Queen of Shadows
he empire her father built felt distant now, like a kingdom fading into history. Her world, once vibrant with power and control, was slowly being
Alessa was taught that strength was everything. She had learned how to navigate the dangerous waters of their world, never letting her guard down, always pr
tings there, guiding the family through war and peace. Her fingers trailed along the polished wood as she remembered sitt
omeone els
spoke with one of the family's advisors. Alessa watched him carefully, her jaw clenched. It hadn't taken long for him to insert h
n power. He had trained her for this moment. But the men in the family, those who had claimed loyalty to her father, seemed to forget her existence as
She was no longer the heir to the Russo empire. She was no lon
hing that looked almost like pity, but there was a glint of something else-something co
her throat. "The family's future? I t
ps. "You're right Alessandra. It has. And i
had learned long ago never to show emotion in front of
smooth like silk, "that it's in the family's best int
She hadn't expected thi
lies and ensure the stability of our position in New York." His eyes gleamed with sa
rrying her off like a bargaining chip. He had raised her to lead, not to be someone else's possession. But
ept
n she spoke. "And I did
the family, Alessa. You'll do what's
she said through gritted teeth, her mind already racing. They thought
y the part they assigned her. But she woul
all regret underestim
doubt that every move she made from now on would be scrutinized. Her heart pounded in her chest as
ng to calm the storm raging inside her. This room, filled with the scent of leather and old books, was the closest she could get to her father now. His presence lingered he
draped over her shoulders. She had been his pride, his hope for the future. He had never treated her like she was less because she was a woman. He
d. "I'm sorry, Papa," she whispered
father were now falling in line behind Enzo. And Luca DeLuca-he was another monster entirely. Known for his ruthle
rrying him felt like a
at power wasn't just in brute strength-it was in knowledge, in alliances, in knowing when to strike. Her uncle tho
yguard, Marco, standing in the doorway. His face was lined with age, his dark eyes
ice steady. "What do you
"Enough to know it's not just about the family
fists. "I figured
of tradition or stability. He only does it for control. If he marries you, you'll have no say in anyt
just a marriage of convenience; it was a calculated
red, more to herself than to Marco. "I
ur father. Quiet ones, but loyal. We can start there. Build something, g
r eyes cold and determined. "
over the city that should have been hers to control. She had no idea how long it wou
was rightfully hers. And when she did, the men who had tried to take it from