Pierre watched the festival swirl around him, a carefully orchestrated display of Valerio's power. Lanterns cast golden shadows across white stone, while musicians played at precisely timed intervals. Nothing in Porto Veloce happened by chance.
Look at them all, dancing to his tune. Each one a puppet on invisible strings.
Hardy's darkness coiled inside him, whispering seductive thoughts of power and control. Pierre pushed them down, focusing instead on the weight of the sea-blue stone against his chest. The voice wasn't him. Not yet. Not ever, if he could help it.
He caught Alyssa's eye across the plaza. She gave him an almost imperceptible nod. Leo's distraction was in place. Raven had slipped away, heading toward Valerio's office. Now came his part – the most dangerous role in their plan.
