Chapter 5 - Blood on the Altar
The meeting was held at an abandoned cathedral in Brooklyn, a neutral ground chosen by Vivian's father.
Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight that pierced through the shattered stained-glass windows.
Alessandro arrived alone, projecting an image of foolish vulnerability and blind trust.
Vivian was waiting near the ruined altar, flanked by her ruthless older brothers and her father.
Luca stood by the door, acting as Alessandro’s backup, a venomous snake waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"Alessandro, my boy, you look tired," Vivian’s father boomed, stepping forward with open arms.
"Planning a wedding is exhausting work," Alessandro replied smoothly, dodging the embrace.
"Especially when you have to plan a funeral at the same time."
The temperature in the cathedral seemed to drop ten degrees as the words echoed off the stone walls.
Vivian’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating glare as her brothers reached into their coats.
Luca drew his weapon, aiming it squarely at the back of Alessandro’s head.
"It's over, brother," Luca said, his voice laced with arrogant triumph.
"You got soft, and this city needs a king who isn't afraid to spill blood."
Alessandro did not flinch, nor did he turn around to face his treacherous friend.
Instead, he simply raised his right hand and snapped his fingers, a sharp, echoing sound in the quiet church.
May you like
Suddenly, the massive wooden doors slammed shut, and heavily armed men dropped from the balcony shadows.
Dante stepped out from behind the altar, racking a shotgun with a terrifying metallic clack.
