[GIOSEFFO]
I firmly grasped the documents, and there were a few pictures attached that assured me that this woman and the one who killed my grandparents were one and the same. “There was a mention of a child who I thought she might have referred to back then.” I said without taking my attention to the documents.
“We believe, Sir, she’s training her daughter to be her replacement in the Belleza organization.”
I nodded, content with what I had learned. All I needed to do was plan what to do with her. I couldn’t afford to be careless, just like Dad and her, who were both skilled planners. I didn’t want to underestimate her, especially considering she had taken the lives of two people I cherished.
“Sir Agatone would like to see you as well. I think he has something to tell you.”
I immediately got up from my seat. It had been two years since my grandparents’ death, and Dad had known about the Belleza family for a while but hadn’t taken action. I knew he was planning something.
“Don’t tell anyone about Astrid. I will be the one to kill her. This woman is my prey, and I will exact my revenge.”
He nodded respectfully before I left and headed to Dad’s office. I knocked on his door, and when he gave me permission, I entered.
I’m still only twelve years old, but I can already sense the weight of responsibility as the future head of our family. I don’t complain because I know I’m thirsty for power too. I want to be in his position. If I could, I would take it now. I want power, to have influence over everyone so I can freely do what I want. Unlike now, my ability to give orders to our people is severely limited because their loyalty lies with my father. But I suppose I’ll have to be patient, won’t I?
“Dad, you wanted to see me?”
Over the past few years, I couldn’t quite tell if my father was angry with me over what happened to Mommy. She’s been doing well, but at times, even with the help of her physical therapy, she struggles to walk. Whenever I see her like that, I can’t help but remember what happened back then.
“Yes, have a seat, Gio.”
I followed his instructions and took a seat in front of his office table.
“We’ve already traced every single member of the Belleza family, and we’re going to initiate the plan tonight.”
My eyebrows raised at my father’s words. This must be what he was waiting for, to learn the whereabouts of every member of that family.
“What are you planning, Dad?”
Many people say I’m too mature for my age, and I wouldn’t deny that. Given everything I’ve been through, my mind and thinking have evolved rapidly.
“Slaughter them all.”
With just one word from Dad, my blood seemed to come alive. I felt an insatiable thirst to wipe out the family that had abducted me when I was a child.
“I want to come, Dad-”
“No, you will stay here.”
I resisted my father’s stern gaze. On ordinary days, I might have let him win the argument, but this was no ordinary day.
“They’ve done more than wrong us, Dad. They took so much from me. I want to be there. I want to crush them, to be the one to kill them. You will let me come with you, or I’ll take matters into my own hands to dismantle that organization.”
We engaged in a long father-son staring contest. In the end, my dad sighed and leaned back in his swivel chair.
“Fine, just don’t act recklessly because your emotions overwhelm you, Gio.”
I grinned at his words. “Me, controlled by my emotions? When did I ever let them escape the cage?”
I turned away from my dad and left his office. I prepared for what would happen later that night.
Our agents spread out everywhere as night fell. In different locations, they were sent, not willing to let a single member of the Belleza family slip away. Dad already knew the exact locations of some members, so he dispatched our agents there immediately.
I was causing chaos at the main house of the Belleza family, killing anyone who stood in my way. One hand gripped a gun, and the other held a katana sword, chosen for the thrill of seeing blood splatter as I sliced through their bodies.
The screams, terror, pleas for mercy it was all satisfying. They begged, but I had no intention of granting mercy. I beheaded some and cut others, choosing my method based on my whim. Blood from multiple people drenched me, but I didn’t care. It was evidence that I had taken the lives of every one of them.
My primary target was the son of the Belleza family’s leader. I stood outside his room, and it seemed he still had no idea of what was happening.
I quietly opened the door. The foolish boy hadn’t locked his door, making it easy for intruders like me.
As soon as I opened the door, a gunshot rang out. I swiftly dodged it and located the son of the Belleza leader aiming a gun at me.
I smiled to myself. At least he wouldn’t let his life be taken away easily, especially by someone younger. Some actions were commendable.
I sprinted toward him with precision, effortlessly parrying the bullet with my katana. His eyes widened as he realized how close I was to him. I could have easily cleaved him in two, but where’s the fun in that?
I targeted his thigh, causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground while wincing in pain. He cursed profusely as I retrieved a small container of flammable liquid and unhesitatingly poured it over his body.
“What are you going to do-”
“I am your Grim Reaper, and my job is to send you to hell,” I lit up the lighter and tossed it onto his body. The flames quickly consumed him, and his screams echoed through the room. The fire rapidly engulfed half of his body.
Seeing him in that state would bore me, so I left his room while he burned alive.
My father arrived at our car not long after I finished my task. Unlike me, he was always neat and tidy. When Dad worked, he executed every job with precision, hiding the fact that his hands had been bathed in the blood of the people he had killed.
We left the scene with victory in our hands.
As for Astrid Pearce, I was determined to ensure she met a painful end.
On February 29, we attended a rare party to which my family had been invited. The party had a costume theme, and I dressed as a raven. It was a simple and unpretentious costume. I was with Dad as he conversed with acquaintances when I glanced in a particular direction.
There, I spotted a young girl, probably younger than me. She was so small that I thought she might get crushed by the older guests surrounding her. Among all the attendees, she stood out, dressed in a white ballerina outfit that resembled a famous movie character the Black Swan. She also wore a tiara with feather-like ornaments on her head.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her, even though I tried to look away. She appeared so pure, just like her white dress. It seemed challenging to approach her because I didn’t want to soil her innocence.
She caught me staring at her and, upon noticing, she smiled and waved at me. I quickly averted my gaze, especially when I felt my heart racing from her simple gesture. What in the world was that about?
I moved closer to Mommy and hid behind her. She glanced at me due to my sudden behavior.
“What’s wrong, Gio?” she asked. I simply shook my head, brows slightly furrowed. Why did my heart suddenly quicken its pace? I had never experienced this kind of reaction toward anyone.
I sneak another glance to see where the young girl was, but she had disappeared. Somehow, my heart sank to the pit of my stomach.