A Storm on the Horizon

The air inside the motel room felt heavier, suffocating with the weight of Dominic's words.

Victor wasn't the end.

Luca ran a hand through his hair, frustration building like a storm in his chest. He had spent years fighting to get out, to break free. But freedom was a fragile illusion—one that was already slipping through his fingers.

Mira leaned against the dresser, arms crossed. "Start talking."

Dominic didn't hesitate. "Victor was a problem, yeah. But he wasn't the one pulling the strings. He was just a pawn in something much bigger."

Luca narrowed his eyes. "Then who's the real player?"

Dominic exhaled, stepping further into the room. His voice was low, measured.

"A man named Cassian Varela."

Mira stiffened. Even Luca felt the name settle over the room like a shadow.

Cassian Varela.

A name whispered in the darkest corners of the underworld.

—

The Devil in the Dark

Luca knew of him. Everyone did.

Cassian was more than a crime lord—he was a force of nature. No one crossed him and lived to tell the story. His power stretched beyond borders, his influence embedded deep in governments, corporations, and underground syndicates.

And now, he was coming for them.

Mira exhaled, shaking her head. "If Cassian's involved, we're already dead."

Dominic smirked. "Not yet. But he knows about you, Luca. He knows what you did to Victor. And he's not happy."

Luca felt his pulse hammering in his ears. He had killed Victor to end this nightmare—not to start another war.

But Cassian wasn't the kind of man to let things go.

—

No Way Out

Luca paced, mind racing. "What does he want?"

Dominic's jaw tightened. "You."

The single word sent a chill down Luca's spine.

Mira scoffed. "Of course he does."

Dominic continued, his voice grave. "Cassian's sending people after you. He doesn't just want revenge—he wants control. He sees potential in you, Luca. He wants to turn you into one of his own."

Luca let out a dry laugh. "That's not happening."

Dominic's gaze was steady. "Then he'll kill you."

Silence settled like a noose around them.

They were out of time.

—

The Next Move

Mira pushed off the dresser. "So what's the play?"

Luca's jaw clenched. Running wasn't an option. Not this time.

If Cassian Varela wanted him… he'd have to come get him.

Luca turned to Dominic, eyes cold, sharp. "Where is he?"

Dominic studied him for a long moment, then smirked. "That's what I like to hear."

Mira exhaled. "Oh, we're really doing this?"

Luca nodded. "We end this. For good."

Because Cassian Varela might be a king in the underworld—

But Luca had never been afraid to kill a king.

—

Next Chapter: The Hunt Begins.