The Devil I Thought I Knew

"I should be wise in here," she muttered under her breath, her gaze falling on the worn leather diary on the small desk across from her. Inside, it contained nothing but the carefully detailed movements of the Valentino clan—their patterns, their weaknesses, their strengths. Everything she needed to know to earn the trust of this clan and execute her plan without making a single mistake now that she was a step closer to her goal.

She sighed, rubbing her temple, the weight of the plan pressing down on her chest. She couldn’t afford distractions. Not now. She had to stay focused and leave no room for errors.

The sound of a knock at her door pulled her from her reverie. Eva stood, already dressed in her all black clothes. As she opened the door, she found one of the guards standing there, a blank expression on his face.

He examined her from head to toe, his gaze lingering just a moment too long. Eva raised an eyebrow, irritation flickering in her eyes, but her voice remained calm.

"What?"

"Nothing," the guard quickly responded, his eyes shifting back to hers. "Just curious how you knew it was exactly the right time for practice—and that you were already dressed."

Eva gave a small, almost nonchalant shrug, her lips curving into a tight smile.

"My instincts don’t lie."

The guard didn’t seem entirely convinced; it was clear she knew more than she let on. But he didn’t press the matter further. "I’ve been asked to guide you to the training ground."

Eva nodded, locking her door behind her. They both left the room, the quiet hum of the building surrounding them. The halls felt colder today, like the tension was slowly creeping into every corner. When they reached the training ground, Eva's eyes scanned the area. Various eyes turned toward her as she stepped in, some cold, others neutral, but all of them watching.

Her eyes immediately locked onto Vanessa, who stood among the group, her cold expression cutting through the air like a blade. Vanessa was a versatile fighter—skilled in archery, swordsmanship, and sniper tactics. She was a force to be reckoned with. And more than that, she preferred to stay out of the spotlight unless it was strictly complicated missions. Eva knew better than to underestimate her.

She scanned the rest of the group...both males and females, standing stiffly, waiting. But waiting for what? Certainly not for her. Eva kept her face impassive, her expression neutral, but a chuckle came from behind her. She didn’t need to turn around to know it was someone trying to get a rise out of her.

"She seems weak." a voice mocked. "I don’t like her."

Eva ignored the comment, focusing on the sound of boots hitting the ground. Her eyes snapped toward the source of the noise.

The group straightened as the figure approached. Marco De Luca, the only son of Lorenzo De Luca. Despite the cruelty of his bloodline, he looked dangerous...and undeniably alluring. His presence alone seemed to command the attention of the room. His icy blue eyes scanned around as he walked toward the front, his gaze briefly flicking to Eva before turning back to the group.

"Morning, boss," the group greeted in unison, their voices low and obedient.

Eva’s heart rate quickened. The moment she'd been preparing for was finally here.

"Ah," Marco said, his voice calm but with an undeniable edge, "you’re the new recruit."

Eva kept her face calm, her pulse steady despite the turmoil inside. She went down on one knee before him.

"Yes, boss," she said, her head bowed just enough to show respect but not submission. "I’m willing to follow your orders."

Marco’s eyes narrowed for a moment as he studied her. "Stand" he said with a sharp, almost bored command.

Eva stood slowly, keeping her posture straight and unwavering. Marco glanced at the person next to him, and before Eva could react, he threw a sword in her direction. Instinctively, she caught it with one hand, her grip firm as she raised an eyebrow. She didn’t need to be told that the test had begun.

"Olivia," Marco called out.

Olivia smirked, unable to pinpoint exactly why, but she felt an instant hatred for Eva. All she wanted was for Eva to be kicked out.

Eva barely had time to register what was happening before Olivia lunged at her, her sharp steel piercing through Eva’s arm. Pain exploded through her, the shock of the injury making her stumble back.

Blood rushed from the wound, but Eva’s mind sharpened immediately. Was this a test? Why didn’t he warn her? She cursed under her breath but quickly steadied herself, raising the sword with one hand as she prepared for what was sure to be a brutal fight.

Her heart pounded in her chest, but she wouldn’t show weakness. Not in front of Marco, not in front of anyone. Not when everything was on the line.

"I suppose you were taught well, not to alert your enemy before you strike," Eva said with a smirk, and her words were enough to make Vanessa glance in her direction.

Vanessa scoffed, rolling her eyes before moving to a seat at the far edge, eager to see if this newcomer could actually stand up to Olivia.