GLACIER TRUCE

Erica perked up at the words, her lips curling into a grin. "Ohhh. Now it makes sense. I was wondering why the bastard looked at her like that."

Venetta laughed suddenly, smacking her thigh. "Don't tell me Glacier's waving at you like some schoolboy crush." She sniffed, shaking her head. "That would be rich."

Jazzlyn felt the weight of all their eyes on her. Her tongue froze in her mouth.

"I–, don't....I don't know what he meant," she stuttered softly.

Erica tilted her head, smirking wider. "You don't know? Really? Glacier doesn't waste words. Especially not on girls who stand around pretending to be invisible."

"Stop." Serena's voice cut clean through Erica's mockery. Her gaze was still fixed on Jazzlyn, sharp and cold.

"Listen to me, Jazzlyn. There are rules in this family. Rules that have been written in blood. What are they?"

Jazzlyn swallowed, her throat dry. "No ties....with the rival clan."

And?" Serena pressed.

"No mercy" Jazzlyn whispered.

"Louder," Serena snapped.

Jazzlyn flinched, then forced her voice to rise. "No ties with the rival clan. No mercy for betrayal."

The words felt like chains wrapping tighter around her chest.

"Good," Serena said, leaning back in her seat.

"Remember that. Because if I ever see you even smile at a man from Hades Fruit, I'll put the bullet in you myself."

Jazzlyn's stomach knotted, but she kept her face steady.

Venetta rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Jazzlyn doesn't have the guts to look at a man, let alone love one. She's too busy playing saint."

Erica laughed.

Their voices blurred together, mocking and sharp. But Serena's silence was worse than their taunts. The matriarch's eyes never left Jazzlyn, watching every twitch, every stutter, as if searching for a crack.

Jazzlyn forced herself to look calm, though her heart hammered so loud she swore they could hear it.

Inside, her thoughts screamed: Why did he do that? What if they think it means something?. He's really a devil.

The car continued down the endless road, its hum drowning in the weight of suspicion.

Finally, Serena spoke again, her tone quieter but heavier, like a blade pressed against the skin.

"You're my daughter, Jazzlyn. Which means you carry my name, my blood, and my rules. Don't make me question your loyalty. Because once I do... there's no coming back."

Jazzlyn nodded quickly. "Yes, mother"

HADES FRUIT CAR....

The ride back from Apocalisse was tense, the air inside the sedan thick and silent. The night pressed against the windows, broken only by the soft glow of Renzo's cigarette.

Glacier leaned against the glass, staring into the blur of trees. His face was stone, untouched by thought or emotion.

Ace sat beside him, restless, glancing over more than once. He finally broke the silence.

"You know... you haven't said a word to me since I came back from the States." His tone was careful, trying not to sound too bitter.

"It's been years, Glacier. Don't tell me you're still holding a grudge against me your big brother"

Glacier's answer came after a pause, very short, very dry

"I don't hate you."

Ace blinked, caught off guard. He gave a nervous little laugh. "That's cool, I guess. Means there's still room for something between us."

Glacier didn't turn, didn't blink. The glass reflection kept his eyes hidden.

Renzo, in the front seat, exhaled smoke slowly. He hadn't said a word since they left the clearing.

The car rolled through the gates of the Hades Fruit compound, guards standing tall as the vehicles pulled in.

They were summoned immediately to Padrino's chamber.

The room was shadowed and strong, lined with dark wood and the faint glow of cigar smoke. Padrino sat behind his wide desk, his gaze heavy as the three sons entered.

"Sit" he ordered.

They obeyed.

His eyes fixed on Glacier first.

"What was that at Apocalisse" His tone was calm, but his words cut. "I ordered you to shoot. You dropped the gun. You turned my command into a show."

Glacier leaned back in the chair, unbothered. "The man is dead. Isn't that what you wanted?"

Padrino's eyes narrowed. "Do you think I won't punish you again, boy? You remember the whips, don't you?"

Glacier smirked faintly. "That's what I thought you'd say. Tie me up, beat me until the skin splits. Does it change the fact that the job got done?"

The room thickened with silence. Ace shifted uncomfortably, but Padrino held Glacier's stare.

"And what" Padrino continued, his voice dropping lower, "was that little stunt with Jazzlyn?"

Padrino's eyes sharpened. "That bye. You waved at her in front of everyone."

Glacier's face remained neutral. He shrugged once. "It was nothing."

"Nothing?" Padrino's fist struck the desk, the wood groaning under the weight.

"You don't draw attention to yourself like that, and you don't drag her name into our blood. She is Nightshade. The rule is clear."

Renzo leaned forward, his voice low but edged. "If it was nothing, then why did you do it?"

Glacier's eyes flicked toward his brothers, calm and unreadable. "Because I felt like it."

Ace swallowed hard, muttering under his breath, "You're insane."

Padrino rose slowly from his chair, the smoke from his cigar curling around him like a shroud.

"Listen to me, Glacier. The rules stand above all of us. No bonds with Nightshade. No gestures, no signals, no games. Betrayal is death. Do you understand me?"

Glacier's reply was soft but steady. "Yes, father."

"Good." Padrino sat again, his gaze sweeping the three of them. "Then let this be your last warning." He waved a hand. "Go."

Glacier and Ace stood and left but Renzo didn't move. He stayed in his chair, his cigarette burning low.

"You're letting him go" Renzo's voice was sharp. "After all that?"

Padrino raised an eyebrow. "And what would you have me do?"

Renzo's anger spilled. "He defied you. Twice. In front of both clans. And you protect him? Why? Why was he the one chosen to execute the traitor? Why not me?"

Padrino's voice hardened. "Because Glacier never misses a shot."

Renzo slammed his palm against the desk, eyes blazing. "Neither do I!"

For a moment, father and son stared each other down, silence dangerous between them. Finally, Padrino sighed, his shoulders sinking slightly.

"Don't let jealousy cloud your mind, Renzo. You are my son. You are my strength. Do you think I would ever choose him over you? Never."

Renzo's fists tightened, but he searched Padrino's face for truth.

"You will have the next mission" Padrino continued firmly.

"You will command it. Feed it to your brothers, feed it to the clan. Let them hear it from your mouth. Show them your worth."

Renzo's jaw unclenched slowly. He ground out the last of his cigarette and nodded. "Yes, father."

"Good." Padrino leaned back, smoke curling upward once more. "Then it is settled. Go. Prepare. Tomorrow, the clan moves in blood."