Isab

estaurant, where five important families discuss territories and business. I memorize f

ortune has declined somewhat in recent years, our family name is still the strong

son of the fearsome Antonio Ricci, the perfect heir. No one in this room knows that under

says my father

tly. "Tha

know what they see: a stern-looking young man, heir to a crimin

th," comments one of the men. He h

ive gesture. "Matteo can

suspect something? No way. I have perfected every gesture and every movement over the years.

, unhurried sip. The alcohol burns, but I keep my ex

tions," my father says. "Isidro will be

head slightly. They know what it means: b

r my shortcomings. My father has taken it upon himself to spread all sorts of rumors about my ruthlessn

and pats on the back that I endure without changi

" my father sa

ders in disguise. I did well because I acted a

s illuminate the path to the door. Two guards greet

tomorrow," my father says before walkin

e door and then check that the curtains are comple

y. The tie follows, then the shoes. Each garme

. I slowly unroll them, feeling my body release. I take a deep breath for the first time

e same time that of a stranger: Isabella Ricci,

ce of the room is heavy, in here there is no one to

ing the red marks the band

e wanted to leave him, to take her little daughter away from this world, and he found out. That's why he killed her wit

hem," he told me one day. "That's why

until my twenty-fourth year. Classes in fighting, in intimidation, in the us

the curtains. The night is clear and the stars are shining far

ver I went. Just as he found my mother when she tried to

r weaknesses. And being a woman, for

ess I secretly bought. I have never worn it, nor will I ever be able to wear it. But on rough nights, like

turn off the light. In the darkness, I allo

ecutioner of all the bastards in the city. The man-child

sabella. And for now t