Page 42 of Blood Heir

I turn my head, gasping.

Far below, guards gather beneath a massive black trampoline, rigged between two lower balconies. Fioretta’s body bounces gently in the center, alive, unharmed. The rain drums against the fabric as they steady her, carrying her off as carefully as if she were made of glass.

My knees give out. I collapse forward into Cassian’s chest, gripping his jacket as the tears I’ve held back break loose.

I bury my face into him as the storm pours over us both.

“I would have died with her,” I choke. My voice is raw, torn apart. “That’s how much I love her. I would have died with her.”

Cassian says nothing. His arms tighten, anchoring me as I sob beneath the rain.

The storm rages on.

“Aunt, you have nothing to worry about.” My voice is steady, smooth. I watch her carefully, keeping my expression composed.

Vittoria reclines slightly, folding her hands together over her lap. The thin smile that curves on her lips is sharp.

“Good,” she says softly, her voice laced with calculation. “I’ve been speaking with the council. It’s not going to be easy convincing them all. But three of the old geezers—if I lock them in, we win.” She taps her nails once against the armrest, her eyes sharp. “If she stays like this—no memory, no complications—the better for us. We can finally put this entire mess behind us.”

I nod, keeping my breathing, my pulse carefully buried beneath layers of practiced calm. “Of course.”

Vittoria’s smile thins further, her voice lowering. “It will end in her death. I hope you are aware.”

I lean forward just slightly, meeting her gaze. My lips pull into a small, slow curve that doesn’t reach my eyes. “Of course.”

Her face lights up with satisfaction, like a queen hearing the response she expected. “That’s my boy.” She nods once, pleased, as if sealing an unspoken pact between us.

She straightens her dress with a swift tug of the silk fabric and glances toward the clock on the wall. “Stay for dinner. I want to observe her a little more.” Her voice is lighter now, but the weight behind the words remains. “She seems to have changed.”

I step back slightly, hands behind my back, dipping my head in a shallow bow. “I apologize, Aunt. I have a meeting scheduled.”

She hums, tilting her head as she studies me. “Then she can stay. She is still family—for now.” Her voice lingers over those final words. “I would love to know her.”

I lift my gaze, the edge of my smile sharpening. “I think you must be mistaken.” My voice lowers, silken but firm. “We have our plans, but for now, make no errors.” I step closer, lowering my voice so only she can hear the final words. “She is mine.”

The silence between us tightens for a beat, her lips pursing ever so slightly at my boldness, but I don’t let my smile drop.

Without waiting for her reply, I bow once more, softer this time. “Take care, Aunt.”

I turn smoothly, my shoes clicking lightly against the floor as I walk out of the room.

The doors behind me close with a muted thud as Cassian trails beside me. The hallway stretches wide and empty, each step echoing beneath polished marble.

I loosen my tie with one hand, sliding it free from my collar as my fingers flex. The silk slips through my fist like water. My chest feels tight, my thoughts heavier than they’ve been in weeks.

Without looking at him, I speak low. “Find Fioretta. I want to leave this place.”

Cassian nods silently, instantly breaking away with brisk steps.

Alone now, I pull a cigarette from my breast pocket and light it, the flame flaring briefly before shrinking away. The firstpull fills my lungs, the smoke curling up toward the crystal chandelier above me.

But the bitter taste does little to dull the images pushing forward.

They return—vivid, merciless.

The study. That night.

The rain hadn’t come yet. Not then.

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