“No,” she said with more force than she meant.
“No?” he questioned her, not understanding.
How could he understand?
“We can’t bring Adria. He will never let her go. She needs to stay here.”
Maxim glanced towards the house, eyebrows pinching together. “Soph?—”
Sophia moved in front of him. Her hands pressed on the sides of his face. His eyes stared into hers. She admired them. The sun-colored irises were kind, honest and radiant with a warmth that made anyone around them feel safe.
But Sophia would not fall under their spell, and she would not let Maxim’s altruism get the better of her. Wouldn’t let his kindness fray her resolve.
Leaning in close, she allowed her lips to caress his. His large hands wrapped around her middle, pulling her into him. He kissed her deeply, and she let him, allowing herself to be held.
When he released her, she said, “Adria has to stay here. If we have any hope of surviving, she stays.”
She searched his eyes, ensuring he would follow her command. “Understand?”
When he still didn’t look sure, she did something that came very easily to her.
She lied.
“I have an alternative plan to keep Adria safe. You just get to me. Shewillbe taken care of, I promise.”
His lips pressed together, and he nodded.
A light turned on in the house behind them, and Sophia jumped in his arms.
“Go now,” he said, pushing her away.
Sophia moved, and without a backward glance, she ran.
CHAPTER 1
37 YEARS LATER-ROME
The sound of water dripping echoed in the cavern, and smooth stone walls greeted Adria with every turn. The Nine met once every two years during the Mars Opposition. A time when the Earth sat directly between the Sun and Mars. The celestial event stood for a period of increased energy. An occasion when balancing opposing forces was needed.
For over five hundred years, the Nine had met in this cavern and discussed just that. What needed to be done to maintain balance.
However, Adria had noticed that recently it had been less about balance and more about power.
Under her father’s reign and her own, the top three families, known as the Triune, spent more time shoring up their interests than addressing the world’s needs.
As Adria entered the expansive stone hallow, Alessandro’s warm smile greeted her. She gave him a low bow and scanned the rest of the space. Helen Cambell was there, along with her heir, Bly. Sean Cahill was nearby, having an animated conversation with his Right Hand, Dónal.
The rest of the families—the Singh, the Triads, the Lovetts, and Ndrangheta—were all scheduled to arrive after her.
Callen was there, already seated at the table. Adria couldn’t help but notice the empty space next to him.
Bryson should have been sitting there. Adria tried to keep her mask in place, tried not to let her gaze linger on the empty chair for too long.
“Adria, I was so happy to hear about the auction’s success,” Helen Cambell said.
Helen had a powerful presence, long blonde hair and striking blue eyes. In the early days, Adria had mistrusted the woman, but as time went on, Adria saw the vulnerability beneath her confidence and the quiet kindness in her actions.
Adria turned, taking the woman’s hand, and kissed the five-petaled ring Helen wore on her right hand.
