Chapter 71: Underworld Uprising
The gates of Morano estate rose like a monument of power and legacy, their iron crafts shimmering under the dying light of dusk.
Every curve of the metalwork bore the history of blood, loyalty, and betrayal that had built the Morano dynasty.
Guards lined the driveway in perfect formation, their voices unified as they echoed a greeting.
"Welcome back home."
Luca’s hand tightened around Alessia’s.
His grip was warm, protective, commanding and yet, Alessia felt a sudden weight pressing on her chest.
The estate was home, yes, but within its walls lingered shadows she dreaded.
Her heart faltered as her mind conjured the image of the boy who had been presented as Luca’s son -Lauren, What if the child was inside? What if Bianca’s lie had rooted itself in her home again through the boy, her sanctuary?, what if it’s another great plan out manipulations, to break she and Luca again?, or could it be the Atlans.
Alessia let go off the thoughts. "Enjoy this special moment while it last, she knows one thing for sure.. Their came back stronger- unbreakable, and unshakable".
Her smile for the men who welcomed them was faint, brittle, but Luca didn’t loosen his hold.
His presence was an anchor, pulling her away from the storm inside.
Princess Elowen trailed behind them, her luminous beauty softened by the dust of travel.
Her gaze fell on Luca and Alessia, and she caught the silent flame burning between them and the kind of fire that only distance, trials, and wounds could intensify.
The princess offered no interruption, only a silent acknowledgement, and in her royal wisdom, she knew this was their moment to breathe each other in again.
Mrs. Brown, the oldest maid in the mansion, her back bent with age, her eyes sharp with wisdom rushed forward.
"Welcome, Master, welcome, Madam." She clutched her apron in reverence before instructing the staff.
Soon, the long dining table was dressed in silverware and steaming plates of food.
Alessia felt her stomach growl at the sight, and Luca’s low chuckle made her blush.
Hours of travel had left them weary, their sustenance reduced to snacks and sips of water.
And now, the scent of roasted meat and freshly cooked rice filled the hall like a blessing.
They devoured the meal, laughter mingling with the clatter of utensils, their hearts finding rare peace.
But silence fell like a shadow when Elowen set down her goblet of wine. Her eyes softened, her voice dipping low.
"I am sorry you had to lose Enzo that way," she said gently. "We buried him already in Virenkai. He served your father well, but he refused to serve you with good faith and loyalty."
The words were heavy, like stones dropped into still water.
Luca leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening.
And for a moment, the firelight caught the sharpness of his cheekbones, the cold glint in his eyes.
Then he exhaled, a sharp, dismissive breath.
"I feel no pity," he declared, his tone like steel. "Serves him right. Whoever betrays for greed earns only one reward, which is death."
Princess elowen lowered her gaze and sipped water, her fingers tightening around the cup before she gracefully rose to her feet.
Her two guards followed her movements.
"I want to go to Garam City," she said. "Donato needs someone familiar by his side. His own blood are cursed against their will from seeing him in that coma state. I will be his bridge, and his strength."
"Wouldn’t you spend the night?" Alessia asked softly, hope flickering in her voice.
But the princess smiled with a sweetness that carried both apology and resolve. "No. My place is with him. And your place is here."
Alessia stood, clasped her hands, and watched her leave.
Princess elowen’s figure disappeared into the darkness, a reminder that duty and love often walked separate paths.
Moments later, the silence was broken by the sound of footsteps.
Fredo entered the hall, his posture rigid, a folded document clutched in his hand.
He bowed deeply before Luca, his eyes avoiding Alessia’s.
"Master," he said, his voice steady but tight. "While you were away, your doctor brought this DNA result of Lauren."
Luca’s hand stretched forward, his command sharp. "Open it, tell me what it says."
Fredo’s throat bobbed.
His fingers shook only slightly as he unfolded the paper.
His eyes scanned the words, and when he finally spoke, the room seemed to collapse into silence.
"Sir... I am afraid. Lauren is not your son. This is confirmed."
The words shattered through Alessia’s chest.
The glass of juice she had just lifted slipped, spilling over her hand. She coughed, choking, her throat warring with the liquid.
The sound drew every eye, especially Luca’s. His gaze snapped to her, sharp with worry, while Fredo stood frozen with the paper still in his grasp.
Alessia forced a weak smile, dabbing her lips, but the air felt like ice.
Not his son? Then whose? Questions coiled like snakes in her mind, each one more venomous than the last.
*****
Far away, in the chambers of Seraphina, Daisy trembled.
She stood cornered, her mask hiding her identity, her heart racing against her ribs.
The masked guard - his eyes dark pools of unreadable intent stared at her without blinking.
"Remove it," he ordered, his voice low, dangerous.
Her fingers shook as they rose..
She hesitated, then slowly lifted the mask from her face.
The air felt too thin, her breath shallow as her features were revealed.
What she didn’t expect what she couldn’t prepare for, it was the guard removing his own mask.
His lips found hers immediately in a swift, and there was an unexpected kiss, soft yet possessive, as though silencing every word she might have spoken.
Daisy gasped into the kiss, her body frozen between fear and surrender.
The world tilted, and for one fleeting second, she forgot where she stood.
*****
Meanwhile, Luca and Fredo strode through the prison gate where Lauren had been confined.
The air smelled of iron and rust.
But what they found made Fredo’s face flush with rage.
A large hole gaped in the iron bars, sunlight pouring through the jagged edges.
The cell was empty.
"He’s indeed smart," Luca muttered, his tone more thoughtful than angry.
Fredo clenched his fists. "He isn’t alone in this. It’s his mother’s doing, I am certain."
"Should I gather other men, let’s search for them we shall definitely get hold of the again. We don’t loose battles and no man seek our troubles and go Scott free ".
"Don’t bother," Luca said coldly. "Get people to fix this mess later. For now... leave it."
*****
In the Forest of Larissa, Bianca stumbled through the endless maze of trees.
Days had blurred into nights, her only companions the whispers of the wind and the gnawing hunger in her stomach.
She had found a cave, a temporary shelter, cold and damp, but safe enough to call her own.
Each day she ventured out, plucking fruits, searching for a road that never came.
But today was different.
Her path curved unexpectedly, leading her to a clearing.
And she was there, standing in a tattered grey dress, her hair wild and streaked with ashes a woman.
Her eyes lifted slowly, and Bianca’s blood froze.
The woman’s irises were red as blood, her stare piercing, inhuman.
"Hello," Bianca stammered, her voice trembling. "Who are you? Are you... are you also trapped here?"
The woman turned her head fully.
That gaze felt empty yet it was consuming and so was unbearable.
Bianca screamed, her feet stumbling backward before she broke into a frantic run.
Her heart thundered, her lungs burned, and the forest closed around her like a prison that would never let her leave.
*****
Back at Morano, the sound of water filled the marble bathroom.
Luca’s hands moved with rare tenderness as he untied the ribbon of Alessia’s robe.
He slipped the towel from her shoulders, his lips brushing against her damp skin.
"Let me assist you,my woman," he whispered, lifting the sponge.
His fingers lingered on her back, scrubbing gently, every movement a promise, every touch a claim.
"You are mine, Alessia. My queen, My heart. No one else will ever wear that crown but you."
Her heart melted under his words. She closed her eyes, allowing him to wash away not just the dust of travel but the shadows of fear.
When they stepped out, Luca leaned closer, his lips grazing her ear. "Our anniversary is close. I will invite every mafia boss to witness it. My special moment with my woman."
Alessia’s smile bloomed, soft and radiant. "I can’t wait."
She wrapped the towel around herself and walked toward the mirror.
Her fingers brushed the edge, and for a second, she admired her reflection.
But then, her blood ran cold.
Her reflection didn’t match her at all.
When she lifted her right hand, the woman in the mirror lifted her left.
Her reflection wore not the towel, but a red ball gown, shimmering under an unseen light. And on her head sat a silver crown.
The reflection’s lip curved not in a smile, but something darker.
Alessia screamed.....