Page 5 of Reign

Not a happy smile. Something grim and sharp.

He claps Angelo on the back. Says something I can’t hear.

Angelo nods.

Santo says nothing. He stands there empty-eyed while men move around them like shadows.

I don’t understand any of it.

I only know Mamma is still gone.

I pull back before anyone can look up and see me.

Back in bed, I leave the nightlight glowing and drag the blankets over my head, curling into the smallest shape I can.

I try to imagine Mamma’s hands brushing my hair back.

I try to remember the sound of her voice.

I try not to think about how long it has been.

How no one will tell me anything except soon and later and go to sleep, Elena.

My chest hurts.

The tears come quietly this time, slipping onto my pillow.

Maybe now that my brothers are home, things will go back to normal.

Maybe now Mamma will come back.

Maybe the house will stop feeling so loud.

Maybe I won’t feel so alone.

I squeeze my eyes shut and pretend any of that is true.

Chapter 2

Luciano

18 Years Old

“We need to train Adriana.”

I pause and look up from the folder in my hands. “What?”

My father leans back in his chair like he’s discussing numbers instead of my nine-year-old sister. “Adriana. We need to start training her. I want you to do it.”

I close the shipping folder. “Train her for what?”

“The business.” He shrugs.

My brow furrows. “At the restaurant with Tía Mariana?”

He lets out a low chuckle. “No. Our business.”

I stare at him for a beat. “The cartel?”