01

Aurora

When I set foot back in Bellagio, the city felt smaller than I remembered. Maybe it was because I had grown up, or maybe it was because I now saw the world differently. I was no longer the naive girl who believed that justice always prevailed, that good always triumphed over evil. Not after everything that happened to my father.

From where I stood, at the train station, I could see the lake in the distance. It was still beautiful, almost perfect, but it was a disguise. Behind every charming facade and friendly smile lurked the rot that consumed this city. I knew that better than anyone.

"Aurora, are you okay?" Sofia’s voice pulled me back to reality.

I looked at my younger sister. Her green eyes, so much like our mother’s, were filled with worry. She clutched the strap of her backpack as if that was enough to keep the fear at bay.

"I'm fine, Sofia," I lied.

She knew I was lying, but she didn’t say anything. That was how we had learned to deal with things: shoving the problems under the rug until they exploded. And, inevitably, they always exploded.

We took a taxi to the old De Luca family house. It had been empty since our mother left us and my father was murdered. The mafia had taken everything we had, except for that old house, which no one seemed to want. Maybe because it had no value anymore. Or maybe because it was a reminder of what happens to those who challenge the Moretti clan.

As soon as I opened the door, the smell of mold and dust hit me. Sofia looked around with a sour expression.

"How are we supposed to live here?"

"We’ll figure it out," I replied, walking to the living room and opening the windows. The sunlight poured into the room, but the weight on my chest remained.

We spent the rest of the day cleaning and organizing what we could. I was exhausted when I finally sat on the worn-out couch, but my mind was far from resting. Sofia needed safety, stability, and I had to find a way to give it to her. Even if it meant facing ghosts from the past.

It was almost midnight when the phone rang. The sound echoed through the empty house, making my heart skip a beat. I picked up the receiver with trembling hands and answered.

"Aurora De Luca?"

The male voice on the other end was cold and authoritative. My stomach churned.

"Who is this?"

"Dante Moretti."

My blood ran cold. I hadn’t heard that name in years, but I had never forgotten it. How could I? He was the reason my father was dead, the shadow that had loomed over our lives since I was a child.

"What do you want?" I asked, trying to sound firm.

"I’m not the kind of man who likes small talk, so I’ll get straight to the point. I know you’re back in town. And I know your sister has been causing trouble."

My hand tightened around the phone.

"Sofia hasn’t done anything wrong."

"Don’t insult my intelligence, Aurora." His voice was low but filled with menace. "She was caught trying to steal from one of my men."

My heart stopped.

"That’s a lie."

"It’s not. And I could punish her for it, but I’ve decided to be generous. I’m offering you a deal."

The word "deal" made my stomach turn. There was nothing generous about Dante Moretti.

"What kind of deal?"

"You come to me tomorrow. Alone. We’ll talk."

I knew what “talk” meant in his world. It was a trap. A way to ensnare me in his web and use me as he pleased.

"And if I refuse?"

"Then your sister will pay for what she did. And I assure you, my patience has limits."

The silence on the other end was more threatening than any shout. He knew I had no choice.

"I’ll be there."

He hung up before I could say anything else. I put the phone back on the hook and looked toward the stairs, where Sofia was sleeping in her room. My body was trembling, but not from fear. From anger. Anger at Dante. Anger at my father for putting us in this position. And, above all, anger at myself for believing we could escape this nightmare.

The next morning, I dressed carefully. I chose a simple black dress and a blazer, trying to look professional but not overly provocative. I knew Dante Moretti was the kind of man who saw weakness as an opportunity.

When I entered his office, in the heart of Bellagio, I felt the weight of power pressing down on me. The walls were lined with dark wood, and the air smelled of leather and cigar smoke. Dante was sitting behind a massive mahogany desk, watching me with eyes that seemed to see right through me.

"Aurora," he said my name as if testing its taste.

He was younger than I expected, maybe in his thirties, but every line on his face radiated authority. His black suit looked tailor-made to intimidate, and the shadow of a smile played on his lips.

"Dante," I replied, crossing my arms.

"Sit."

I sat down, keeping my head high. He studied me for a few seconds before speaking.

"You’re a smart woman, so I’ll be direct. I need someone to handle certain... legal matters. And you need my protection for your sister. Sounds like a fair deal, doesn’t it?"

I knew this wasn’t a request. It was an order disguised as an offer.

"And if I say no?"

His smile disappeared.

"Then Sofia will have to face the consequences of her actions."

He was cornering me, and we both knew it.

"You’re a monster," I spat.

"Maybe. But I’m the monster who can keep you and your sister alive."

I hated the truth in his words. Everything in Dante Moretti’s world had a price, and in that moment, I knew I was about to pay mine.

"Fine. I accept."

His smile retur

ned, dark and satisfied.

"Welcome to my world, Aurora."

And that was how I sold my soul to the devil.