𝟷𝟾. "... 𝙰𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐?"

TRAVIS'S P.O.V

The buzzing of the phone had me awake and staring up at the ceiling, it's pattern barely visible through the dim light. The buzzing continued and I finally sat up before picking it up.

"Travis Ferrari" the familiar voice of my uncle called me and I got off the bed and walked to the window. "Patruus" I answered, leaning by the windowsill and staring into the horizon as the sun rose.

"I'm sitting in my office, reading the evening's paper and I am speechless"

"For the first time in forever" I muttered and he chuckled, "Well done, what's the next phase now?"

"I take directions from you" I replied and he chuckled again. "No, I'm right behind you. Just give the orders" he disagreed and I chuckled and glanced down at my hand, it had a band aid wrapped around it. Flexing it, caused pain through my arm.

"I'm sure you will here the verdict today. I'm gonna finalize things" I said before leaning from the window. "I'll be waiting"

"We'll reconvene soon" I assured before ending the call and leaning out into the city, it's calmness contrasting with the event of last night.

My tore my eyes and looked back at the woman on my bed, she turned and faced the other side, her bare back in full display. I looked away and glanced down at my injured hand once again.

The only fight I didn't make through without a scratch, flashes of her face shot through my mind as she stabbed that dagger through my palm. Her eyes unblinking and cold.

I pulled open the drawer beside me and took out a pack of cigarettes before popping one in and heading out. Shoving one hand down my pants pocket, I let out the first breath of smoke.

The city was in mourning, the Prime Minister was dead and it is still a shock to everyone. The Volkovs in shambles, I'm giving Cassian all but 24 hours to surrender and he had but few hours left now.

I got down the stairs and took a left through the hallway, the sun barely out, the whole place quiet and still. I couldn't get her off my head since after the encountered, I let out another breath of smoke and stopped at the balcony, taking a full view of the estate.

The cold breeze whipping through my skin as I raked a hand through my hair. Where did she learn to fight like that? Where has she been?

I took another drag, the smoke curling above me like a fog. She didn't hesitate driving her dagger trough me, she didn't bat a lash.

It was clear she wasn't on Cassian's side, she attacked whoever came for her. She was playing her own games.

But what would she want from Cassian?

Letting out a cold sigh, I flicked off the ashes into the air. The coup was successful and Cicatrici had called an emergency summit. It came as a shock to everyone, they couldn't believe I'll go that far to send a message.

But I knew there was no limit whatsoever, as long as I could get my hand on it. They will all stop plotting my overthrow, the Dymatrix will bend to my will and everyone else will get the message.

Just as it was always meant to be.

"You up early, boss" Silvano's cut in from behind before he appeared beside me but I had my eyes out to the city—my city.

"It's a beautiful morning" I mentioned and he first glanced at me to be sure I was the one saying this before he glanced back at the city. "It is. You've been getting several Umbras. The Society is agitated" he informed and at first I chuckled before it turned into a full blown laughter.

I turned around and leaned on the railings before taking another drag of the city. "What's the message?" I asked and he shook his head, "I don't read the Umbras—"

"Stai zitto" I hissed and he grinned before saying, "They are holding a summit as you know, they want answers, the next course of action since Cesare is dead now"

I remained silent as I took another slow drag, letting the smoke curl lazily from my lips. "What's the next course of action?"

"Keep an eye on Trent" I ordered. "Put him in place if he tries to mess up"

He nodded, taking note of that before shooting me a narrowed look. "Should I also handle whoever stabbed you too?" He inquired and I glanced at my hand again, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Leave this one to me"

Heading out once again and he followed, "And...the woman upstairs?"

I then paused and turned to face him fully. "Are you spying on me?"

"Yes" he admitted plainly. "Plus, it's Yelena Petrovna. I knew you'd consider what I said" he added, shooting me a knowing look and I rolled my eyes and continued down the stairs.

"Take care of that too"

➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫➫

The double doors burst open, slamming against the walls with a resounding crack. The chatter that had filled the room just moments ago vanished in an instant, swallowed by a heavy, suffocating silence.

The only sound that remained was the sharp click of my shoes against the polished marble as I made my way inside.

All eyes followed me—watching, waiting. Their silence spoke louder than any of the complaints they had been voicing mere minutes ago.

Unbuttoning my blazer, I lowered myself into my seat, exuding a calm that I knew would unnerve them. Silvano took his position behind me, his presence a silent but solid extension of my authority. I scanned the room, taking in their expressions—uncertainty, tension, and buried beneath it all, fear.

That was what I relished most. Fear.

It was rare to get all members of the Society in one room, but tonight, about seventy-five percent of them were here. That alone told me everything I needed to know.

I leaned back slightly, suppressing the smirk that threatened to tug at my lips. They weren't seated by my side as usual, I was before them—fellow members of the Committee. That meant something.

My gaze landed on Dominic. He couldn’t meet my eyes, though I caught the way his fingers twitched slightly, betraying his nerves. Guilty. He thought I wouldn’t notice his little game with the Volkovs, his discreet support in rejecting my proposal for the vote of no confidence.

He was wrong.

The Prime Minister’s blood wasn’t on my hands. It was on theirs. I had given them several chances to amend. They chose this path.

No one spoke. No one dared. Even President Bianchi was here, watching, waiting.

I let the silence stretch, amplifying their discomfort, before finally breaking it with a single question:

"Are we mourning?"

A few of them shifted uncomfortably in their seats, while others finally met my gaze.

But Josephine—Josephine was furious.

It was evident in the tight clench of her jaw, the impatient tap of her heel against the floor. Unlike the others, she didn’t avert her eyes. She met mine and held firm.

Her voice was sharp, clipped. "Cesare is dead."

I didn’t react beyond a slow, deliberate nod. Instead, I raised a hand, snapping my fingers.

Silvano moved instantly, stepping forward to provide me with a cigar and a lighter. All I needed to get through with this.

I took my time, inhaling a deep drag before exhaling smoothly, watching the tendrils of smoke curl into the air. Then, I met their expectant gazes again.

"Anything else I don’t know?"

The President was the first to speak. "Ferrari… We agreed to deliberate on matters before taking action."

I tilted my head slightly. "We deliberated. A decision was made."

He exhaled sharply. "Travis—"

I cut him off, my voice steady but firm.

"I bleed for The Cicatrici. I carry the scar of loyalty. My blood, my life, my allegiance—yours forever." I recited the oath of allegiance and it settled over the room like a heavy fog. The world stilled for a moment.

I stood, walking toward the open window, the night air cooling my skin as I leaned against the wall. I turned my head just enough to glance back at them.

"All deeds must be repaid. Those were your words Josephine" I murmured, my gaze locking onto her.

Her expression flickered, just for a second. Then, she tore her eyes away.

Checkmate.

A smirk ghosted my lips as I took another drag. My gaze then shifted to Dmitri, the leader of Dymatrix—the guest I had been expecting.

"To what do we owe Dymatrix for this visit?"

I knew the answer, but I wanted to hear him say it.

Dmitri cleared his throat before finally speaking. "We came to pledge our loyalty."

I turned fully, exhaling another slow stream of smoke. "Once again."

His posture remained rigid as he nodded. "We were only carrying out orders from the Volkovs."

A chuckle rumbled in my throat. I shook my head slightly, stepping away from the window. "I know there are more snakes hiding in the grass," I said, my eyes settling back on Dominic.

The message was clear. I won’t expose you here—not yet—but don’t think for a second that you’re safe.

The room was thick with tension, hesitation dancing in their exchanged glances. No one wanted to be the first to respond.

I smiled, slow and deliberate, before sinking back into my seat.

"Now, here’s what will happen."

I leaned back, exhaling another breath of smoke before flicking the cigar aside.

"Bianchi will order an immediate public statement, calling the assassination a national tragedy." I met the President’s gaze directly.

"You'll control the media to push a specific narrative and maintain political order."

He didn’t ask questions. He understood.

My attention then shifted to the Committee members. "I need a shortlist of potential and groomed figures to take over the position of the Prime Minister."

I paused, letting that sink in before continuing.

"To maintain the illusion of democracy, a vote will be conducted within Parliament. All members of the Chamber of Senate should play their part wisely."

I emphasized those last words, my gaze never leaving Dominic.

"Ensure new policies are made, the old ones indemnified. And do well to curb and control the news of the assassination. I want it dead by noon."

A final pause. The weight of my words pressed down on the room. Then, without another glance, I dropped the cigar to the marble floor—crushing it under my heel.

Message received. No one spoke. No one questioned.

They wouldn’t dare.