Page 105 of Shadows of Steel

His face scrunches. “Who eats lychee?”

“I do,” I say simply. “And I need some. Right now.”

Mattia stares at me, unimpressed. “You’re so weird.”

I glare. “Do we have it or not?”

He shrugs. “I don’t think so. Never seen anyone eat lychee around here.”

“Great.” I push the blanket off my legs and stand. “Then we need to go buy some.”

Mattia snorts. “You know you can just ask someone to get it, right?”

I wave him off. “No. I need to pick them myself.”

He frowns. “But you need to take the guards.”

I lean in slightly, lowering my voice. “We take one. Someone at the gate. No one else needs to know.” I grab my phone. “Let’s go.”

Mattia stares at me, gears turning. Then, his mischievous grin spreads. “I know a way out without being seen.”

I squint. “That sounds suspicious.”

His grin widens. “Trust me.”

Five minutes later, I find myself dangling from the damn balcony. “Why did I listen to an eight-year-old?” I mutter under my breath.

“Stop complaining,” Mattia hisses from below. “Just… drop already!”

I glance down. It’s not that high. But still.

“We have a door, you know.”

Mattia rolls his eyes. “But the guards will see us! This way, we sneak out.”

I huff. “This feels like some kind of stupid Spider-man fantasy you wanted to act out.”

Mattia’s lips purse. “I don’t even like Spider-Man.”

I blink. “What?”

“I like Batman.” He says proudly.

I scoff, gripping the ledge, lowering myself down. “Fine. Whatever. Let’s just—"

With a steady breath, I let go, landing with a soft thud.

Mattia grins, lifting his palm like he’s ridiculously proud. “Good job!”

We clap our hands together in triumph, a shared moment of victory that is short-lived. Because when we turn, we find ourselves face to face with Dante, standing just ten feet away. Leonardo and Mario flank him, both struggling to contain their amusement, while behind them, standing in silent judgment, are Dante’s four Capos, the heads of the families he commands.

All of them watching.

I go still. Mattia stiffens beside me.

Leonardo exhales a full, unrestrained laugh, shaking his head in pure amusement. Mario smirks, arms folding over his chest as though thoroughly entertained.

Dante’s gaze drifts between the two of us, his expression impenetrable, except for the glint of dark amusement simmering beneath the surface. Slowly, he crosses his arms, his presence commanding without effort. “Would either of you care to offer an explanation?” His voice is low, coated in quiet, unmistakable menace.