☆Chapter 49:The Trial of Stella d'Italia☆

The Burden of Proof

Lucian had made a vow.

A promise that echoed through the War Room, ringing louder in his ears long after the meeting had ended.

To protect her. To make her happy.

But Lorenzo's words haunted him.

"You'll have to prove it."

☆☆☆

Matteo had been the one to tell him.

"You know what comes next, right?"

Lucian looked up, brow furrowed.

"The Trial of Stella d'Italia."

Lucian's blood ran cold

"The… what?"

Matteo's grin was gone.

"The De Lucas don't take promises lightly, kid."

"If you're serious about marrying Sera one day…"

"You'll have to bring her the Flower of Stella d'Italia."

Nonno had chimed in.

"Ahh, the flower."

Nonno's eyes twinkled with mischief.

"A De Luca tradition that's been around for generations."

"To prove a man's worth, he must bring back the Stella d'Italia bloom."

Lucian's heart pounded.

"What's so special about it?"

Nonno leaned back.

"It's not just a flower, ragazzo."

"It's a symbol."

"The flower only grows from the Tree of Stella— the Goddess of Stars— deep in the woods."

"A place where the air itself feels cursed."

"The bloom is as white as snow, with intricate patterns that look like frozen crystals."

"They say…"

Nonno's voice dropped to a whisper.

"The flower never wilts."

Lucian swallowed hard.

"And I have to… find it?"

Matteo Nodded

"Alone."

"No guards. No backup."

"Just you and the forest."

Nonno Smirked

"And if you return empty-handed?"

"Well… let's just say no De Luca man ever dared to come back without it."

Lucian didn't hesitate.

"When do I leave?"

Matteo clapped his shoulder.

"At dawn."

"Be ready."

☆☆☆

The Journey Begins

Alone in the Woods

The forest was alive.

The wind howled through the branches, whispering secrets only the brave dared to hear.

Leaves crunched beneath Lucian's boots as he moved cautiously.

Hours had passed.

No sign of the tree.

But he wouldn't give up

"For Sera."

He murmured under his breath, his jaw set with determination.

"I'll bring it back."

The Legend of Stella d'Italia

Lucian remembered the story Nonno had told him.

"The Tree of Stella d'Italia grows where no man dares to tread."

"It blooms only under the light of the moon, untouched by time or decay."

A flower that symbolized undying devotion.

A flicker of white

Lucian froze.

There.

Nestled among ancient roots, bathed in moonlight.

The flower.

Its white petals sparkled like snow, delicate yet unyielding.

But nothing comes easy

The ground shifted beneath his feet.

A trap.

Lucian dodged just in time

A metal snare snapped shut, narrowly missing his ankle.

"What the—"

Another one.

Lucian moved swiftly, dodging as more traps activated around him.

So... this is the real test...

"Is that all you've got?"

His voice was steady, but his heart was pounding.

Just as he was about to reach the flower—

A shadow emerged.

A man.

Eyes cold. Blade ready.

Lucian didn't hesitate

The fight was quick. Brutal.

Lucian's training with Matteo had prepared him well.

A few swift moves and his opponent was cornered. As he was about the land the finishing blow, the man escaped.

Lucian gave off a smirk when he saw a blood tainting his blade.

"I scratched him."

Finally, the flower...

Breathing hard, Lucian knelt.

His fingers grazed the petals.

Soft.

Cold, like frost.

But alive.

"For Sera."

☆☆☆

At the Gates of the De Luca Estate...

Lucian returned at dawn.

Lorenzo was waiting.

Matteo stood beside him, arms crossed.

Nonno was smoking his cigar, a knowing smile on his face.

Lucian held out the flower.

"I brought it."

His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed the exhaustion in his body.

Lorenzo took the flower.

Inspecting it carefully.

"It's real."

His voice was unreadable. As he hold the flower, Lucian noticed something. On Lorenzo's left arm. A wound. Still fresh. From a blade.

Lucian is in shock, the man in the forest is—

"Not bad, kid." Matteo's grin is ear from ear.

Nonno Grinned

"You did good, ragazzo."

But Lorenzo's eyes were on Lucian.

"You bled for her."

"You fought for her."

"And you brought this back."

Lucian met his gaze.

"I'd do it again."

For the first time… Lorenzo's cold gaze softened.

"Then you're worthy."

The De Luca patriarch finally spoke the words Lucian had longed to hear.

But Matteo Couldn't Resist

"You sure about that, boss?"

He smirked.

"Kid almost got himself killed."

Nonno Chuckled

"He's one of us now."

"And he did it… for Sera."

But Lucian only had one question.

"When can I give it to her?"

Lorenzo's answer was simple

"When the time is right."

But Lucian knew…

That time was coming soon.

☆☆☆

Lorenzo stare at Lucian's back, as he walked inside, staggering while holding the flower on his left hand and a proud wide smile on his face.

Matteo nudge him, "So... when are you going to say that there is no such thing as the 'trial of Stella d'Italia?'"

"And that you only did this so that you can make sure that he is not easy to kill?" Nonno chuckled.

"Never... he'll never know... unless both of you talk." Lorenzo gave them a death stare.

Matteo shrugged, Nonno laughed.

"I guess it's my fault for keeping virgin lunatics under my roof and not even thinking about wedding traditions" Nonno shakes his head.

"Well, I guess you have to establish those rules Nonno... because the De Luca Legacy will be very fruitful from now on." Matteo gave a knowing smile and a wink, that makes Nonno grin.