Banishment.
Complete separation from everything I've known.
From the family I've served my entire life.
From Valentina.
From my child.
"Alessandro, please—" Valentina starts, but he silences her with a raised hand.
"I’m giving you his life, Valentina. It’s far more than he deserves." His eyes lock with mine. "You have until midnight to disappear. After that, you're dead to us."
Dead to us.
The finality of those words echoes in my ears.
My entire identity has been bound to the Dante family since I was a boy.
To be cast out is to become a ghost.
I wonder if this is how Luca felt.
No, it was worse for him.
He was a Dante.
"I'll have someone escort you to collect your things," Alessandro continues. "You'll surrender your weapons and any identification connecting you to this family."
I feel Valentina's eyes on me, but I can't look at her. If I do, I'll break. I'll beg. I'll fight. And we'll both end up dead.
"Do you understand, Cristian?" he demands, eyes narrowed.
"Yes, Don Dante." I risk a glance at Valentina. Her face is pale, eyeswide, but she gives me the smallest nod, a silent communication telling me this is the only way. Take this chance. Live.
"Then get out of my sight." Alessandro dismisses me with a wave.
I turn to leave, each step away from Valentina feeling like I’m leaving bits of my heart behind.
As I reach the door, I allow myself one final look over my shoulder.
She stands straight-backed and proud, chin lifted in defiance of her brother.
God, I love her. More than my life. More than my honor. More than anything I've ever known.
Outside the office, the ramifications of what’s happening fully hits. Exile. Separated from Valentina.
From our child.
Forever.
No. Not forever.
I will find a way back to them.
I will protect them, even from the shadows. I will watch over Valentina and our child.
Maksim Vasiliev may think he's won.
