Kael's heart pounded in his chest as Belmondi pointed the gun at his direction.
For a split second, he thought Belmondi had discovered everything, the secrets he'd buried.
The betrayal that, if revealed, would mean his death.
The Don raised his gun and fired.
Kael shut his eyes, bracing for the cold kiss of death.
But it never came.
Instead, a lifeless body of a man hit the floor beside him with a heavy thud.
Blood spilled across the polished tiles around the man who had sat next to him just seconds ago.
Kael opened his eyes slowly, surprised to see the man on the floor dead.
Belmondi calmly lowered the pistol and slid it back into its holster, as if he hadn't just taken a life.
"I don't tolerate disloyalty," the Don growled, his voice low and deliberate. "The moment you betray me, you're as good as dead. Simple."
The room was silent. Nobody dared to move, or speak.
Kael didn't speak either. He didn't even blink.
He'd seen Belmondi kill before, but that didn't dull the terror that crept into his bones every time he killed again, especially when it almost claimed him.
He owed his life to one of Belmondi's lieutenants who had taken him in as a child off the streets.
But Kael had never mistaken gratitude for loyalty.
He'd grown up learning that in Belmondi's world, affection was a tool, and kindness came with a knife hidden behind the back.
Clearing his throat, Belmondi paced the room like a man reciting scripture.
"Now listen closely, lads," he said, "The job ahead will be our most dangerous yet. The Hollow isn't just a name whispered in fear or some bedtime stories."
"It's a place of no return for most of its visitors. The few that escaped either ends up going crazy or missing."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"But the good news is that, they will be no cops, no rivals, no rules to stop us in the Hallow."
"If we play it right, we'll walk away with enough precious stones to fund us for ages. But if you go in unprepared?" His gaze swept over them like a blade. "You'll be part of the Hollow's souvenirs."
The men shifted uncomfortably, some exchanging wary glances.
Belmondi raised his voice, pushing through the tension like a hammer through glass. "I want every one of you ready."
"Yes, boss," the room chorused.
He let their reply hang in the air a beat too long, then added, "I'll be leading this operation personally. But I won't leave my empire exposed. Not with the other clans sniffing around like vultures."
"I don't want any attack on my business while I'm gone."
His eyes locked onto Kael.
"On your feet," he ordered.
Kael stood up, brushing invisible dust from his clothes.
His pulse hadn't settled since the gunshot Belmondi fired minutes ago.
"You look like you pissed yourself," Belmondi taunted.
The room erupted in laughter.
Kael swallowed hard, his expression blank.
Mockery was part of his daily existence. Being Belmondi's errand boy meant ridicule was a constant companion.
He had always been made fun of ever since he was little.
But underestimating him had always been their mistake.
"I'm thinking of leaving Kael in charge here while I'm gone," Belmondi said casually.
That set them off to laugh.
"Kael?" one scoffed. "He'd be better off leading the cleaning crew."
Another snorted. "He's a weakling, only fit to rule his bed where he sleeps."
"He's better off feeding the dogs," another added.
The room roared in laughter again.
But this time, Belmondi didn't laugh.
And silence returned like a cold wind.
"The man lying dead on the floor thought he was funny," Belmondi said, his tone now sharp as a blade. "Anyone else think they can be funny too like him?"
Nobody moved.
"Good," Belmondi nodded. "Because in a place like the Hollow, we need more than muscle. We need someone who thinks five steps ahead. Kael's kept us off the cops' radar for two years now. If anyone can map a way in and out of that cursed place, it's him."
Kael said nothing, though a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. Praise from Belmondi was rarer than mercy.
"You'll be coming with us," the Don said to him directly. "But first, I have a different job for you."
Kael met his gaze. "What do you need boss?"
"I want every scrap of information you can find on the Hollow. Old maps, witness accounts, rumors, I want it all. I need to know what we're walking into."
Kael nodded. "You'll have it boss."
Belmondi gave a tight smile, then added, "But before that, there's something else."
He walked to the edge of the room, lit a cigar, and stared out through the tall glass window into the dark forest below.
"My daughter, Elira, went down to the river this afternoon. She's not back yet."
Kael's brow twitched. "Want me to send someone boss?"
"No." Belmondi turned. "I'm sending you."
"Why me?"
"Because I trust you," the Don said, blowing a slow stream of smoke. "And I don't trust the others around my daughter."
Kael didn't argue. "I'll find her."
"Bring her back. Safe."
Kael left without another word.
The forest behind the estate was dense, its canopy swallowed what was left of the moonlight from the sky.
Kael moved swiftly along the overgrown path toward the river, flashlight in hand.
But something about the night felt… wrong.
The air was cold, yes—but colder than it should've been for this season. And thick. Metallic.
His grip tightened on the flashlight.
A sharp rustle to his left stopped him mid-step.
He turned sharply just in time to see eyes glowing in the dark.
And then like a flash, it was gone.
Kael blinked his eyes.
He held his position for a while, quiet, watching to see if he would catch any movement, but there was nothing.
Then out of the blur, a leopard leapt out of the bush at him, claws outstretched, aiming for his neck.