[System Alert: World 1 Complete.]
[Commencing Transmigration to World 2…]
[New Objective: Seduce the Mafia Boss and Betray Him.]
[Mission: Deliver Evidence to the FBI.]
[Reward: 500 Soul Points.]
[Penalty: Execution by His Hand.]
The Crown Prince's arms were still wrapped around her when the light exploded.
Liora had no time to scream. No final kiss. No goodbye.
One second she was in silk and moonlight his warmth, his love, the scent of sandalwood still clinging to her.
The next, gunfire tore through the air.
She woke gasping. Asphalt beneath her. Neon lights above. Rain pelted her face.
The sound of screeching tires and shouted orders surrounded her like a waking nightmare. A black SUV roared past, and a body hit the ground beside her shot clean through the chest.
Blood splashed her cheek.
[System Notification: Welcome to World 2 – Modern Mafia.]
[New Identity: Alessia Voss.]
[Current Status: Mafia King's Fiancée Public Cover Only.]
[Target: Nikolai Drazic – Serbian Mafia King, Age: 32.]
[Known Traits: Cold, lethal, strategic, possessive. Does not believe in love.]
She coughed violently, struggling to her knees as black boots stepped into her vision.
Pick her up, a sharp voice barked. "She's bleeding.
Rough hands grabbed her arms. She was lifted, her head lolling against a shoulder that smelled like smoke and steel. When she opened her eyes, her gaze collided with him.
Nikolai Drazic.
Tall. Raven-haired. Cold blue eyes that looked like they'd seen a hundred lives ended by his hand. He stared down at her like she was either a puzzle or a threat.
You don't remember me?" he asked coolly.
She blinked. "I—what?
You fainted. Again." He let go of her chin. You've been unstable for weeks. If you're going to play my fiancée, you need to stop being so damn fragile.
[Memory Implant: Activated.]
[Cover Story: Alessia Voss – orphan raised by underground allies. Arranged engagement to end a mafia feud. Engaged to Nikolai for three months. Suspected traitor.]
Her heart pounded. "Where are we?
You nearly got shot on my turf. If you die before the wedding, I'll be very annoyed.
He turned without another word, walking toward the armored car.
The guards shoved her forward. "Come on, future Mrs. Drazic.
The mansion loomed like a fortress tinted windows, security cameras, guards with assault rifles stationed at every corner. Alessia Liora was taken to a lavish bedroom on the top floor.
As soon as the door shut, she collapsed against it.
[System Task Received.]
Primary Objective: Gain Nikolai's trust and affection.]
[Secondary Objective: Infiltrate his safe, retrieve documents, deliver to FBI.]
[Bonus Objective: Survive his wrath when betrayed.]
She looked down at her trembling hands.
From a crown to a cage.
Great, she muttered. "He's beautiful, dangerous, and would probably choke me with a piano wire if I fail.
[System Note: Affection Level – 10%. Trust Level – 0%. Suspects You.]
No kidding.
Later that night, he summoned her.
She entered the study cautiously. Books lined the walls, along with guns mounted like art. He poured himself whiskey but didn't offer her any.
You want to live, don't you?" he said finally.
She straightened. "Yes.
Then don't lie to me again.
She blinked. "Excuse me?
I know someone's been feeding information to the FBI. And the moment they suspect it's you, I'll slit your throat in your sleep.
He sipped his drink calmly, like discussing the weather.
You're here for a purpose,he continued. You're my shield against enemies who want me dead. That's all. The moment you forget that, we have a problem.
Liora swallowed. "Understood.
[System Update: Mission Difficulty Extreme.]
He stepped closer, setting his glass down. But until then… you'll play the role of my fiancée. Appearances are everything.
His hand gripped her waist with calculated control. She gasped softly as he pulled her flush against him.
Smile, Alessia," he whispered against her ear. You're mine now.
[Affection Level: 12%. Trust: Still 0%. But he's watching.]
In the privacy of her new room, Liora paced.
She needed a plan.
Seduce. Distract. Infiltrate. Escape. Before her soul got tangled in another man she wasn't allowed to love.
Except…
When he touched her there was something else. Something in his eyes. A flicker of pain. A scar not just on his body, but on his heart.
A man like Nikolai didn't need a fiancée. He needed an enemy close enough to break himor a woman dangerous enough to change him.
And she was both.