LORI

LORI POV.
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Knight was crowned as the head of the Mafia lord. Crowned as the head of the Mafia in Italy, Knight stood amid the grand marble hall of the Palazzo, his eyes cold and his expression set in an iron frown.
The murmurs of the assembled dons hushed instantly, replaced by an atmosphere of respect and fear. At his side, Santorini-his Godfather and the revered head of the older guard halted in his track.
“Congratulations, Knight,” Santorini said in a measured tone, his voice both firm and cautious. “Today, you have inherited not only power but the duty to rule with both strength and wisdom.”
Knight’s jaw tightened as he inclined his head curtly. “Thank you, Santorini. Your guidance was necessary to reach this point, but now I lead this family as its true ruler. There is no room for weakness.”
Later that evening, in a private chamber lined with portraits of past legends, Lori’s eyes darted nervously between her companions, trapped between the suffocating legacy of tradition and a desperate yearning for escape.
“Knight,” he began slowly, “are you absolutely certain that forcing Lori into this path is what she truly desires? Her future and her heart… should they be sealed by our duty alone?”
Knight’s gaze hardened, his voice cutting like a razor. “Santorini, spare me your sentimental doubts. This is my decision, and it is final. Lori’s place is with me, not because of duty, but because she belongs to our family. I will not tolerate any deviation from what I have decreed.”
A shudder passed over my face as I mustered a trembling reply. “I… I appreciate everything you’ve done, Knight,” I whispered with my voice shaking, barely audible. My tone was respectful yet laced with a fear that made it clear to everyone that I was not at ease.
Knight’s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer to me, his presence oppressive. “Do not mistake my decision for kindness, Lori. I do what is necessary to ensure our legacy endures. Freedom is a luxury for those who can afford it, and in this world, weakness has no place.”
Santorini interjected, his voice low and cautious. “Knight, perhaps there is a way to temper our methods-balance the iron hand of leadership with a measure of understanding. The strength of our family depends on more than just fear.”
Knight scoffed harshly. “Understanding? In our world, understanding is the excuse of the weak. I have built this empire on power and discipline. If you doubt me, then you doubt our future.”
A tense silence followed before Santorini ventured further. “I only caution you, Knight. Forcing someone into a role they do not desire may create a fracture that even your might cannot mend.”
Knight’s tone grew even sterner. “Santorini, I did not rise to power by waffling on decisions. Lori’s role in this family is sealed by blood and loyalty, not by some wishful thinking about ‘freedom.’ You will support my decisions or step aside.”
I can feel my eyes welled with tears as I tried to speak, my voice a quiver of suppressed terror. “Knight, I-please-”
“Silence!” Knight snapped, his harsh command echoing off the ancient walls. “Your protests are needless. I have spoken, and that is that. If you have any loyalty left, you will do as you are told.”
A murmur rippled among the onlookers, their fear palpable. Santorini cleared his throat before offering a final word. “Very well, Knight. But remember, even the strongest chains can break if you bind them too tightly. Be mindful that your methods do not breed only resentment and rebellion.”
Knight’s eyes glinted coldly as he replied, “Resentment is a price we pay for greatness. I will take what is mine, and any who oppose me will suffer the consequences.” His words left no room for negotiation.
As the night deepened, the tension in the chamber gave way to further discussions among the Mafia’s trusted lieutenants. In one secluded corner, Murphy, one of Knight’s loyal officers, leaned in and whispered, “Boss, is this really the way? Forcing Lori… it might turn allies into enemies.”
Knight overheard and turned sharply, his tone biting. “Murphy, you doubt my judgment? I built this empire with blood and iron. Loyalty is earned through strength. If you have doubts, perhaps you should reconsider your position.”
Murphy swallowed hard, his eyes downcast. “I only wish for the future of our family to be secure, Boss. Sometimes… a bit of respect for the ones we lead may secure that future better than fear ever could.”
Knight’s laugh was cold and dismissive. “Respect is earned by those who can bear the weight of power, Murphy. Lori is no exception. Her destiny is not to be coddled but to serve the legacy that I have forged. Understand that, or be left behind.”
Meanwhile, in the quiet of his private study, I sat trembling as I confided in myself, my voice barely a murmur, “I feel trapped. Every word he speaks crushes any hope I have left… but what choice do I have?” My eyes darted toward a small mirror, reflecting the fear that had taken hold of me.
Days later, during a tense meeting in a lavish conference room, Knight addressed his council with a ruthless edge. “Today, we stand at the precipice of a new era. Our strength lies in our unwavering resolve. I expect absolute loyalty. Any sign of dissent-especially regarding my decisions-will be dealt with swiftly.”
One of his officers, Jack, dared to ask, “Boss, what of compassion? Should we not temper our strength with mercy for those who serve us?”
Knight’s glare was icy. “Compassion is a luxury for those who have no need to enforce discipline. In this world, mercy is a weakness that invites betrayal. We are not a charity; we are the Mafia. Our path is paved with hard choices and unyielding resolve.”
Santorini exchanged a worried look with Jack before speaking up softly, “Knight, sometimes a measured word can yield more loyalty than fear alone.”
Knight’s response was curt and biting. “Santorini, your old-fashioned ideals have no place here. I command this family, and I will rule it with the strength it requires. Let the rest learn their lesson the hard way if they dare to question my authority.”
As the council meeting disbanded, the corridors of the Palazzo resonated with whispered fears and resentments. Knight’s harsh tone had left a mark on everyone present, especially me, who found myself caught in a web of duty and terror. Later that evening, as Knight prepared for another demonstration of his authority, he summoned me to his private quarters.
“Lori,” he said, his voice low and commanding, “you will accompany me on tonight’s journey. Our work is not done, and you have a role to play. Understand that any hesitation on your part is unacceptable.”
My eyes filled with tears, and my voice trembled as I replied, “Yes, Boss. I-I understand.” I think my words were respectful, but I can feel the fear was unmistakable in my tone.
Before I could speak further, Knight snapped, “Do not speak unless spoken to. I will decide your fate, and you will follow my orders without question.” His words left no room for argument.
“Lori,” he said, his tone unyielding, “I am taking you with me. There is no negotiation, no second thought. Our destiny demands it.”
Lori’s eyes filled with dread as she replied in a small, fearful voice, “Yes, Boss. I understand.” Her words were respectful, but they barely masked the terror she felt.
Before she could muster any further protest, Knight snapped, “Enough!” His harsh command brooked no argument. “You will accompany me, and you will do so without hesitation. Remember, I decide your fate.”
Santorini, watching the scene with pained resignation, stepped forward, his voice soft but laced with sorrow, “Knight, you may rule with an iron fist, but do not forget that every soul has a breaking point. One day, you may find that the strength you demand may lead to rebellion.”
Knight’s eyes burned with cold fury as he replied sharply, “Santorini, you have always been too soft. This is the way of the world I command. Weakness has no place here, and if any must break, then let them break.” His words left a chill in the air.
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THE NEXT CHAPTER MAY CONTAIN SOME HARMFUL WORDS AND IT MUST BE STRICTLY 18+.