The morning sun barely touched the rooftops of Palermo before Elena was already awake, moving through the villa with precise purpose. The betrayal of the previous night had left a bitter taste — the realization that even the most trusted allies could turn against them. She could feel the pulse of the city, the invisible threads of power, loyalty, and danger weaving around every corner.

Enzo entered the strategy room shortly after, his expression grim but controlled. “The lieutenant revealed more than we expected,” he said, voice low. “There’s someone else moving in — a coalition of rogue families, exiles, and mercenaries from Sicily and Naples. They’re uniting against us.”...