An Understated Dominance Novel (Dahlia & Dustin) by Marina Vittori updated 2025-26 - An Understated Dominance Chapter 2477

Chapter 2477

Austin’s words, though spoken casually, struck the three men like a bolt of thunder.

“If you answer my questions, you might still have a sliver of hope. But if you refuse… there’s only one outcome—death.”

After struggling for years to attain wealth and power, who would willingly throw it all away and embrace death? Yet, bound by pride and dignity, none of them wanted to be labeled a traitor.

At this moment, hesitation consumed them.

Which was more important—honor and reputation, or life itself?

A cruel dilemma.

“You have three breaths left,” Austin said, his voice eerily calm. “If you don’t open the door, you’ll lose your only chance.”

His words sent shivers down the spines of the three Red Fire Army generals, sweat dripping from their brows.

As the final seconds ticked away, the general on the far left finally cracked.

“Young Prince! I’ll tell you—I’ll tell you everything!”

He fell to his knees and crawled forward, desperate to speak first.

“You traitor! Die!”

A furious roar erupted from the other side of the room. One of the Red Fire Army generals, still bound, used all his strength to snap his restraints. In the next instant, he struck his comrade’s head with a fierce blow.

Bang!

A sickening sound filled the air.

The general’s skull burst like a crushed melon. Blood and brain matter splattered across the floor.

“How dare you!”

The law enforcement officers reacted instantly, drawing their swords and pressing them against the attacker’s throat, subduing him once more.

“Hahaha!”

The restrained general let out a manic laugh. “Kill us if you must, but don’t expect us to betray our commander!”

Austin took the handkerchief offered by a maid and wiped the blood off his face, his expression indifferent.

“So, you still consider yourself a tough guy?”

The general straightened his back, eyes filled with defiance. “If I die, so be it! I’ve lived a good life, enjoyed my wealth and pleasures. I have no regrets!”

“Is that so?” Austin’s lips curled into a smirk. “Since you’re so fearless, let’s see if you can endure something worse than death.”

He turned and gave a cold command.

“Take him to the Black Prison. Let’s see how long he lasts against all 100 punishments.”

The moment those words left Austin’s mouth, the general’s face paled.

The Black Prison.

Its name alone was enough to send chills down the spine.

No one left that place intact. Even the strongest men broke under its horrors, begging for death.

A shudder ran through the general’s body as cold sweat drenched him. He could already see his miserable fate playing out in his mind.

Death was better than that.

A flash of determination crossed his eyes. In a desperate bid, he lunged forward, aiming to impale his own throat on the officers’ blades.

But they were prepared.

With swift precision, they stepped back, knocking him to the ground and pinning him down.

To prevent further resistance, they broke his arms and legs before tightly restraining him once more.

“Why torture me?! Just kill me! Kill me!”

He thrashed and screamed, his voice filled with sheer terror.

But his pleas meant nothing.

“You put on such a brave act,” Austin mocked. “But if you were truly unafraid of death, you wouldn’t have been captured alive.”

Last night, when surrounded, real warriors would have fought to the end—or died with honor.

This man, however, had chosen survival. Now, caught and desperate, he was clinging to a false sense of righteousness.

The truth was clear—he feared death more than anything.

Among the three generals, one was dead, another imprisoned, and only one remained—kneeling, trembling, drenched in sweat.

He didn’t want to die.

He didn’t want to go to prison.

He had only followed orders, never intending to become a rebel. He had a family—a father and mother, a son and a daughter. His life had been peaceful, filled with hope.

But now, everything had changed.

If convicted of treason, not just he, but his entire family—his parents, wife, children—would suffer.

What should he do?

His heart pounded violently, his entire body trembling.

He had always thought himself brave. But when staring into the abyss of death, fear consumed him.

“You’re the last one left,” Austin said, his voice almost a whisper, like the devil himself. “Do you have anything to say?”

The general’s body stiffened. Slowly, he raised his pale face, his voice hoarse.

“Prince, I know I can’t escape. I don’t want to live anymore… But if you spare my family, I’ll tell you everything.”

Austin’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

“Interesting. Then don’t waste time. Where is Cardinal Dragon Marshal’s safe house?”

A heavy silence filled the room.

Then, the general lowered his head in shame.

“For my family’s sake… I’ll talk.”

The third general of the Red Fire Army lowered his head in shame.

For the safety of his family, he had no choice but to betray Cardinal Dragon Marshal.