The warehouse was cold, the air thick with salt from the nearby sea. Enzo stood silent, Selene's words burning in his chest. Darker than the Devil. The thought made his stomach twist, yet his uncle's broken body haunted him.
"I'll do whatever it takes," Enzo said finally, his voice rough but determined. "If I have to become a monster to kill him, so be it."
Selene's lips curled into a thin smile. "Good. But words are cheap. Show me." She snapped her fingers, and two men dragged a bound figure from the shadows—a Grimaldi soldier who had fled the massacre and hidden for days. His face was pale, eyes wide with fear.
Enzo's blood ran cold. "He's… one of us."
"Was," Selene corrected coldly. "He deserted, just like your uncle's men bowed to the Devil. If you can't spill the blood of those too weak to stand, you'll never stand against Lucius. Kill him, or walk away and die forgotten."
The bound soldier begged, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Enzo, please! I followed Matteo! I'll follow you now! Don't let her—"
Enzo's hands shook as Selene tossed him a knife. Its weight burned in his palm, heavier than any weapon he'd ever held. His uncle's voice echoed in his head, telling him to be strong, to be proud. But Lucius's laughter echoed louder, promising death if he faltered.
Selene leaned close, her whisper slicing into him like a blade. "Decide, boy. Tonight you either become my student… or you prove you're not worth saving."
Enzo's heart thundered. His hand raised, trembling between mercy and murder.