The Heiress

Tiffany Viaje Del Cargador stood before the Alpha Council, her face set like stone. The black cloak hanging to her ankles masked her body but couldn't shield her from the six pairs of cold, predatory eyes sizing her up.

She could see lust, disdain, and contempt as they stared at her. She felt them all, but she refused to flinch. Her father had told her this day would define her future. If she wanted a seat on the council-or to replace him-she had to prove she could stand against these men.

"Gentlemen of the Council," Don Alejandro, her father, began at the podium. His voice filled the room that was adorned with portraits of past leaders-billionaires turned gods of the syndicate.

"Today marks the 18th birthday of my only child, Tiffany Viaje Del Cargador, who will inherit all I own, including my seat in the Alpha Brotherhood."

The council erupted at their leader's announcement. Their overlapping voices tore through Tiffany's ears.

"Impossible! She's a woman!"

"No female has ever led this brotherhood!"

"Agreed! Besides, she's just a child!"

Tiffany clenched her jaw. She had expected this-a wall of rejection dressed in tradition and greed. These men didn't care about her accomplishments, only their power. Still, she stood tall and unafraid.

Don Alejandro raised a hand, silencing the outrage. "She is my blood. My heir. Written in the council agreement that if she fails her initiation, she will marry a man of the Brotherhood's choosing, and her husband will lead in her place."

The Don cast her an unsteady look before continuing his speech. "Unfortunately, Tiffany does not want that path. She is here to prove her worth as a leader."

Another councilman sneered. "Better to marry her off now. Perhaps one of our sons-"

"Or one of us!" someone cackled.

Tiffany's fury boiled over the men's nasty comments. "Enough!" She said. Her voice was steady, cutting through the room sharply. "I will not marry until I choose to do so. Besides, I was raised by the Don himself and trained my entire life for this moment. I am a Del Cargador, and our family always rules. Always. Even you, Alpha council, cannot take that from me."

A tense silence followed her declaration. Tiffany once again felt their intense gazes as she stood before them.

Finally, one councilman leaned forward. "If she wishes to lead, let her prove it."

"What's your proposal?" the Don asked.

"She will kill the leader of the Dragon Brotherhood."

Tiffany's brow arched. Of course, they would hand her their most impossible task-their enemy who had eluded them for years, but if these self-proclaimed titans of masculinity wanted her to do their dirty work, then be it.

"I accept," she said calmly. "But when I succeed, you will give me the loyalty and respect I deserve."

The council's grim expressions betrayed their unease, but her father spoke before they could object. "Then it's settled. The initiation begins."

Without any more objections, the Council passed a ledger, each member signing their name in blood. When it reached Tiffany, she pressed the pen into her finger, adding her mark without hesitation.

"Step forward," Don Alejandro commanded.

She climbed onto the platform under their watchful eyes. She could feel them appraising her, judging her every move. She hated these greedy, self-righteous men of the brotherhood, but she wouldn't falter. Today was just the beginning. She had plans for her father's legacy, and when the time comes, Tiffany will not be remembered by the shadows of this brotherhood or her father's wealth and influence. She would be so much more. But tonight, she had to be done with the initiation.

"We give nothing freely," her father said. "The council has spoken. Are you ready to accept your fate?"

"Yes, Papa," Tiffany smirked. "I always live by our family motto: 'We take what is ours'."

The council began to chant as her father drew a knife. He sliced both his palm and hers, their blood mixing as they clasped hands.

Her pain was fleeting-she had endured far worse at the assassin academy.

"Now, child, remove your cloak," her father ordered.

Without hesitation, Tiffany let it fall, revealing a thin garment beneath. She felt their eyes crawl over her but she remained unmoved. They would not be able to touch her here.

"Receive the seal," the Don instructed.

She knelt as two councilmen grabbed her arms, restraining her. A glowing iron brand was brought forward, its heat licking her skin before pressing into her shoulder.

Tiffany gritted her teeth, refusing to scream. 'It's just like getting a tattoo', she told herself, 'only without ink.'

"You are the heiress," her father declared as the brand seared her flesh.

Pain consumed her, stealing her breath, but she didn't cry out. Not for them. Not for anyone. But as the council's chants swirled in her fading consciousness, her father's cold voice cut through: "Now prove to us you won't die out there, little girl..."