Queen of Shadows
hout sacrifice. It was a stark reminder of the world she was trapped in, a world where power was the ultimate currency and everyo
e without asking any questions, but Alessa could feel his concern radiating from the front seat. He had been with h
quiet, too quiet, and the stillness only amplified the storm brewing inside her. She climbed the stairs to her bedroom
ate her, to control every aspect of her life. But Alessa wasn't about to let that happen. She had spent her entire life
ities, a soft knock at the door startled her. S
me
hands folded nervously in front of her. "Mis
n update on her meeting with Luca. But Alessa wasn't ready to f
moment," Alessa replied, h
sa alone once more. She stood up, straightened her d
ily of
his desk, as usual, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He looked
ng for her to sit. "I trust your m
her expression neutral.
row, clearly intrig
t yet. "Luca and I discussed the terms of our arrangement. He want
does. Luca is a smart man. He knows that this allia
a added quickly,
ered. "Naturally, my dear. You are the key to all of thi
. "Then I want to make something clear, Uncle. If I'm to marry
ou've always been a strong-willed girl, but this isn't a game for you to control. You'll m
Her uncle had always seen her as a pawn, just like her father had. But she
voice cold. "But don't underestimate me. I won
alculating look. For the first time, Alessa saw the true extent of his ambition. He wasn't just looking to
his voice dangerously low. "Just remember, Alessandra-this world
hest. "I know exactly where my loyalties
rage. Her uncle's words had been a warning, but Alessa wasn't afraid. If anything,
erous P
rds still echoed in her mind, reminding her of the deal they had made: control for both of them, but at a pr
She would need to meet with Luca again, but this time, on her terms. If they
Luca, requesting a private meeting. It d
sand
meeting. I'll have the car
L
t he held all the cards, but he was about to fin
onfron
noon. The tall iron gates opened silently as her car approached, and she
xpression. His dark eyes tracked her every move as she entered the room, but A
his voice smooth. "I didn'
r with pleasantries
ly, but he gestured for her
began, her voice steady but firm. "But if you think for one second that
int smirk playing at the e
s, I want real power. Not just the illusion of it. I want a say in every deci
tepped toward her, closing the distance between them
me. You'll lose the support of the Russo family. My uncle may think he's in co
a long moment, Luca said nothing, his gaze intense as he st
t power? You'll have it. But remember this: power is dangerous. It's
defiantly. "I'm not afraid of power, L
ough he had just found a worthy oppo