Chapter 20 - The Final Sunset
On the evening of my eightieth birthday, I hosted a massive, beautiful party on the roof of my charity estate.
Hundreds of people attended, laughing, dancing, and celebrating under the bright, twinkling stars.
I sat in a comfortable wicker chair, wrapped in a beautiful, warm cashmere shawl.
I looked out over the glowing city skyline, feeling completely satisfied with the life I had built from the ashes.
I had faced absolute darkness, betrayal, and violence, and I had conquered it all with brutal, elegant grace.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, an unknown number flashing brightly on the small screen.
I knew, deep in my bones, that it was David, calling to beg one final time on my birthday.
I didn't answer it.
I didn't even decline the call.
I simply turned the phone completely off, slipping it back into my pocket, and smiled at the beautiful sunset.
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The copper tang of blood was gone forever, replaced entirely by the sweet, intoxicating taste of absolute freedom.
I closed my eyes, listening to the joyful music, completely at peace with the beautiful, powerful empire I had built.
