Chapter 9 - Chapter 8: Allies and Betrayals

An unexpected ally emerged Matteo, Lucien's childhood friend turned rival don. He offered Aurelia safe passage and answers about the DeCarlo curse. But in his smoky den, as candles guttered, she noticed the dagger at his belt. Loyalty was a weapon. Torn between fleeing and fighting, Aurelia realized the underworld's alliances were as shifting as Venice's tides.