"Marco."
Damian's voice cut through the horrified silence, casual and calm.
Marco nearly jumped at hearing his name, his body going rigid.
"Y-yes, sir?"
The word came out instinctively, replacing the casual "Boss" he'd used before.
Something fundamental had shifted in how he perceived the blood-soaked teenager sitting in that chair surrounded by dismembered bodies and severed heads.
"Boss" felt too casual now. Too friendly and too inadequate for what he'd just witnessed.
"Sir" felt more appropriate, more respectful and more aligned with the reality of who and what Damian actually was.
Around the room, the other Mafia members noticed the change immediately.
Edrin's analytical mind cataloged it, Ronan shifted his weight uncertainly and Lysa's eyes widened slightly. Zavier looked relieved to have a new term that felt right.
They all silently agreed. From now on, it would be "Sir."
