Chapter 17: The Offerment

Tension permeated the warehouse, silence heavy and trembling with the threat of violence. Giovanni stood at the middle, his eyes shining with the gratification of a predator that has captured its target.

Enzo battled behind him against the cords tying his wrists, his face stained with blood and defiance. Dante's blood surged with fresh rage when he saw his devoted subordinate chained and battered.

Dante's eyes scoured the space, noting every exit and every weapon aimed at his troops and him. Marco stood to his left, muscles coiled and ready, eyes blazingly fixed on Giovanni. Though he could feel the fear Elena tried to suppress, her presence at his side was a steadying agent.

"Let him go, Giovanni," Dante said, every syllable deliberate and piercing. "This does not have to finish the way you envision it will."

Giovanni laughed, the sound bouncing off the metal walls like a taunting challenge. "Oh, but Moretti. You entered my den and today you will find exactly how far I am ready to g