Chapter 78 - Initiation

Vincenzo

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Vincenzo Capone - Fifteen years old.

The Capo, my father, a figure of authority, Salvatore Capone stood before me.

"You stand on the precipice, Vincenzo, on the edge of loyalty and consequence. This family is your blood, your sanctuary. Once you step in, there's no turning back. Family comes first, above all else – your wife, children, mother, father, your brothers. It's a bond unbroken."

A ceremonial knife glinted in the subdued light as it passed to me. "In the crucible of loyalty, a cut to mark your pact. Blood binds, and with this, you embrace the vows of kinship."

I ran the knife over my palm, allowing the blood to drip onto Saint Peter's card.

Dad with a stern gaze, intoned, "At the sanctum of Saint Peter, this family swears. May your soul burn in hell if you betray your family."

My dad seized the Saint Peter card, placing it cautiously above the candle's flame until it ignited. With deliberate movements, he then positioned the burning card onto my bloodi