"That has to change," Carol accused him, shocking the room into awkward silence. "You cannot run a city in America illegally like a dictator. You must resign."All eyes turned to Victor to see his reaction to Carol's straightforward insult. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers interlaced on the table, completely unfazed by the direct challenge.He met her gaze steadily, and a faint confident smile touched his lips, as if he had anticipated every word she would say."With all due respect, Carol," he began like a teacher correcting a misunderstanding. "Springfield operates under full legal authority of the United States. It was declared a special military zone by a direct Presidential order months ago."Victor brandished a framed document that an attendant quickly brought to him. "This decree came straight from the Oval Office, recognizing the unique threats we faced and the need for streamlined governance. It's not illegal if it's sanctioned at the highest level. Do you claim to ha

"How can that be possible?" Kate whispered, her voice barely above the evening breeze. Her eyes were wide as she stared at Victor."Are you serious? If Charles Wheeler died in that explosion years ago, how is he standing here, alive, giving speeches and running the country? Are you sure the information wasn't a mistake?"Victor turned away from the fading sunset, his expression grave. The city lights below were starting to twinkle like distant stars. He leaned back against the balustrade, folding his arms as if holding in the weight of what he'd just revealed. "The information is authentic. As far as how Wheeler cheated death is concerned, I don't know yet. Resurrection like this, that is, coming back from a confirmed death, would require something beyond ordinary medicine.""It would either be very advanced science, or perhaps experimental tech we've only heard whispers about, or," he paused before adding, "something supernatural."Kate opened her mouth to scoff. The word "supernatur

The large screen above the podium flickered to life, its pixels resolving into bold white text on a deep blue field: VICTOR CROMWELL.Victor had won the mayoral election by a narrow margin! A wave of cheers surged from one section of the hall, people raising their hands, waving flags, and calling out his name."Victor! Victor!""We love you, Mayor Cromwell!"The opposing side offered only scattered applause, quiet conversations, and a few shaken heads. Victor's retinue, positioned near the stage, exchanged subtle nods as relief settled over them.Carol watched from her spot, her face tightening as the announcement registered. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she pressed her lips together in a firm line.Charles stood beside her and draped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her in with a gentle pull. She leaned against him, her attention still fixed forward on the stage, though her fingers twisted lightly at the fabric of her sleeve.Victor climbed the steps to the podium with steady