Queen of Shadows

cklace with slow, deliberate movements. Her uncle had summoned her for dinner. It wasn't just a family gathering-it was the formal introdu

eneath the surface, anger simmered. The black dress she wore, simple yet refined, felt like a fun

iss Alessa," a voice called from the hall

, steeling her resolve. If they expect me to

le of staff and guards absent. It was as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for what would unfold

r uncle, Enzo, stood near the head of the table, speaking quietly with a man who had his

ss his face as he extended a hand toward her. "Ales

turned

DeL

to power, of how he dismantled rival families with precision and cruelty.

slicked back, and his sharp jawline was set with the confidence of someone who had always gotten wha

as the weight of his gaze on her. He didn't smile. He didn't offer any si

away. If Luca thought he could intimida

said, his voice dripping with s

ard, placing her hand in his. His grip was firm, almost possessive, as his eyes scanned her face. It

and smooth, with an edge of steel be

plied, her voice steady and cool. She wasn't going to pl

t crossed Luca's face

it and discuss the arrangements?" He gestured to the

like a bargaining chip, a means to an end for both men. But as she sat down at the table, op

with t

, the merging of the Russo and DeLuca territories, and the "benefits" of the alliance. Ale

ecision. He was not a man who wasted words, but every time he spoke, the room fell silent. It was clear

hifted toward her, and thei

essandra?" Luca asked suddenly, his voice s

om wen

in conversation. "Alessa understands the importanc

eave hers. He wanted her

now could set the tone for their future interactions. If she showed weakness, Luca wou

ye. "I understand the necessity of alliances," she said carefully

of something in his eyes. Amusement, maybe. Or curiosit

replied. "One where bo

f unspoken power struggles. Enzo shifted uncomfortably in his

f his mouth twitched, as if suppressing a smile. "A pa

e, this marriage will be a partnership in every sense. T

warning that he was not a man to be trifled with. Yet beneath that warning, there was some

er first move. She wouldn't b

the D

discuss the details of the wedding in the coming days," he said to Enzo, but his ey

keeping her expression neu

rd the door. His steps were slow, deliberate, as though he was making it clear t

hed him leave, she

way to regain her power, and when she did, the man who thought he could shackle