Rise of a Silent Flame

t everything felt wrong. The lighting was the same. The music pulsed. B

se herself in routine-wiping down the bar, restocking the limes, che

t see him

il she

res

w and rough like

upposed to be

He didn't belong to the usual sleazy suits or twitchy-eyed dealer

a scar just under his right ear. His jacket hung open, revealing a

if she should've r

e

right

just gripped the

onna come

a laugh. "I

theart. Y

end of the bar. The owner gave

tomach

e bar, took her by the elbow, and guided her toward

ady in

ehind the bar. The narrow passage smelled of dust and damp concrete, and the faint buzz of flickering fluorescent bulbs above added

Ava couldn't help but notice how effortlessly he navigated the maze of corridors, like a predator familiar with every hiding spot. He was a m

turning around, his voice low and

her breath. "I guess I am. I d

face. "This world... it's not for the faint-hearted. You're already in deeper than you realiz

at the bar, embossed with the silver flame symbol of the DeLuca family. It felt

he asked, her voice b

u listen, and you decide if you can live by our rules. Because this i

ing eyes of the city. The room smelled of old leather and cigarette smoke. A soft glow from

he desk was Nico

is lean frame radiating power even in repose. His dark eyes locked onto hers with a magnetic pull that made it impossible

seemed to vibrate through the air. "Enzo tel

gaze. "I didn't do it for thanks," she said, trying to keep her voice

ifferent. You're not just another bartender. You're sharp, resourceful, a

You'll see things that make your skin crawl. You'll be forced to make choices that blu

he weight of his words. "And the people I

eeping them out of it. You keep your head do

tween them. "This card is more than a symbol. It's your shi

r fingers trembling. The emblem

o, feeling a strange sense of