Chapter 196

"Wake up!"

The sharp command sliced through as the prisoner door creaked open with a loud crank.

Alex barely had time to register what was happening before a rough kick jolted him awake.

The ropes around his wrists were still tightly secured, binding him.

He was roughly yanked to his feet by the guards and pushed toward the cargo door, where others were still unloading the wine crates.

The cool morning air hit him as he stumbled, trying to keep his balance. Without a word, they shoved him into a waiting truck.

“Father,” Maladin called out, his voice dripping with arrogance. “What do you think we should do with this Alexander Kingsley?”

Saladin’s voice responded through the phone. “Play with him in the youth streaming video or podcast. Let the people know they shouldn't be afraid of the Empire.”

“Yes, Father,” Maladin replied, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

He knew exactly what his father wanted—to use Alexander as a tool to gain favor with the younger generation, to inci