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