That old-world code gave us security, but Gen explains that from the outside, it’s the most dangerous place. You never know when you might stumble on a secret that gets you killed.
Gen is everything I’m not. She’s lived. Confident and carefree, with that kind of effortless charm that makes people lean in and listen. She laughs easily, and her eyes sparkle when she talks about places I can only dream of.
She’s been to Ravetta, the adjacent Italian blood city. More glamorous, she says. Think Sorrento meets Las Vegas. Casinos, opera houses, marble streets with blood in the cracks. It’s a flashier, more modern faction, risky because of its charm. Known for deals, betrayal, and indulgence. Which city you think is safer depends on your connections and the type of life your family lives.
She talks about the parties in the city, how the night never ends, and how, since it’s only a two-hour drive from the manor, she’d love to show me the beauty of escaping reality—if only for a night.
She’s perfect. Everything I could have asked for. She listens and shares secrets and experiences I’ve craved ever since I could talk. She gets me—really gets me.
And yes, I know there’s not much to get. I’m not super complicated, but she loves what I love and cares about the same things. She loves movies, animals, and family, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Living freely has allowed her to explore life on the island, not just trapped in one city. She told me she’s only been to Vostralya once. A Russian-controlled city bordering Ravetta.
“Oh, it was gorgeous, Ace. You’d have loved it. Gilded and modern—glass towers, underground clubs, neon shadows. Think luxury corruption. Nightlife is king because the city never sleeps. Oh, and of course, it’s home to the younger Bratva heirs—spoiled, deadly, and sharp.”
“You’re kidding! You met Bratva heirs… and survived?”
She laughs. “They want to have as much fun as any other teenager, and trust me, they know how to have fun.”
“I thought they mostly lived on Drotkic.”
“No. Drotkic’s just business. You have to be fully initiated to live there. Rumour has it that anyone there owes the family some kind of debt.”
“Oh. So, the kids were… nice?” I ask hesitantly.
“Oh, girl, the men there were so hot I almost fell to my knees in the club.” We both giggle and grab each other’s hands.
“So, why’d you only go once?”
“One of the security beef heads from the club said I looked off—too Italian—and asked for my last name. I gave him a fake one, but I think he saw through me. I couldn’t risk dying for my grandfather’s connections. That would just be tragic.”
“Oh god, I could never go there.”
“You don’t look Italian at all.” She laughs, looking back at me.
“My mom was Lithuanian—blonde and blue-eyed—so I guess I’m just a good mix of the two.” I shrug, glancing in the mirror.
“Ohh, that’s why you and your brother are so hot. Deadly combo.”
We laugh, talk about boys and school and everything interesting until the sun starts to set.
My heart pounds a little faster when Elijah and Enzo come strutting into my room, breaking the spell.
“Are you guys friends yet?” Elijah asks, smirking. “Get ready for the party.”
I look back at Gen, confused because we both look nice enough for my usual traditional party, the men upstairs gifting me wads of cash and then pretending I don’t exist.
“I’m wearing a dress and heels, Elijah.”
He smirks, “Wear a better one.”
Chapter 11
Aurelia
Present
It’s been a couple of days since training with Elijah. He’s given me time to heal since the ropes tore into my wrists so viciously that my skin peeled, raw and slick, nearly infected.
