In the central square of the main city of New Gehran, people gathered for the heavily publicized public execution. It had been marketed better than any product, so much so that people felt "compelled" to co and see it.
However, what many didn’t know was that the square wasn’t packed because everyone wanted to watch. There might have been so who treated it as entertainnt or ca out of curiosity, but for most, attendance was mandatory.
So whether they wanted to co or not, they had no choice. They had to co; at least, soone from their household had to be present in this execution. Which was never a surprise, as this had happened before.
That was New Gehran for them.
At the center of the square stood a large stage equipped with real spotlights. Two additional stages had been set up for so reason, one on each side, connected to the center stage by makeshift bridges. Each of the side stages held a massive structure shaped like a square—like a box—completely covered by thick red carpets.
"This is different from before," one person in the crowd muttered. "Are there more people to be executed?"
"Even if there are more, why do they need more stages?" another whispered. "Last ti, they did it one by one. There was also that ti when a whole group was hanged together."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, confusion thickening the air as fear clung to their curiosity. So tried to rationalize it, suggesting the governor simply wanted to make the occasion more extravagant—perhaps he’d missed the spectacle.
Those forced to attend scowled at such remarks.
Why?
Because they were the ones paying monthly contributions just to stay alive, only for the governor to waste it on sothing like this.
A handful of people remained neutral. Not everyone in Ravah lived in poverty, after all. So thrived in business, supported by connections and privilege.
As curiosity swelled, the governor stepped out onto a balcony of one of the buildings overlooking the square.
He wore a large white suit, a ribbon tied neatly around his neck. His hair was split cleanly down the middle, the tips curled to perfection.
Looking down at the crowd, he snickered.
"Look at this," he mused. "All these peasants gathered here to witness the might of my power!"
Standing a step behind him were Jarvis and the governor’s young lackey. Both stared at the governor’s broad back and short stature. Had it not been for the raised platform beneath his feet, they doubted much of him would even be visible from below.
"Governor," the young man said quietly, concern evident in his eyes. "Do not forget—we are under attack. We should proceed quickly. This place would be targeted."
"Hah!" the governor laughed, glancing back smugly. "We may be under attack, and the other governors may have shut their doors and burned bridges with . But once I annihilate every rat in my territory, I’ll co after those fools and rena the entire Ravah after myself—hahaha!"
His laughter never reached the people below. The noise of the square swallowed it whole. Besides, the distance alone made him inaudible to anyone not standing on the balcony.
Governor Gehran only stopped laughing when he began to choke. The young man offered him a bottle of water, which Gehran slapped away before grabbing a soda instead.
"Besides," he continued, eyeing the crowd below, "even if they choose to attack here... would they risk it with this many people present? I didn’t gather all these people for nothing."
To the governor, everyone below — especially the peasants whose only cri was existing — were nothing more than shields.
He had used this tactic countless tis.
Over the years of ruling, he had learned that those who rose against power often fancied themselves heroes. And heroes, unfortunately, cared too much about innocents. Using civilians as leverage had always given him the advantage.
"Jarvis has stationed our best n throughout the square," Gehran smirked. "The mont those rats make a move, they’re dead."
A malicious glint flickered in his eyes as his smile widened. Jarvis and the young man remained silent, watching his back.
"I’ll give them a show first," Gehran snickered. "One that will force every last one of them out of whatever holes they’re hiding in."
He cleared his throat and straightened his back, stepping up higher and resting his hands on the railing. Once satisfied, he glanced over his shoulder.
The young man nodded and pulled out a walkie-talkie. "Begin."
The mont the order was given, every light in the square went out.
Darkness swallowed the space, leaving only faint glows from distant establishnts. Then, the lights snapped back on, this ti focused in a single direction.
The crowd instinctively followed the beam, heads turning in unison toward a high balcony.
"It’s the governor!" soone shouted.
A few scread as though he were a celebrity. "Governor Gehran!"
Others glared at those cheering, eyes sharp with resentnt, before shifting their gaze back to the balcony.
"He’s gotten wider since his last appearance," soone muttered. "Guess our monthly contributions are being put to good use."
"His table must be overflowing," another sneered. "Fucking pig."
"Shh," soone hissed. "This is a public space. If the wrong ears hear you, you’re dead."
Even so, the whispers didn’t stop. Hatred simred beneath the surface as people watched the man who openly robbed them without consequence.
They wished he’d choke and die.
But evil had a way of lingering.
"Good evening, my fellow Gehranians," the governor began, prompting many to wince. Being called Gehranians was yet another testant to his narcissism.
"Tonight will not be a simple public execution," he declared. "Tonight is a display of morale—a lesson in punishnt, and a demonstration of the rcy I, your governor, Gehran, provide!"
His booming voice silenced the square.
Then, with fake elegance, he pointed toward the stages.
"Reveal!"
The coverings were yanked away from the massive boxes atop the two side stages.
One revealed a cage holding four people.
The other held a single figure... an old woman.
Himari.
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