HAND OVER LUNA

Following what she just heard, Luna was engulfed in a wave of devastation unlike any she had ever experienced. As she paced through the room she once shared with her mother, she wondered if the world was forced to accept her when it wasn't ready. Rejection seemed to be her constant companion, even from those she called family; from her unknown father, to her mother – the only being who she believed cared for her the most – who ran away without an excuse. And now, she's been given as goodwill to a man she knows nothing about, courtesy of her uncle, Don Rossi.

Stepping away from the window adorned with beautiful silk curtains, and onto her neatly made bed, where her mother's picture stood by the bedside, Luna still couldn't fathom how her mother could abandon her without a second thought. Despite been raised under Don Rossi – a man who frowned more than he drew breath and formidable leader of the Don Rossi Russo Mafia family – Luna still found solace in his sister's arms, Carmela – her mother. Carmela was a stark contrast to her brother Rossi, and Luna often wondered how the same parents could have birthed them.

Carmela's presence always lit up every room her brother's dark aura entered. Despite her cheery disposition, Carmela's big blue eyes, which Luna inherited, held a hint of hidden suffering. Luna knew her mum had endured hardships before giving birth to her, influenced by the various men who had shaped her life, including her brother and Luna's unknown father.

Carmela taught Luna everything she knew, from the secrets of plant life to the works of renowned authors. However, there were two things Carmela resorted to keep away from Luna, her talent for dancing and the identity of her father. Although, Luna had yet to discover the truth about her father, she had caught glimpses of her mother secretly dancing by the seaside during their visits. Every night, Luna would practice the few steps she's learned when everyone was asleep.

Reflecting on these memories, Luna couldn't shake the nagging doubt about her mother's love. Had it all been a façade, or did her mother also see reasons to reject her, just like the rest of the world? Despite all her mother taught her, nothing could have prepared Luna for what was coming.

The Sciancatura between Don Rossi and Don Carlo, with Lorenzo and Marco as their representatives respectively, ended with a clear victor emerging. When both opponents charged at each other, Lorenzo, hindered by his wounded eyes, lost sight of his enemy's attack and was swiftly overpowered by Marco. With Lorenzo unconscious at the time, Marco emerged victorious, securing the De Luca Mafia family as the new controllers of the Enna territory. Even more, the new guardian of Don Rossi's niece, Luna.

As the duel concluded, the crowd dispersed, leaving behind a scene of triumph and defeat. Both Dons exchanged a knowing glance, acknowledging the outcome of the duel and the implications it held for their families and businesses. Don Rossi now had a month to deliver his niece to Don Carlo as agreed, while relinquishing all ties to the Enna territory strictly to the De Luca Mafia.

In the wake to this one month, Don Russo's mansion was fraught with tension and uncertainty. Business partners clamored to sever ties with Don Rossi, while others demanded refunds on their investments with his Mafia. Rivals, emboldened by his defeat, dared to encroach on his other territories. Yet, amidst these challenges, the sting of defeat ravaged Don Rossi's mind more than anything else.

In the midst of this upheaval, Luna only found out about her fate through a heated conversation between a group of bodyguards attached to her uncle's security detail.

"It's really a shame how we were defeated." One guard lamented, passing a cigarette to his companion. "I mean we can't even command respect in other territories like we did before. They all see us as a joke now".

His companion took a drag from the cigarette and added, "What's even worse is that the deadline to hand over Luna to Don Carlo as a goodwill gesture is fast approaching. And Don Rossi doesn't seem concerned about the little girl's welfare at all. He hasn't even mentioned it to her."

The first guard chuckled, "And you're surprised? What's new about that? We always knew Don Rossi resented that poor girl as much as he did her mother. Even worse, it's as if he blames Luna for her mother's escape."

Taking another drag, he continued, "As much as I feel pity for her, I'm not surprised Don Rossi is acting indifferent on that one. But one thing I'm concerned about, is the shame our name carries on the streets now."

Drawing closer, he whispers to his companion, "Listen, I hear Don Carlo is recruiting some new hands and I'm thinking to join in-"

His companion quickly silenced him, "Don't ever repeat that around here again. You could get killed for it. You know what happens to people Don Rossi tags as traitors, right? So, you better keep it to yourself!" he warned.

"Now, let's get back to our post before they notice we've been gone for too long."

They glanced around cautiously before retreating to their posts, leaving Luna to process the unsettling conversation she had overheard.

The realization that she would be given away like a wrapped gift in just a few days, without her uncle even mentioning it to her – not even a hint – left her reeling. Did he really wanted to get rid of her that much?

With nothing else her little mind could consider, Luna hastily packed a few belongings into a small tote bag, determined to take control of her own destiny and make a run for it.

Luckily for her escaping the mansion wouldn't be much of a problem, as her uncle never really placed emphasis on her, hence she wasn't always paraded or kept an eye on by the guards scattered around. Until now, she never thought her uncle's less concern for her could yield any positive results.

She successfully navigated all corners of her uncle's heavily guarded mansion unnoticed and ventured out into the cold streets of Sicily. Regretting her choice of attire for the harsh weather, Luna pressed on, hoping that she could find a welcoming home, where she could find warmth and safety.

After a long walk, little Luna finally found a house dimly lit next to an open garden. With hope flickering in her eyes, she hurried towards it, only to freeze in her tracks at the sound of a gunshot.

She immediately recoiled behind one of the trees in the garden for safety and to get a better view of what was happening in the house she was just about to settle in. From her viewpoint, Luna watched as a couple was brutally molested in their home, but one face was particularly familiar to Luna – her uncle's henchman, Lorenzo.

Luna watched in horror as Lorenzo and his accomplices burned a couple alive. The gruesome scene left her stunned, her mind unable to comprehend the brutality unfolding before her, totally forgetting the reason she came this far.

Luna's attention is recalled, as she hears someone silently weeping. As she moved closer to where the sound was coming from to get a better look, the sound of a twig snapping beneath her foot alerts the figure.

Startled the figure – a young boy her age – turned to face her, his expression emulating her own fear and confusion, influenced by the tragic event they both just witnessed.

Before Luna could utter a word, he fled into the darkness, leaving her alone to grapple with the horrors she just witnessed.