Empire's boy

Chapter 5: Blood in the Water

Elias had proven himself in the booth, but he knew better than to think that meant he was in. If anything, his performance only made things harder. He could see it in Lucious's eyes—that mix of intrigue and calculation. He wasn't just evaluating Elias's talent anymore. He was testing his worth.

"You got fire," Lucious admitted, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "But fire burns out quick if you don't know how to control it. And in this business, control is everything."

Elias crossed his arms. "So what's next?"

Lucious leaned forward. "You ever been thrown to the wolves?"

Before Elias could answer, Lucious grabbed his phone, made a quick call, then hung up. "Good. 'Cause you got a show tonight. Let's see if you can swim with the sharks."

---

The Arena – Midnight

The club was packed wall to wall, the air electric with anticipation. This wasn't just another battle—it was an Empire showcase, a place where artists fought for their spot in the limelight. And Elias? He was the outsider, the unknown, the one everyone wanted to see fail.

Cookie stood beside him near the entrance. "You ready, baby?"

Elias exhaled slowly. "Born ready."

"Good. 'Cause they ain't gonna take it easy on you."

As they moved through the club, whispers followed them. Some people recognized Cookie. Others had already heard the rumors—that some kid had stepped into the studio and spat fire.

But there was another presence in the room, one that made Elias's muscles tighten: Hakeem Lyon.

Dressed in designer from head to toe, Lucious's youngest son leaned against the VIP section, watching with a smirk. "So this is the new project? The mystery kid?"

Elias stopped in his tracks. He knew this moment would come eventually.

Hakeem took a sip from his drink, eyes narrowing. "You really think you belong here?"

Elias didn't blink. "I don't think. I know."

Hakeem chuckled. "We'll see about that."

Before Elias could respond, a voice boomed over the speakers. "Alright, alright! We got a special battle tonight! Fresh blood vs. the Empire elite! Y'all ready?"

The crowd erupted, the air buzzing with excitement.

"In this corner, y'all already know—King Killa!"

A young artist stepped onto the stage, confidence oozing from every pore. King Killa was one of Empire's rising stars, known for his aggressive delivery and razor-sharp bars. The crowd chanted his name.

Then the announcer turned. "And in this corner, the one y'all ain't ever heard of—but hey, maybe we'll remember his name after tonight… Elias Cole!"

A mix of cheers and skeptical murmurs followed as Elias stepped up. He didn't care. This was his moment.

The DJ dropped the beat. The opening piano keys of 'DNA.' echoed through the speakers. The bass hit like a sledgehammer.

King Killa wasted no time, launching into his verse. His flow was sharp, his punchlines brutal. He went straight for Elias's unknown status, calling him a "ghost with no past" and a "Lyon reject." The crowd ate it up.

But Elias? He just smiled.

Then it was his turn.

He grabbed the mic, inhaled, and exploded.

"I got, I got, I got, I got / Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA!"

The moment the words left his lips, the entire club shifted. Elias wasn't just battling—he was commanding the room. His voice cut through the noise, the aggression in his delivery making every syllable hit like a bullet. He wasn't just rapping at King Killa. He was making a statement.

"I was born like this, since one like this, immaculate conception…"

Every word carried weight. Every verse told a story. Elias wasn't just proving he belonged—he was taking what was his.

By the time he finished, the crowd was erupting.

King Killa? He looked shaken.

And Lucious, watching from the shadows?

He was smiling.

---

Aftermath

Elias barely had time to catch his breath before he felt a hand clap onto his shoulder. He turned—Hakeem.

"Alright," Hakeem admitted, a grudging smirk playing on his lips. "That was hot."

Elias raised an eyebrow. "That sound like respect?"

Hakeem chuckled. "Don't get ahead of yourself. You killed tonight—but one show don't mean you built for this." He took a step closer, voice lowering. "Empire ain't just about talent. It's about knowing how to play the game. And trust me, bro—you don't even know the rules yet."

Elias met his gaze, unflinching. "Then I guess I better learn fast."

Behind them, Lucious watched the exchange, his expression unreadable.

But inside, he knew the truth.

Elias wasn't just here.

He was here to stay.