A New GamePyotrThe air in Antonio's estate courtyard was still warm from the afternoon sun, it felt different after the wedding ceremony. I watched Elisa and Antonio move among their guests, they were both the picture of happiness. Their love was strong and undeniable, a rare occurrence, and I respected it, even if I didn't fully understand it. My own path was clearer, and simpler.I had stayed long enough to offer my congratulations to the couple, it was a matter of courtesy, and also a clear signal to Antonio. Our alliance was now confirmed by the shared moment of both war and peace, but everything was quiet now, so my work here was nearly done.I found Antonio near a fountain, speaking with David, they were already discussing the new power dynamics in Sicily. Antonio listened, a calm authority in his posture."Antonio," I said, stepping forward, both men turned to me.Antonio offered a slight nod. "Pyotr, thank you for coming.""The wedding was... well organized," I stated. "A
A New BeginningElisa Six weeks had passed since the fight against Marco Bianchi. The estate, which had buzzed with tension and men moving around before, was now quiet. The smell of gunpowder had faded, replaced by the scent of jasmine from the gardens, it was a strange kind of peace, one that we earned, but it was still fragile. Antonio had spent every day dealing with the fallout, rebuilding and securing alliances. The old world was gone, and a new one was slowly taking its place.Today, there was no talk of enemies or strategies, today was about us, today, Antonio and I were getting married.I stood in front of a tall mirror in our bedroom, the afternoon light streaming through the window. My dress was simple, made of soft ivory silk, it hung gracefully on my body, it wasn't tight, letting me move freely and letting my belly which was now very obvious, space. There was very little jewelry, just one of my mother's diamonds on my ears, which I got from the vault where Antonio st
The End of an EraElisa Marco's words hung in the air, cold and heavy, he had just laid bare the truth of my past and of Antonio's past. My entire family, gone, not for some random act of violence, but as a calculated move in his twisted game for power. The clarity was painful, but it hardened my mind. He thought he had trapped us, but he had only fueled our hatred and zeal to destroy him.Antonio moved first, his hand still on his gun, but his eyes blazing with fury and his face was a mask of determination. Pyotr and his men, ever watchful, shifted, weapons ready. Marco's remaining guards moved to shield him, the bunker, which had felt like a secret chamber of truth just a moment ago, was about to become a tomb now."You thought we fell into your trap, Marco," Antonio said, his voice a low growl, "but you are the one that was caught today, your reign ends now."Marco simply smiled, it was an arrogant grin. "Do you think so, Antonio? Do you really think you can take me down, end
The Truth UnveiledElisaMarco Bianchi stood before us, untouched by the chaos of the battle that had torn his compound apart. The flickering lights of the bunker cast long shadows, but they didn’t hide the cold arrogance in his eyes. He wasn't afraid, he was looking down on us, a small, knowing smile on his face. This was the man who had ordered my family killed, who had used Pietro to mold me into the assassin I was, and he had destroyed Antonio's life. Hatred, cold and sharp, coiled in my gut.Antonio now stood beside me, his body rigid, his hand tight on his gun. I could feel his hatred, a silent force beside my own, his eyes were locked on Marco."Antonio," Marco said, his voice calm, cutting through the silence. "You've made quite a mess in my house, and all for what, a personal vendetta? You are so... predictable." His words were like a slow poison.Antonio didn't reply, his jaw was tight, his face a mask of stone, he wasn't going to give Marco the satisfaction of a reac
Face to Face with the DevilAntonio The darkness clung to the hills of Tuscany, heavy and cold, it was the deepest part of the night, just hours before dawn. The air tasted of damp earth and the tense anticipation of what was coming. I stood at the head of our combined forces with Pyotr, looking at the silent faces of my men. My close captains, Matteo and Ricky, were solid walls of muscle beside me, Pyotr’s men, a quiet, efficient unit, were already in position. And David ’s maps folded tight in my pocket, had shown us the weaknesses in Marco Bianchi’s compound, now, it was time to use them.This wasn't just another battle of wit and strength, this was the final push, this was for everything. My father, Elisa’s family, was wiped out by Marco's orders. This was the end of a long, bloody path, I gripped my rifle, the cold metal a familiar comfort.Elisa walked up beside me, she looked tired, but her eyes held a fire I knew well. She didn't say anything, just put her hand on my arm
The Eve of BattleElisaThe air in our private room inside the estate felt heavy, it was thick with unspoken thoughts. Tomorrow, the true fight began, we were bringing the war to Marco's doorstep.The house was quiet, too quiet for the number of men moving through its halls, preparing. Every soldier's face held a grim resolve, mirroring the tension in the air.I found Antonio in our bedroom, standing by the large window overlooking the darkened Sicilian hills. The moon cast long shadows across the olive groves, and a cool breeze swept through the open glass. He wasn't looking at the view, though, he was staring out, his mind miles away, already on the battlefield. He was lost in thought, burdened by the weight of the coming fight.I walked to him quietly, my steps soft on the marble floor, and I slipped my arms around his waist from behind, resting my head against his broad back. I could feel the tension in his muscles, hard and unyielding. Even now, in what should be a moment of