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“What are they saying?”

“Big Borya wants to set our defenses and wait it out. The Ivanovs want to offer a one-time payment to get them to leave us be. Brick shithouse over there ‘advises caution.’ Majority of the elders are with him on that.”

“How inspiring.”

Glancing around the conference room, I peruse the trophies and photos on the walls as they argue. So much history. Maybe as much as the Diamantes. So much to fight for.

Odd. Ever since I woke up here, I feel clearheaded. I can remember more. New York. Italy.

A spark flares. An idea.

“Izvini tvoyu babushku!” I bolt to my feet. The whole room goes dead silent. A few of the council members give me confused looks.

“Ero … you said?—”

“Fuck. Oh well. Got your attention. Listen. I know I am the last person you want to hear from. But you need to know what Ananke and the Pantheon are. It’s not about allying with them or staying neutral. This woman has infiltrated governments all over the world. She’s all but wiped out any competition and absorbed every hitman and merc group out there. Resisting her won’t be enough.”

“So you come to beg us to be army against this?” Big Borya scowls. “You bring nothing but your ties to Shakal and expect us to come like attack dog? You’re ties for him are chains. We will not let you drag him down.”

Vanya steps into the room, holding a little girl with blonde hair in her arms. She watches me, the beautiful little princess toying with her dark hair.

“All I am asking for is for you to defend yourselves and your people. To warn you just how dangerous she is.” Way to undersell the whole thing, Ero.

“Pshh. We already know this. And she cannot defeat us.”

“She will destroy your way of life. Those men that have gone missing…they’ll be returned to you changed. They’ll turn on you. Or she’ll send them to attack you.”

“Any Bratva who turns to her is betrayer.”

“Not by choice.”

“How do you know this?” Vanya asks, stepping forward.

“Because Ananke held me captive for the past five years. Experimented on me and the woman I love.”

Ciro’s brow furrows, a strange look of wonder and concern tightening his features. “Is that all this is, then? A way for you to get revenge?”

“Ananke deserves to die for what she’s done. But that doesn’t matter if I can’t save Circe.”

“So you’d risk everything to rescue her?” Vanya leads, letting the tiny child down to the floor.

“I’d rather die than lose her. Than lose anyone else to Ananke’s sick machinations. Ciro is my family. You’re all his family now. I only wanted to warn you. Give you a fighting chance.”

More of the gathering nods, a few still throwing me death stares. Guess that’s the best I can do.

A few minutes later, they disband for the day, settling a few logistical matters. Troop placements.

Finally, it’s just me, Ciro, Vanya.

“Not the victorious uprising you hoped for?” Ciro knuckles my arm.

“I didn’t expect to find an army to lead to war. All I really need are a few good fighters, gear. A small force to infiltrate Ananke’s compound and…” I flop my hands helplessly.

From behind Vanya’s legs, crystal blue eyes peer around. With small, careful steps, she approaches me, stares at me seriously for a few moments. Then she reaches up, holding her hand out.

Glancing at Vanya and Ciro, I hesitate before crouching down.

Tiny fingers rest on my cheek. “Hello. My name is Myka. What is yours?”