The first command came without warning.
"Bring him."
Marcus Blade's voice cut across the field, calm and indifferent, as if he were ordering tea rather than blood.
Ellios's head snapped up.
From the far edge of the green, two guards dragged someone forward. The moment Ellios recognized the broad shoulders, the familiar posture—even bent and restrained—his chest constricted.
Gabriel.
His hands were forced behind his back, knuckles scraped raw. His uniform jacket had already been torn at the shoulder, dirt staining the fabric. He walked with effort, jaw clenched, eyes fixed straight ahead.
Ellios took a step forward. "Grandfather—"
Marcus raised one finger.
Ellios froze.
Marcus turned slightly to face the gathered brothers. "It appears," he said mildly, "that this dog has forgotten where his master is."
Ellios's breath caught. "What does that have to do with—"
"When I questioned him," Marcus continued, ignoring him, "he could not tell me his owner's location."
Marcus looked at Gabriel at last. "That is a sin."
Ellios stepped fully in front of Marcus now, unable to restrain himself. "He didn't know," Ellios said sharply. "I dismissed him myself."
Marcus's gaze slid to Ellios, cold and assessing. "Then you taught him poorly."
Ellios shook his head. "Punish me instead."
Marcus smiled.
"No. Why would I want to heart that beautiful body," he said. "Lessons are best learned when witnessed anyway."
He lifted his cane and pointed toward Gabriel.
"Target him."
For a moment, no one moved.
Then David stepped forward first.
Leon followed.
Derrick cracked his knuckles.
Victor's grin widened.
Damian hesitated—just a fraction—but when Marcus's eyes flicked toward him, he stepped in line as well.
Ellios's heart slammed against his ribs.
"Stop!" Ellios shouted. "This is unnecessary!"
Marcus said nothing.
The first blow landed.
Gabriel grunted but did not cry out.
Another followed. Then another.
The brothers struck him like he was nothing more than equipment on the field with a calculated cruelty.
Victor took particular pleasure, his eyes flicking toward Ellios after each hit, watching for reaction.
Ellios's vision blurred.
"Please," Ellios said hoarsely. "Stop it. I'm begging you."
Gabriel stayed silent as long as he could, teeth clenched, body curling inward to protect vital points. But pain piled upon pain, and eventually.
A scream tore from his throat.
Something inside Ellios shattered.
He ran forward and dropped to his knees in front of Marcus, the grass soaking into his trousers.
"Stop," Ellios said, bowing his head until it nearly touched the ground. "Please. I'll do anything."
The blows slowed.
Marcus looked down at him.
"Are you still my good boy?"
Marcus asked calmly.
Ellios swallowed hard.
"Yes," he answered.
Marcus crouched slightly, bringing his face closer. "Good," he said. "Because I still want this body kept perfect."
Ellios stiffened.
"Undefiled," Marcus continued softly. "Pure."
Ellios forced the words out. "I am pure."
It was an unspoken contract between them. One Marcus never allowed to be forgotten. Ellios's body was not his own—it was an asset, a symbol, something to be preserved exactly as Marcus wished. He was forbidden to sex with anyone.
Especially men.
Marcus straightened. "Very good."
He gestured lazily. "That's enough."
The brothers stepped back, some looking disappointed.
Gabriel collapsed to his knees, breathing hard.
Marcus turned away. "Ellios," he said. "Follow me. Privately."
Ellios stood on shaking legs.
As Marcus walked off, the brothers began to disperse. Some sneered openly. Others ignored Ellios completely, as if he no longer existed.
Victor lingered.
He leaned in close, voice low. "Pathetic," he whispered
.
Ellios lifted his head.
His gaze met Victor's—not fearful, not pleading, but cold and sharp
.
"You're fired as," Ellios said evenly. "Head of Blade Entertainment. Effective immediately."
Victor blinked. "You don't have that authority—"
"I do," Ellios replied. " As a payback For blabbering like a fool in front of your Grandfather."
Victor's face twisted with fury, but he said nothing.
Ellios turned away.
He rushed to Gabriel's side just as Damian reached him, trying awkwardly to help him stand.
"You should've come to me," Damian muttered.
Gabriel shoved him weakly. "Don't."
His legs buckled, and Ellios caught him before he hit the ground.
"Can you stand?" Ellios asked urgently.
Gabriel nodded faintly. "Yes… sir."
Ellios supported him, lowering his voice. "Wait here. I'll be back."
Gabriel's fingers tightened briefly around Ellios's sleeve. "Don't—"
Ellios squeezed his hand once, then let go.
He turned back toward the house.
Marcus Blade had made sure this happened in public.
To remind him.
That no matter how high he climbed, he would always be lower than these five brothers.
Ellios entered the inner chambers alone.
The doors closed behind him with a heavy finality.
Inside, Marcus stood waiting.
Ellios walked forward, then knelt.
His knees hit the floor without hesitation.