The jet landed smoothly on the private tarmac near Milan under the dark cloak of dawn. Lights flickered far in the distance, but here, in this part of the world, danger didn't wear a face—it wore power.
Raiden's expression was carved in stone as he disembarked first, scanning the surroundings like a man born to hunt shadows.
Aria – A City That Knows My Name
My fingers were still trembling. Every breath I took in this foreign city felt laced with secrets.
The streets looked unfamiliar, but somehow, I felt like a ghost was watching me from every alley.
"Why Milan?" I asked Raiden, trying to hide the quiver in my voice.
"Because Milan remembers what your father started. And the Bratva remembers who you are."
---
A Palace of Guns and Guilt
Raiden drove us through twisting roads until we stopped in front of an old estate hidden behind gates taller than the trees around it. Inside, it wasn't a house—it was a fortress.
Luca led us in, nodding to the armed men stationed at every corner.
"This was your father's safe house," he said, brushing his fingers along the edge of an old, dusty photo frame. "And now, it's yours."
I turned the photo over. My father. Raiden. And... a boy?
I stared. "Who is that?"
Luca hesitated. "My younger brother. Matteo."
Raiden stiffened. The room turned colder.
"He was killed. Because of me," Raiden said flatly.
---
Raiden – Haunted by a Promise
That night, Raiden didn't sleep. I found him in the armory, shirtless, loading bullets like he was preparing for the end of the world.
"You loved him, didn't you?" I whispered.
He didn't look at me. "He was innocent. I dragged him into this war. I swore I'd protect him. I failed."
I stepped closer. The heat between us crackled again, but not with lust. With rage. With grief.
"Then don't fail me."
He turned, eyes blazing. "I won't."
---
The First Move
Luca briefed us the next morning.
"The man who ordered your father's execution is still alive. He runs under a new name—'Il Principe.' The Prince. But he's no royalty—he's the devil dressed in designer."
"How do we find him?" I asked.
"He finds you," Luca said. "And he already knows you're here."
Raiden clenched his fists. "Then let's make sure he gets an invitation he can't refuse."
---
The Masquerade Trap
A red envelope slid across the marble table.
"Masquerade ball. Tonight. Held by one of Il Principe's allies. If you're brave enough to walk into hell, you might just see the devil himself."
I swallowed hard. Raiden looked at me.
"You're not going alone."
"Neither are you."
---
Dressed in Danger
Later, in the mirror, I barely recognized myself.
A black gown hugged my body like sin itself. A lace mask veiled my identity, but my lips—painted blood red—spoke of vengeance.
Raiden stood behind me in a tailored suit, tie loose, gun holstered beneath the fabric.
"You look like a curse," he murmured.
I smirked. "Then let them pray."
---
End of Chapter 28