55

55
Emilia’s POV
I didn’t plan on sneaking out. If was stupid to even plan on sneaking out when Alaric had tightened security like this, and placed the house on lock down. It was almost impossible. Almost. I knew it was only a matter of time before he doubled down on security, making it impossible for me to step outside the mansion’s walls without an armed escort.
So, I made a choice-a reckless, stupid choice, but one that felt necessary. I couldn’t stand idly by, feeling like a caged bird while threats loomed over Francesca and me. I needed answers, and I had a contact thanks to Rosa who might be able to provide them.
I waited until late evening when everyone was busy. Allesio was preoccupied, and Alaric had locked himself in his study again, probably strategizing. I slipped into a pair of sneakers, threw on a hoodie, and walked casually down the hall, forcing myself not to rush. I knew the patrol routes by heart, having observed them closely in the last few days. It wasn’t hard to find a gap-a small window of time when I could slip out the side door without being seen.
The cool night air hit my face like a slap, and for a brief moment, I felt a rush of freedom. I didn’t waste time savoring it. I ducked into the shadows, making my way down the driveway until I was far enough away from the mansion to call a cab without arousing suspicion. The driver didn’t ask questions, just nodded when I gave him the address. Good. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk.
The cab dropped me off a few blocks away from the bar where my contact, Alex, usually hung out. It was a dive-dimly lit, filled with smoke and the stench of cheap whiskey. The kind of place people went to disappear. I pulled my hoodie tighter around my face and stepped inside, squinting through the haze until I spotted him at the back, nursing a glass of something dark.
“Emilia,” he said, raising an eyebrow as I slid into the seat across from him. “Didn’t expect to see you here. Especially not with the company you’ve been keeping.”
“Good to see you too, Alex,” I replied, keeping my voice low. “I need information.”
He chuckled, leaning back. “Straight to business, huh? That’s what I’ve always liked about you. No bullshit.”
“Time’s not on my side,” I snapped. “Do you have anything on the Nightshade Syndicate?”
Alex’s smirk faded. He leaned forward, dropping his voice to a near whisper. “You’re playing with fire, Emilia. The Nightshade Syndicate isn’t some street gang. They’ve resurfaced, and they’re making moves that have everyone on edge.”
“Why now?” I pressed. “They’ve been quiet for years. Why come back now, and why target Alaric?”
Alex glanced around, then lowered his head closer to mine. “Word on the street is, they’re not acting alone. They’ve got backing-someone who knows Alaric’s operation inside out.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Who?”
“I don’t have a name,” he admitted. “But it’s someone who used to be an ally. Someone who feels they were wronged.”
A former ally. The pieces started to click together in my mind, but before I could ask more, I felt a heavy hand clamp down on my shoulder. I looked up to see Allesio’s face, his expression a mask of barely contained fury.
“Time to go, Emilia,” he said, his grip tightening.
“Allesio, wait-” I started, but he didn’t let me finish. He hauled me out of the booth like I weighed nothing, practically dragging me toward the exit. I glanced back at Alex, who gave me a small, almost apologetic shrug before I was yanked outside.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Allesio growled, shoving me against the wall of the alley behind the bar. “Do you have any idea what Alaric would do if he knew you’d snuck out like this?”
“I was thinking I could actually do something instead of sitting around, waiting for someone else to solve this,” I shot back, yanking my arm free from his grip. “And I got something. The Nightshade Syndicate is working with one of Alaric’s former allies.”
Allesio’s eyes narrowed. “What?”
“You heard me,” I said, standing up straighter. “Someone who feels betrayed by Alaric. They’re using that grudge to back the Syndicate.”
For a moment, Allesio just stared at me, processing the information. Then he swore under his breath, running a hand through his hair. “You could’ve gotten yourself killed, Emilia. Do you understand that? This isn’t a game.”
“I’m not playing a game,” I said, my voice softer now. “I’m trying to help. I know the risks. But I can’t just sit around and do nothing while Francesca is in danger.”
His expression softened just a fraction, but his voice was still harsh when he spoke. “This was reckless. You don’t understand what kind of people we’re dealing with.”
“Then explain it to me,” I challenged. “Stop keeping me in the dark.”
He didn’t respond right away, just stared at me like he was trying to decide whether to scold me or give me credit for what I’d done. Finally, he sighed, grabbing his phone.
“We’re going back to the mansion,” he said curtly, leaving no room for arguments. “And you’re telling Alaric everything.”
“You can’t possibly mean that!” I protested. “We can keep this between us!”
“I’m not going to keep this from Ric,” he snapped, grabbing me by the elbow and dragging me to the car.
The ride back was tense. Allesio didn’t say a word, and I kept my eyes on the passing streetlights, my mind racing with what I’d learned. A former ally. Someone close enough to know Alaric’s weaknesses. It narrowed down the list of suspects, but not enough to give us a clear answer.
As we pulled into the mansion’s driveway, I felt a wave of nerves wash over me. Alaric was going to be furious, but I pushed that fear aside. This was bigger than my mistake. This was about keeping Francesca safe.