Chapter 49: Gathering Shadows

Ghost drove us deep into the city, away from the burning docks and the chaos we left behind. The night outside was dark, but in my head, the war had already begun. Every corner of this city was a battlefield now.

Vera leaned forward, her voice low but sharp. "There's a guy I know. Name's Luca. Runs a black market out of the old meatpacking district. If anyone knows where Dorne's hiding or who he's working with, it's him."

I glanced at her. "Can we trust him?"

Vera gave a small shrug. "Trust is a luxury we can't afford. But Luca hates Dorne more than most. If we give him something he wants, he'll talk."

Ghost snorted. "And what does a man like Luca want?"

Vera smiled faintly. "Same as anyone else in this city—power, leverage, and a way to survive."

I leaned back in my seat, thinking. We couldn't go at Dorne blind. We needed information, allies—anything to give us an edge before he made his next move.

"Take us to him," I said.

Ghost nodded, making a sharp turn down a back alley. "You know this city's about to turn into a warzone, right? After what we did tonight, Dorne won't stop until he's burned us alive."

"Good," I said coldly. "Let him try."

—

We arrived at Luca's "club" — if you could call a crumbling warehouse filled with armed guards a club. Neon lights flickered weakly above the door, casting a sickly glow on the armed men standing watch.

Vera stepped out first, pulling her jacket tight against the night wind. She motioned for me to stay close.

"This isn't a place for heroes," she muttered. "Keep your mouth shut, let me do the talking."

I smirked. "You think I'm here to make friends?"

"Just don't get us killed before we get what we need," she shot back.

Inside, the place was worse than I remembered — smoke thick in the air, broken furniture lining the walls. Men lounged around, guns at their sides, watching us with cold eyes.

In the back, Luca sat like a king on a makeshift throne, sharp-eyed and grinning like a shark.

"Vera," he said, standing to greet her, arms open. "Still running around with trouble?" His gaze shifted to me. "And who's this? The infamous Damien, I presume?"

"None of your business," I said flatly.

Luca laughed. "I like him. He's got bite."

Vera didn't waste time. "We need information. Dorne. Where he's hiding. What he's planning."

Luca tilted his head, amused. "Information like that comes with a price."

I stepped forward, voice like ice. "We just burned Dorne's shipment. His men are dead. You think he's going to leave you out of this? You're already part of this war whether you like it or not."

Luca's smile faltered, just for a second.

Vera pressed. "You help us, Luca, you get protection. You don't—well, when Dorne comes for you, don't expect us to lift a finger."

He leaned back, tapping a cigarette against the table. "You're playing a dangerous game, Vera. But... maybe I like dangerous."

He gestured to one of his men, who stepped out of the room.

"Word is, Dorne's been working out of the old riverfront hotel—you know the one. Fortified like a bunker. He's been gathering men, buying new weapons. Planning something big. Real big."

"How big?" I asked.

Luca blew out a thin stream of smoke. "Big enough to make Kross's empire look like child's play."

Vera and I exchanged a glance. This was worse than I thought.

Luca grinned. "Now, I've given you what you want. But you owe me, Vera. Next time I call, you answer. Got it?"

Vera hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But if you double-cross us..."

Luca laughed darkly. "Sweetheart, I wouldn't dare."

We turned to leave, but before we reached the door, Luca called out to me.

"Damien."

I paused.

"You think you're ready to take on Dorne? He's not Kross. He's worse. He doesn't just want to rule this city—he wants to own every piece of it. And he'll crush anyone in his way."

I glanced back, my eyes hard. "Then I guess he hasn't met me yet."

—

Back in the car, Ghost looked at us expectantly. "Well?"

Vera slid into the seat. "We've got a lead. Riverfront hotel. But we'll need a plan to get in—and more firepower."

Ghost nodded. "I'll start making calls. See who's crazy enough to help us."

I stared out at the dark skyline, my jaw tight.

"Dorne wants a war? Fine. I'll give him one."

To be continued...