected him to leave without much ceremony, but now he was asking for her company. Still, the calm authority in his voice left little room for refusal.

She nodded, trying to regain her composure. “Of course, I’d be happy to.”

Alex smiled ever so faintly. “Thank you.”

Heinrich watched the exchange with admiration, though he managed to hide most of it behind a thoughtful nod. As Alex and Isabella made their way down the hall, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope.

Once they were out of earshot, Heinrich turned to Hawthorne, who had been observing everything in silence. “What do you think, Hawthorne?” Heinrich asked. “Do you think my daughter will catch his eye?”

Hawthorne’s expression didn’t change, but he chose his words carefully. “He does not seem like a man easily swayed by appearances or charm, sir.”

Heinrich nodded slowly. “Yes, but even the greatest of men need an anchor... perhaps my Isabella can be that for him.”

***

Isabella eyed Alex with barely concealed disdain as they walked side by side. The silence between them was tense. Unable to hold back any longer, she stopped abruptly and turned to face him.

"You think you're clever, don’t you?" she spat. "Coming here, manipulating my father like that. What did you do to him? Drug him? Threaten him?"

Alex raised an eyebrow, unbothered by her accusations. "I don’t need to drug anyone."

Her eyes narrowed. "Don’t play innocent. I don’t know who you really are or where you came from, but let me make one thing clear. You’re not one of us. Don’t even think about aspiring beyond your place. My father might be blinded by whatever influence you’ve got over him, but I’m not. I see exactly what you’re trying to do."

Alex met her gaze steadily. "And what exactly am I trying to do, Isabella?"

She stepped closer. "You want more than just his favor. You want to climb, don’t you? Leech off his power and status.” She gritted her teeth as fire filled her eyes. “I’m warning you. No matter what kind of hold you have on my father, you’ll never be anything more than an outsider."

Alex’s expression didn’t change, though a glint of amusement flickered in his eyes. He said nothing and allowed her words to hang in the air between them.

Isabella scoffed, disgusted by his silence, and turned her back on him. "Stay in your place, Alexander. That’s the only advice you’ll ever get from me."