Page 95

"Our intelligence places him in the lower levels," Marco adds from across the cabin, checking his rifle. "Cell block D, the isolation wing. Heaviest security concentration."

Dante's jaw tightens. "And Nico? Any sign of him at the coordinates he sent?"

Marco shakes his head. "Nothing yet. Vincent has a team in position, but the warehouse appears empty."

"Another fucking disappointment from my brother," Dante mutters, though I see the look in his eyes. Not surprise, but confirmation of a suspicion. "We proceed with the primary extraction. Antonio is our mission. We get him out. Alive. At all costs."

I watch him, this man who has transformed from my captor to my savior. The man who once inked his family crest into my flesh, basically against my will, now risking everything to rescue my blood.

"So what's the plan exactly?" I ask, my voice steadier than I feel. "We can't exactly walk through the front gate."

Dante unfolds a printed plan across our laps. "We don't have to. Every castle has a weakness. This one happens to have a maintenance tunnel for the old heating system, built during the Second World War. It runs beneath the eastern wall, connectingto the dungeons." His finger traces the path. "We enter here, neutralize any resistance, locate Antonio, and withdraw through the same route."

"And if something goes wrong?"

His eyes meet mine. "Then we improvise."

The helicopter begins its descent into a forested area several kilometers from the compound. Far enough to avoid detection, close enough for a rapid approach. As the rotors slow, I feel the weight of what we're about to attempt settle over me.

Before we disembark, Dante pulls me close, his lips brushing my ear.

"Stay beside me," he orders, the command softened by the concern beneath it. "No heroics. No separation. If I tell you to run, you fucking run. Understood?"

I nod, my throat tight with emotions I can't afford right now.Not fear. Not now.

"I understand."

Marco approaches, holding what looks like a small bulletproof vest sized for a woman. "For you, Mrs. Ravelli."

I almost laugh at the formality, but Dante takes the vest, helping me secure it over my clothing. His fingers linger at each strap, checking twice to ensure everything is protected.

"It won't stop a direct shot from a high-caliber weapon," he explains, adjusting the fit around my shoulders. "But it will give you a fighting chance against standard rounds."

"Gee,thanks. Very reassuring," I reply, attempting to lighten the darkness gathering in his eyes.

The ghost of a smile touches his lips before vanishing. "One more thing."

He reaches into his tactical vest, withdrawing a handgun. It's smaller than his own weapon, designed for concealment and ease of use rather than raw stopping power.

"You know how to use this?" he asks, though the question is merely formality.

"My father insisted," I confirm, accepting the weapon. The weight feels familiar in my palm, a reminder of afternoons spent at private shooting ranges under Antonio Castellano's watchful eye.Always be prepared, Francesca. Our world doesn't forgive weakness.

Dante watches as I check the chamber, ensure the safety is engaged, and tuck the gun into the holster he's provided.

"Ready?" he asks.

I think of Antonio, of the video showing his battered face, his desperate warning. "Ready."

We move through dense forest with surprising speed, Dante and Marco leading while I follow closely. The walk is brutal, over uneven ground, through thorny underbrush that tears at my clothing. By the time the castle's outer walls become visible through the trees, my legs burn and my lungs ache from the effort of keeping pace.

"There," Marco whispers, pointing to what appears to be an abandoned maintenance shed nestled against the eastern wall. "That's our access point."

Dante signals to the team—six men in total, all armed, all moving with the practiced silence of professional killers. This feels more like a fucking military operation, not some underworld mafia dispute.

The men fan out, securing the perimeter while Dante, Marco, and I approach the shed.

"Wait," Marco says suddenly, holding up a hand as we draw close to the concrete structure. "Before we proceed, there's something you should know."