Page 86 of Beneath the Shadows

“That’s no excuse,” I growl. “I should’ve done better. I should’ve anticipated the risks. She’s gone because I made a mistake.”

“Taking the blame won’t bring her back,” Dante replies, his tone calm but firm. “What we need is to find out who’s behind this and make them pay.”

As his words sink in, a chilling realization settles over me. Lena’s death wasn’t a random act of violence—it’s something more calculated, a symptom of rot within our organization.

“Someone knew exactly where to find her,” I say, my mind clicking into place.

“You think this was an inside job?”

“It’s not a suspicion,” I reply, my voice hardening. “I’m certain of it. We need to find the traitors before more people die.”

“I’ll get in touch with Enzo and start the investigation. We’ll flush out whoever it is.”

The weight of the task ahead is daunting but necessary. Securing myFamigliaand avenging Lena’s death are two sides of the same coin. I won’t stop until those who betrayed us face justice.

The road ahead will be brutal, but I’ve never shied away from blood. And I won’t start now.

Antonio

I knew Alessia wouldn’t mourn him. The thought drifts through my mind as I watch her move through the house, her steps measured, her expression a mask of grief. But it’s all for show. Beneath that veil of sorrow, there’s no real sadness for Valentino’s death—only relief.

Alessia decided not to have a public viewing or funeral. She suggested that after all the loss our family has endured recently, a small, private gathering would be more fitting. Aunt Domenica, still drowning in her own grief, agreed without question.

Alessia plays her role with eerie precision. Her eyes remain downcast, red and puffy from crying, her voice soft and steady, as if the weight of sorrow has stolen her strength. She drapes herself in black, accepting condolences with a grace that disguises the truth.

To anyone watching, she’s a grieving young wife. But I see it—the moments when her shoulders relax, the tension slipping away when she thinks no one’s looking. She’s not grieving Valentino. She’s simply doing what she must to keep up appearances.

The power vacuum left by Valentino’s death is dangerous, and Alessia, without proper protection, could quickly become a target. That’s why I have to keep her close—protect her while I deal with the disaster that Vigo left behind. Once the dust settles, she can go, free to live her life however she chooses.

* * *

Dante, Enzo, and I are at an emergency meeting with our alliedfamiglias, and the tension in the room is palpable. Valentino’s questionable alliances and deals had already unsettled everyone while he was still Capo. Since his death, the uncertainty has only deepened. This meeting is crucial—we need to establish the next steps and ensure our allies are aligned as we move forward.

The room is filled with powerful men who’ve supported us for years. They exchange uneasy glances as we sit around the conference table, their respect for the tradition of this gathering evident despite the palpable tension.

Enzo, standing in as the actingCapo,calls the meeting to order. His voice is firm, carrying the authority that comes with his temporary role. “We’re here today to address the changes brought about by Valentino’s death and to establish a clear path forward.”

The men nod, though some with more hesitation than others. Valentino’s death has left a void, and what fills it next could shift everything. We all know the stakes are high.

After discussing the immediate state of our operations, Enzo motions to me. “Antonio has been a loyal and respected member of this family. His dedication and capabilities have been proven time and again.” His eyes move around the room. “I believe the best course of action is for him to step into the role of Capo.”

Murmurs of agreement ripple through the room. “With Dante as his underboss, our leadership will remain stable and all of ourFamigliasstrong.”

I look around, feeling the weight of their approval settle over me. These men have known Dante and me since we were young, watched us rise through the ranks, and now trust us to lead. I’m filled with pride, but there’s apprehension, too. The role of Capo is both a significant honor as well as a dangerous role—but it’s one I’m prepared to assume.

I rise slowly, the room falling silent as I speak. “Thank you, Enzo. I’m honored by your confidence and by the support of everyone here.” My voice is steady. “I’ve always done my best to serveLa Famiglia. I’m honored and ready to continue that as Capo.”

Enzo nods before turning back to the group. “Tradition would have us mark this transition with a ceremony, as we have for generations,” he begins.

I raise my hand, cutting him off. “I respect tradition, Enzo, but I believe it’s time to start fresh with a new legacy—one that isn’t marked by ceremonies and blood.” I let my gaze drift over the room, watching as they listen. “The agreement and confidence of the men here is all I need. Let that be our strength.”

A moment of silence stretches before there’s agreement from around the table. The tension finally begins to ease.

Enzo looks thoughtful, then speaks again. “I agree. After what’s happened recently, change is exactly what we need.” He turns to the room, addressing everyone present. “Antonio and Dante are the right men to lead us. Our alliances will hold strong, and our operations will continue without interruption.”

A heavy silence falls over the room. One by one, the men rise, approaching me not with smiles but with somber respect, extending a hand not just in respect but in recognition of what this truly means. They call me Capo—the title falling from their lips like a vow, a binding acknowledgment of my new position.

Dante stands at my side, his expression as cold and unflinching as my own. There’s no need for words between us—we both know what needs to be done. The time for action has come, and we’re ready to get to work.

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