The city had begun to settle, but only superficially. Smoke still lingered in narrow alleys, and the echo of gunfire remained in the memory of every criminal who had survived the night. Elena stood on the balcony of the villa, her black tactical jacket wrapped around her like armor, watching the first rays of sunlight glint off the city skyline. Each glimmer felt like a warning — a reminder that power, even when seized, had to be defended relentlessly.

Enzo appeared behind her, silent as a shadow, his presence both reassuring and dangerous. She didn’t need to turn; she could feel him, the heat of his body, the calculated rhythm...