A Line Drawn

"Griffin." The City Lord tilted his head, the full weight of his Aura bearing down on Griffin like the hand of a mad god. "You've been a bad boy."

Through the haze of his torment, X watched as Griffin, unable to withstand the pressure any longer, dropped to one knee. His mechanical voice, usually confident and steady, wavered as he addressed Itachi Yaiba.

"My Lord," Griffin began, his tone a mix of respect and desperation, "I assure you, every action I have taken has been in line with what any other Count would do in my position."

Griffin's plea echoed through the entrance hall, each word a struggle against the oppressive aura that threatened to crush them both. His eyes, usually sharp and calculating, now held a flicker of fear as they met Itachi's piercing red gaze.

"My intentions were to maintain order and stability, to uphold the principles you have set forth."