Veins Of Vengeance

ht air was thick with the scent of blooming jasmine from the garden, yet the weight of her father's expectations pressed down on her chest like a stone. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration-a

in her gut that the price of this alliance wa

or with the Moretti family. The silverware gleamed under the low chandelier lights, but Zara couldn't shake the growing sense of suffocation. She wandered the marble halls of the estate, avoiding her guests' pitying stares. Her

ol breeze immediately washed over her, and she drew in a sharp breath. A moment of

r haven when the world became too much. The place where she went to remember w

behind her, soft

r voice called, a

nly accentuated the cold, calculating nature that had always been there. He was handsome in a way that could never be called charming, his expressions often too stiff

dn't truly care but was simply stating a fact. His eyes, though, were shar

ied, her voice steady. "I'm simp

owering, lingered between them. "The night will end soon, Zara. Don't waste it." His lips cur

ran thro

torted, her eyes flashi

t less genuine. "You'll come to understand," he said, his voice lowering to a n

c every time. The same excuse for every sacrifice they'd forced upon her. *The family* was always the answer. Her father, Matteo, even her own

She wasn't meant for this life. She wasn't meant to be another pawn in their ruthless gam

t, Zara. Someone who might help you understand." He didn't give her a chanc

rom over, and her father's plans were moving forward. But the

ent. Guests sipped wine from crystal glasses, their laughter echoing off the marble floors. But amidst the swirling sou

en that s

his presence commanding. Damon King. The son of her family's greate

r's death. His name was synonymous with betrayal, violence, and the loss of those she loved. Yet, t

way. The people around them, the music, the laughter-they all disappeared, leaving only t

s grip tightening on her arm.

ent. Matteo, however, hadn't missed her reaction.

ng with disdain. "Stay away from him.

se of unease. Damon King was trouble, but for reasons she couldn't

burning into her back, but when she finally dared to glance over, Damon was no longer looking at he

It was as if Damon knew more about her than anyone

he was part of. And yet, something

but Zara couldn't help the feeling that the night was only just beginning. That some