The city was never silent, not even in the late hours of the night or the early hours. From his office high above the street, Alistair D'Amato could hear the muted hum of engines, the distant honk of horns, the restless pulse of a place that only slept pieces. The glass walls framed a skyline streaked with morning haze, but Alistair's eyes weren't on the view.
They were in the file in front of him.
Numbers, names, coded shipments, each detail etched itself into his mind like ink pressed into parchment. His discipline was unmatched. Nothing passed through his hands without memorizing it, understanding it, and turning it into leverage. Power, he had learned long ago, was not in wealth or bullets, it was knowing.
He leaned back in his leather chair, cigarette poised between his fingers, the glow at the tip flaring as he inhaled. Smoke curled upward, faint and slow.
Across from him, Damian lounged with the kind of arrogance only someone close to him could get away with. The younger man perched on the edge of the desk, sleeves rolled up, tie loose, flipping through another file with an ease that would have irritated Alistair if he weren't used to it. Damian's hair, sunlit gold in contrast to Alistair's darker strands, caught the morning light, making him look more like a charming rogue than the ruthless strategist he was capable of being.
"Another deal closed", Damian said casually, tapping the folder shut. "The docks are running smoother now that we've got our men in place".
Alistair exhaled smoke slowly and measuredly. "For now"
Damian smirked, tilting his head. "You never let yourself enjoy a win, do you?"
"There's no such thing as a win, "Alistair replied, his voice calm, clipped. "Only temporary stability."
Damian chuckled, used to his cousin's severity. "You sound like a priest preaching discipline."
Before Alistair could respond, Damian shifted, his tone sharpening. "Speaking of which, remembered, there's a masquerade party tonight."
Alistair stubbed his cigarette, finally glancing at him with raised brows. "A masquerade?"
Damian nodded, grin widening. "The kind of gathering where everyone who matters puts on a mask and pretends civility. Politicians, old money, rivals, allies, they'll all be there. And some say that even "she" might make an appearance."
Alistair's brow furrowed. "She?"
Damian groaned," Really, LA Rosa Negra," He said, leaning back, "The black Rose. You've heard of her or have you forgotten."
Alistair Picked a new cigarette " Stories. People exaggerate."
"Maybe, but fear makes a hell of a reputation." Damian's grin widened. "Wouldn't mind seeing if she's real"
"Fear fades" Alistair said flatly "If she's half of what they claim, we'll see
He leaned back, Cigarette burning low between his fingers. The city skyline gleamed beyond the glass, restless and waiting.
"Tonight, Alistair murmured "masks won't hide much from me"
On the other side of the city, Isabella Wilson stood in her bedroom, robe pulled tight around her, highlighting her graceful figure. The heavy curtains kept the light out, leaving the space in shadows.
Camilla sat on the edge of the bed, tossing a golden green mask up and down. "You're not leaving me behind, Don't bother trying"
"You're reckless," Isabella said, combing her damp hair in front of the mirror. "You'll draw attention"
"That's the point. Parties are for attention" Camilla slipped the mask over her face and grinned. "And besides, who do you trust more than me to watch your back? Certainlynot Sebastian"
At the mention of his name, Isabella stilled "Sebastian is loyal"
"Loyal, yes. Fun? No" Camilla smirked. "He'd lock you up before letting you go anywhere near a party, much less a masquerade. you know that"
Camilla dropped the mask on the bed. "He doesn't even know you're going, and that is more than enough reason to let me go with you, I'm sure uncle knows you're going and i know uncle won't let Sebastian know either", Camilla sighed " I swear those two act like a married couple sometimes."
Isabella turned, her stare sharp enough to cut. "Camilla...."
"I mean it" Camilla crossed her arms, "I've been with you since the beginning. Through blood, fire and worse. You're not walking into a nest of snake without me. Even if yu're a bigger snake, you might still get burned"
Silence stretched before Isabella finally gave in, with a quiet sigh. "Fine, But you dont ever leave my side"
Camilla smiled, triumphant. " Deal"
The gowns were laid out soon after. Isabella's was black velvet edged in silver, simple but commanding. Camilla's was crimson, bold and impossible to miss. The masks matched. Isabella sleek and sharp, Camilla's bright and mischievous"
"You look like you're about to execute someone" Camilla teased as the maids helped Isabella with her mask
"And you" Isabella muttered as she looked over to her where the maids where adjusting Camilla's straps, "look like you'll start a fire"
"Exactly."
But Isabella's thoughts had already drifted. She hadn't told Sebastian, her most trusted guard, the man who had protected her since she was a teen, that she was going to this party. He was practically family, as close to an older brother as he'd say that it was too dangerous, that enemies would be waiting, that one wrong step could cost eveerything.
She couldn't risk him trying to stop her not tonight.
On the other side
Damian adjusted his cufflinks in the mirror, silver mask dangling from his hand. He looked every bit the charming devil he was.
"You're taking this too seriously" he said, watching Alistair fix his black half mask
Alistair didn't look away from his reflection. His jaw was set, his eyes sharp above the mask. "We're not going there to enjoy ourselves, you can't enjoy in that kind of party."
Damian laughed, slipping on his mask "You sound like an old man, maybe even worse. Come on it's still a party nonetheless."
Alistair didn't answer, just slid on his gloves, expression unreadable
They headed downstairs together, where sleek black cars waited outside. Engines hummed, polished steel gleaming under the city lights. Damian climbed in with his usual grin, restless with excitement.
"You think the black rose will actually show?" he asked.
"If she does," Alistair said, voice steady, "I'll know"
The door shut behind them, the car pulling into the streets. The city stretched ahead, alive with secrets. Somewhere, someone was waiting.
And whether she wore a mask or not, Alistair intended to see her clearly.