The Web Tightens
The warehouse stank of oil, sweat, and blood. Lucian stood over another Marino soldier, tied to a chair, his face swollen and barely recognizable. Marco held the man's jaw upright, forcing him to meet Lucian's cold, unrelenting gaze.
"Where's Dante?" Lucian's voice was ice.
The soldier spat blood, laughing weakly. "You think you're the only devil in this world, Moretti? Dante's ten steps ahead of you. While you hunt shadows, he's already at your door."
Lucian's jaw flexed. His fist drove into the man's face, snapping his neck back. Blood sprayed across the concrete floor.
"Then I'll rip the door off its hinges," Lucian growled.
He turned to Marco. "Dump him. Spread the message—any Marino who breathes will drown in his own blood."
Marco nodded, but his expression was uneasy. "Lucian… if Dante is really two steps ahead, he might not come at you directly. He'll go for what you love."
Lucian's eyes darkened. "Let him try."
---
Meanwhile, at the safehouse…
Elena felt it first—a prickle at the back of her neck as she hung laundry by the window. She glanced outside. For a moment, nothing. Then her eyes caught it: a black sedan parked across the street.
Too still. Too silent.
Her heart pounded. She rushed to Isabella's room. The little girl sat on the floor, coloring, humming softly. Elena forced a smile, kneeling to cup her daughter's face.
"Sweetheart, stay inside. Don't go near the windows, alright?"
Isabella blinked in confusion. "Why, Mama?"
Elena kissed her forehead, hiding the tremor in her hands. "Because I said so, my love."
She grabbed her phone and dialed Lucian with shaking fingers. He answered on the first ring.
"Elena?" His voice sharpened instantly. "What's wrong?"
"They're here," she whispered, glancing again at the sedan. "Lucian, they've found us."
There was a pause. Then his voice turned lethal.
"Lock the doors. Don't move. I'm on my way."
---
Back in Rome…
Dante Marino stood at his balcony, watching the city lights glitter like stars beneath him. One of his men approached, bowing.
"They've spotted her, boss. The woman. The child. Just like you ordered."
Dante smiled, slow and cruel. "Perfect. Let Moretti drown my streets in blood. While he wastes his strength, I'll strike where it hurts most."
He raised his glass toward the night sky.
"To the Devil's heart."