Chapter 4: First Move
The mansion never truly slept. Even in the dead of night, whispers drifted through the halls, secrets carried on the cold draft. Isabella sat on the edge of her bed, the envelope from last night clutched in her hands. Her fingers trembled as she broke the seal.
Inside was a single sheet of parchment, elegant and menacing:
"The De Santis empire has enemies. One wrong step, and your life—and his—will be lost."
Isabella's stomach twisted. She understood now: survival wasn't just about avoiding Luca's wrath. It was about navigating the dangerous world he ruled.
Morning came too quickly. Luca appeared in the doorway of her room, immaculately dressed, eyes sharper than a blade.
"You read it," he said, nodding at the envelope she still held.
"Yes," Isabella replied, trying to hide the fear in her voice. "I understand the stakes."
He stepped closer, silent for a moment, studying her. "Good," he murmured. "Because you'll need every ounce of cunning from here on. Your family's safety—and your own—depends on it."
Isabella's chest tightened. She had expected threats, punishments, even cold indifference. But hearing the words so clearly made it real.
"And what do you want me to do?" she asked, her voice steady despite the anxiety threatening to rise.
Luca smirked. "Watch, learn, and survive. Do nothing foolish. This is the first lesson."
By midday, Isabella was led to the mansion's private library. Luca walked silently beside her, hands clasped behind his back. Shelves of ancient leather-bound books towered over them, but Isabella barely noticed. Her focus was on Luca.
"Do you think I'll survive your world?" she asked quietly, almost to herself.
He stopped, eyes meeting hers. "Survive? Perhaps. Thrive? That will take more than courage."
She swallowed hard. She could feel the tension in the air. It wasn't just the threat outside the walls—it was the war inside the mansion, the silent power games, and Luca's ever-watchful gaze.
Hours later, Isabella returned to her room to find Sophia waiting.
"You look pale," Sophia said, eyes wide. "What did he say to you today?"
"Enough to know this won't be easy," Isabella admitted. "He's teaching me… how to survive."
Sophia shook her head. "Be careful. One wrong move and he'll crush anyone who stands in his way—including us."
Isabella's hands clenched into fists. She realized then that she couldn't rely on anyone but herself. Luca was dangerous, yes—but so was the world he ruled. And if she wanted to protect her family, she would have to play the game perfectly.
That night, she overheard whispers in the hall. Shadows moved in the corridors, far too quiet to be servants. Isabella held her breath, inching closer to the door.
A man's voice whispered: "The king is distracted… tonight we strike."
Isabella's heart raced. Enemies, plotting inside the mansion itself. She knew instantly that tonight could be the first real test of her survival skills.
When Luca returned later, Isabella confronted him, voice firm. "There are enemies here, inside the house. I heard them."
He paused, his eyes narrowing. "You listened carefully." His gaze softened for a moment. "Very well. Tonight, you'll see the real rules of power. Stay close, do exactly as I say, and you may survive this night."
Isabella nodded. She didn't trust him—but for once, she realized that trust wasn't the point. Survival was.
As the night deepened, shadows moved. Secrets waited to be revealed. And Isabella Rossi knew one truth more than ever: in Luca's world, a single mistake could cost her everything.