A Crown of Ash and Roses

Vincent placed me under house arrest in the manor.

The season's latest haute couture and jewels were delivered to my room like clockwork. On the surface, nothing had changed.

"Donna," one of the guards at the door pleaded, "just bend a little. We all know you're the one the Don truly cares for."

I watched the days tick by, the date for the takeover of Leo's territory drawing ever closer.

"Fine," I said. "Tell Vincent to come back. I'll apologize."

That night, Vincent returned to our bedroom, carrying the scent of gardenia—Sofia's perfume. A stark red kiss mark bloomed on his neck, just above his collar.

I recognized the mark for what it was: a message from Sofia. A taunt. A declaration of victory.

"Elena, no matter what happens, you will always be the Donna of the Moretti family," Vincent murmured, pulling me into a fierce embrace, his nose nuzzling my neck. "And my men will only ever recognize you."

"Is that so?"

I gave him a submissive smile and pushed him back onto the bed.

"Wait for me. I have a surprise for you."

I left the room, locking the door from the outside, and slipped out of the manor through a hidden passage.

I reached out to my old crew, but the response was always the same.

"It's not that we don't want to help, Elena, but the Don's orders were clear. Anyone who interferes makes an enemy of the entire Moretti family."

It was time to play my last hand.

The sound of high heels approached from a distance.

I looked up. Sofia, draped in a white dress, was sauntering toward me, flanked by several of Vincent's top assassins.

"Elena, look how pathetic you've become. Vince is about to take over my brother's territory."

She smiled. "I am his savior, after all. Why bother fighting it?"

I clenched my fists.

Five years ago, Vincent was ambushed by rivals in a Philadelphia warehouse, trapped in a sea of fire. I was the one who led my men through that inferno, dragging him from the flames myself.

But I was bleeding out and barely conscious. All I could do was ask Sofia, just a barmaid then, to watch over him.

I never imagined Sofia would take the credit for my actions, and I certainly never expected Vincent would repay me by letting our daughter die.

"I told you," I snarled, "I will avenge my daughter!"

I drew the backup dagger from my sleeve. I slit the throat of the first assassin to rush me, my blade continuing its arc, stabbing straight for Sofia's heart.

Bang!

A gunshot cracked through the air.

The bullet tore through my abdomen.

Vincent walked over, his own gun still smoking, and pulled Sofia behind him.

"I taught you everything you know, Elena. Did you really think you could fool me?"

Sofia clutched his sleeve, her sobs delicate and broken.

"Vince, don't hurt Elena. This is all my fault. I'll kneel. I'll apologize. If she wants my life, I'll give it."

"That won't be necessary." Vincent's voice was ice.

"Disobedience has consequences."