SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO Nine years old Leonardo just finished his training for the day with his instructor when a messenger from Don Vito approached him. “Buongiorno, Underboss”, Matteo greeted him. “Buongiorno.” “Your grand father, Don Vito, requested your presence”, Matteo said. “Am I in trouble?”, Leonardo asked. For the past four years he’s been undergoing basic training and self defense classes while still keeping up with school. He kept to the rules and as the only child in the villa, he was lonely. Loneliness was all he had for himself. “I can’t tell but to put your mind at ease, I don’t think so”, Matteo said and winked at him. Leonardo followed him to his grand father’s part of the villa. His mind ran through every scenario that could make his grand father summon him but nothing was sticking. He tried to get more information from Matteo again but to no avail. “You should count yourself lucky to be under Don Vito”, was all he said about the subject again.
What is innocence? Some would say innocence is a state of purity, untouched by the complexities of the world, where trust reigns supreme and the heart remains unburdened by cynicism or suspicion. Others would argue that innocence is a fleeting illusion, a veil that shields us from the harsh truths of reality, blinding us to the complexities of human nature and the moral ambiguities that define our existence. Whatever it was, Leonardo lost his on this very sad and life changing day. His instructor, Enzo, was pushed to the ground by Matteo. “What is going on?”, he asked his grandfather. “Nothing, yet. Shoot the man with a bag over his head”, Don Vito said. Leonardo’s vision blurred for a second. Shock ran through him. “What…what?”, he asked. “You heard me boy”, Don Vito said, his smiles and playful expression dropped. “Do I have to?”, Leonardo asked. “Okay, I guess you don’t understand the gravity of the situation. For your benefit, I’d give you an explanation
SEVEN YEARS LATER “The Pope!”. Don Vito nodded. “Why would the Pope be attending the celebration? I thought the church was against the mafia?”, Leonardo asked. “Oh yeah, true. That’s what everyone else thinks but I know what goes on in the background”, Don Vito said. Leonardo needed a while to wrap his head around things. The Pope was in some sort of business relationship with his grandfather who was widely known as the mafia Don. Impossible. “I refuse to believe you have business with the Pope of the Catholic Church”, Leonardo shook his head. “Business? Who said anything about business? He is related to us, he shares our blood”, Don Vito said. When Leonardo received his grandfather’s call earlier, he didn’t know what to expect. Don Vito was unpredictable and he only mentions his intentions at the last minute when he knows you can’t turn back. But this, this was beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. He, Leonardo Marcello, was related to the Pope. “But why woul
The Pope was not at all what he expected. Although he had the external look and aura of a Pope, his insides were as dark as coal. “Is this the boy?”, he asked in an authoritative voice. “Yes, he is”, Don Vito replied, pride gleaming in his eyes. “Why is he wounded?”, the Pope asked. “He is to be the Don, how else can he learn without training?”, Don Vito asked looking around. The other family leaders nodded in agreement. “I see, stand closer to me”, the Pope beckoned at Leonardo. He did as he was told. Getting a close up view of the Pope was more intimidating than he expected. It even surpassed his grandfather’s. The Pope was recognized by his distinctive attire, which included a white cassock—a long, flowing robe—complemented by a white zucchetto (a small skullcap) and a white papal mozzetta, which is a short cape worn for certain ceremonies. For this occasion, he had to wear an ornate mantle called a mantum and carried the ferula, a ceremonial staff topped wi
Arya tried to hold back her tears to no avail. “Why are you crying, mia cara?”, Leonardo asked. “How could a boy at that age be forced to kill?”, she asked still sobbing. He chuckled. “That was the least worse thing my grandfather got me to do. It’s in the past, don’t cry”, he said gently. Arya wiped her tears and sat upright. “You didn’t tell me everything?”. “I didn’t. You should not have to burden yourself with my traumatic experiences”, he said sitting up too. “We are in this together, you can share with me”, Arya said passionately with her tear filled eyes. He kissed her lightly on her lips. “We have a lot to do in the future. We can’t continue to live in the past”, he said calmly. Arya nodded. “You’re so dominating but soft, ruthless but gentle”, she said. Her soft hands caressed his face as she stared into his grey eyes. Those grey eyes that dominated her sex dreams and fantasies she never thought she had. Those grey eyes were like stormy clouds brewing
Arya’s brows furrowed. “Did you just hesitate?”, she asked, squinting her eyes. “Yes, I did”, he answered. Good boy. He didn’t try to deny that. “Why?”. “I used to be a ladies man. I don’t have to get ladies, they come to me. I like to believe I still draw in the ladies”, he said with a prideful smirk. Arya gasped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”, she asked angrily. “That I am an attractive man who ladies can’t get enough of. For example, you. You simply just can’t get enough of me”, he said with his signature smirk still on his face. “Look who’s being silly and easy going all of a sudden? What happened to the grumpy old Don?”, she asked. “The grumpy old Don is just stating facts. You can’t deny it”, he said. Arya smirked too. She was beginning to love this new side of her. “Yes, I can. I have seen more attractive men”, she said with a devilish smile and leaned back on her seat. She waited for his reaction and she got it.The immense satisfaction she felt as his
WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND MAY BE TOO SENSITIVE FOR SOME READERS. “Wow, he had exquisite taste”, she remarked. Leonardo raised an eyebrow. “You’ve never said that to me”. “Well, because you don’t”. His frown deepened. “You do realize I’m carrying you in my arms, I might just let you fall”. “No, you won’t”, she retorted. “Try me”. “A while ago I liked you, now I don’t. Put me down”, she said. “As you wish”, he said and further proceeded to attempt dropping her. She gasped. “Leo!”, she screamed his name in annoyance. “What? I was only pulling your legs”, he said and dropped her on her feet carefully. “Thanks”. They walked into the Villa and Arya’s mouth dropped. She had mixed feelings for Don Vito, she couldn’t decide whether she hated him or admired him but she knew they would get along when it comes to style and fashion. The villa still had maids and guards who were constantly on duty but the it barely got guests. “I really
The Beginning of the Hell yet to unleash. Arya loved the small village. It was so much different from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and the luxurious streets that led to her husband’s villa. The environment was picturesque, with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a close-knit community atmosphere. The people were friendly and welcoming, with a strong sense of tradition and pride in their heritage. She admired their warmth, hospitality, and love of good food and conversation. Life in the village revolved around family, local festivals, and traditional customs that created a charming and authentic Italian experience. “It must be so peaceful here. I wish we could stay forever”, she said in amazement as they stopped at a fruit stall. “Benvenuto, cosa desidera comprare?", the seller asked. Welcome, what would you like to buy?. Arya smiled and looked at the fruits on display. It looked a bit spoilt and damaged unlike the fresh ones she was used to.
ONE YEAR LATER Leonardo watched her from the doorway, his arms folded as a soft smile played on his lips. Arya stood by the crib, gently stroking the twins’ hair until their breathing grew soft and even. A new mother in her element — flourishing. But he knew it wasn’t just because they were finally reunited with their babies. No, there was another weight lifted off her shoulders. Andrea’s body had washed ashore the morning after they returned to Italy. Whoever killed him had clearly found no more use for him. But Leonardo still wondered — was it Vito? He stepped forward, his voice low. “It’s been a year since we got back. The kids are happy, safe, and drowning in all the love we could give them. Are you finally ready for us?” Arya turned, eyes locking with his in that way that always made him feel like the only man in the world. “More than anything, Leo. I love our family — but throwing parties, decorating, smiling at guests — that’s not what I want to do with my life.” His smile
Arya placed her thumb against the sharp metal protruding from the mirror’s hidden safe. The prick was sharp and quick, a bead of blood welling up instantly. The metal retracted with a soft mechanical hiss, followed by a deep click as ancient locks gave way. The door of the safe creaked open, revealing what lay inside.Her breath caught.An old, thick book, its leather cover worn but unnaturally strong, sat beside a small, sleek device. The contrast between them — one ancient, the other unnervingly advanced — sent a chill through Arya’s spine.Isabel’s breath hitched. “I thought that was destroyed during the final battle between the Order and the Sisterhood — over fifty years ago.”Arya’s fingers hovered over the objects. “What exactly is it?”Dolores stepped forward, her face grim. “It’s a weapon. That device can override every military system on earth. Nukes, missiles, satellites — you name it. With the right codes, you could trigger wars from this room. The book holds those codes, a
The silence after Henry’s death was suffocating. Leonardo and Arya stood over his body, blood painting their hands and faces, their breath ragged and uneven. The room was littered with corpses, a battlefield stained with loyalty and betrayal.Ricardo and Roberto had finished off the remaining men, but Isabel barely had a moment to breathe before a rough hand seized her arm.“Let go of me!” Isabel struggled, but the man twisted her arm behind her back, dragging her toward the far end of the room. Leonardo’s gun snapped up, finger curling around the trigger — but before anyone could react, a single, sharp gunshot rang out.The man crumpled at Isabel’s feet, blood pouring from a hole between his eyes.Dolores stood a few feet away, smoke curling from her pistol. Her expression was calm, but her eyes betrayed years of unresolved rage. “No one touches another woman in front of me again.”Isabel stumbled into Arya’s arms, trembling. “It’s over,” Arya whispered. “You’re safe now.”But then A
“You remind me of him…” Andreas’ voice slithered through the tension like a blade through silk. Leonardo didn’t move, didn’t lower his gun. His heart was a hammer against his ribs, but his hand was steady, aimed straight at Andreas’ head. And yet, the Pope only smiled. “Vito. Your grandfather. You have his temper… his instincts.” A pause, measured, deliberate. Then, softer—“His arrogance.” “You were close to him,” Leonardo said. His voice was steady, but inside, something twisted. Andreas smiled. “Closer than you think. He would have been proud of you, Leonardo. If only he were still alive.” Leonardo’s jaw tensed. Andreas had been a ghost from his past, a man he had once admired, a mentor in a strange way. And now, he was standing against him, speaking about his grandfather as if— He didn’t have time to unpack it. Because in the next second, Ricardo’s gun cracked, the shot echoing through the chamber. Leonardo had silently given the signal, and Ricardo took the sh
Arya could barely believe her ears. None of this made sense. Isabel coming to this town had been a coincidence.Hadn’t it?Her pulse hammered in her ears, drowning out the distant creaks of the ancient walls.“Isabel having Adriana? Her coming here? You’re spewing nonsense,” Arya said, her voice sharper than she intended.Henry smirked. “I am here to ensure my predecessors’ wishes are met. Of course, her coming here wasn’t a coincidence. Neither was Stanley getting her pregnant. We ruined your life in ways that would bring you here. Not that we had to try too hard—Stanley was more than happy to do it and didn’t even come back for his pay.”Isabel gasped, her breath hitching. “Wha—”“I beg you, Isabel.” Henry’s voice turned colder, almost bored. “Don’t speak until you’re spoken to. Now that I’m no longer pretending, I can admit—I never could tolerate you. Always rushing to do the right thing for the church, as if doing good has ever brought you good luck.”Leonardo stepped forward, his
A second of stunned silence stretched between them. Then, as if a trigger had been pulled, everyone moved at once. Ricardo’s hand flew to his gun. Leonardo stepped protectively in front of Arya. Dolores unsheathed a hidden dagger from her belt, while Isabel squared her stance, ready for a fight. Roberto cocked his pistol, finger already on the trigger. But Henry didn’t flinch. Instead, he smiled. And then—the ground shook. A deep, guttural rumble echoed through the underground chamber, vibrating up their legs. Dust rained from the ceiling. The ancient stone beneath their feet groaned, as if something massive had just shifted deep within the earth. For a fraction of a second, everyone hesitated. And that was all Henry needed. A single, sharp whistle left his lips. A sniper’s laser appeared—red and deadly—right over Arya’s forehead. Leonardo’s stomach dropped. “Ah-ah,” Henry tutted, raising a single finger. “You know, I’d really rather not get blood all over these nic
Arya, Leonardo, Ricardo, Roberto, Isabel, Dolores, and Penelope, along with several others, entered the underground hideout and saw that Henry had already opened a secret door.“He left the door open for us to follow him? He’s either an egotistical moron or just plain stupid,” Leonardo said.Isabel was horrified. “I never even knew about this secret door—right here, in the very room where I trained my girls.”“Henry comes from a line of corrupt priests, each one worse than the last. They’ve been pitting you all against each other for years. Of course, he knew more than he let on,” Ricardo said.Penelope placed a comforting hand on Isabel’s shoulder.Dolores didn’t pause—she kept moving through the secret passage, and the others followed. The walkway was dimly lit by old, slow-burning lanterns, their glass clouded with dust. Cobwebs hung in thick strands, untouched for what must have been decades. The walls were covered in strange symbols, a forgotten language carved into the stone.“I
Smoke and dust hung thick in the air, swirling through the ruined convent like ghosts mourning the dead. The scent of burning wood mixed with the coppery tang of blood. The once-pristine courtyard was unrecognizable—bodies lay strewn across the stone floor, habits stained red, fingers still curled around the weapons they had fought with. Bullet holes riddled the chapel walls, and shattered stained-glass windows cast fragmented colors onto the carnage below. Flames crackled in the distance, devouring part of the east wing, their light flickering like dying prayers. Arya stepped over a body, careful not to let her boots slip on the slickness of fresh blood. She felt Leonardo’s presence beside her, solid and tense. Roberto and Ricardo moved with weapons drawn, scanning for any remaining threats. But the battle, for now, had paused. The dead had no more fight left in them. And in the heart of it all stood Isabel. She was drenched in blood, her gray-streaked hair matted with sweat. A
The doctor finished his examination, checking Leonardo’s pulse, pupils, and responsiveness. He pressed against his wrist, watching the steady beat, then moved a small flashlight across his eyes. Leonardo tolerated the prodding in silence, though his body ached from days of inactivity. Finally, the doctor stepped back and exhaled. “He seems clean. The drug is out of his system.” Arya sagged, as if the weight she had carried for days had been lifted just enough for her to breathe again. Her hands, which had been gripping the sheets so tightly her knuckles turned white, finally loosened. “Thank you, Doctor,” she said, her voice raw. The doctor gave her a small nod. “He may still experience some lingering effects—fatigue, confusion, maybe even nightmares—but the worst of it is over. His body will adjust in time.” Leonardo listened, barely absorbing the words. His mind was already moving forward, pushing past the haze of the last few days. He had woken up and gone back under so