Iris POV
Time passed slowly as the lively sounds that once filled the armory faded away. The men one by one finished their preparations making everything quieter. Hector's strong loud voice broke through the dim chaotic scene he was rallying everyone together and giving out orders.
The group was getting ready to move towards a line of trucks that were parked and waiting for us. Suddenly the engines of the trucks roared to life making a loud booming sound that echoed all around us like a clap of thunder. In that moment I could sense the excitement in the air as if everyone was holding their breath in anticipation.
Amidst this electric atmosphere, the men started chatting animatedly. Their voices were filled with laughter and confidence as they got into the vehicles. However, I couldn’t share in their excitement. Instead, I felt a heavy burden resting on my shoulders a deep awareness of what awaited us.
I was about to step into a storm—a tumultuous place where loyalty fear and heartbreak intertwined in a delicate balance. Yet despite the overwhelming feelings swirling inside me, my resolve remained strong. For the sake of Raf and Dahlia, I promised myself that I would stand firm and face whatever was coming my way no matter the cost.
I found a small quiet corner inside the truck and sat down wrapping my arms tightly around myself to feel a bit more secure and cozy. As the truck moved along the dark streets I could hear a lot of noise around me but it all sounded like confusing chatter that I couldn’t understand.
It was as if I had been suddenly moved to a completely different place far away from where I was. My mind was filled with a mix of thoughts mostly about Raf and Dahlia and my heart felt heavy because of all the memories we shared.
I looked out the window at the passing streetlights which flickered on and off as we drove by. Each light seemed to bring back quick flashes of happy memories filled with laughter and joy but at the same time, it reminded me of a future that now felt impossible for me to reach.
I could almost hear Raf’s laughter ringing in my ears. It was a joyful deep chuckle that had the power to brighten up any space and bring smiles to everyone around him. As I remembered him I thought about how his eyes would shine with warmth and affection whenever he talked about Dahlia.
He always spoke about her with such love and pride declaring that he would do everything in his power to keep her safe from any harm. Each of these memories hit me hard like a sharp dagger piercing my heart reminding me of the pain of his absence. I felt the cold hard metal of the pistol I was gripping tightly in my hand.
It was a chilling reminder of the difficult battle that was about to come. In that moment the gun wasn't just a tool for defense or an instrument of violence it became a strong connection to my determination and commitment to see this through.
“Hey, are you okay?” One of the men who was sitting across from me leaned in closer looking at me with a face that showed he cared. It seemed like he was trying to connect with me in a friendly way and for just a brief moment I felt thankful for his kindness and concern.
I managed to nod my head and put on a smile but it wasn't a genuine one my eyes didn’t seem to reflect that happiness. I said, “Yeah I’m just deep in thought right now.”
“Are you thinking about how we’re going to deal with that guy Campani?” he said with a small laugh. However, I could hear a quiet seriousness beneath his laughter. I could tell that the importance of what we were trying to accomplish was making everyone feel a little stressed. It was clear that our mission was serious and heavy on all of our minds.
With a heavy sigh, I took a moment to look outside at the world moving by. This situation was not only about getting back at someone it was about doing what was right and ensuring that Raf and Dahlia could have the happy and fulfilling future they truly deserved.
As the truck began to slow down I could feel my heart start to beat faster with anticipation. The large shadow of Campani’s house came closer to us and its presence felt like a physical representation of all the fears and anger we had been holding inside. The air around us felt charged and alive almost as if it understood how important this moment was for all of us.
“We have arrived,” Hector said in his rough voice interrupting my daydream as the trucks came to a stop just a few blocks down the road. “Iris you mentioned that there is a path we can take to get through right?”
I took a deep breath and swallowed feeling a lump in my throat while my stomach twisted with worry. I nodded my head even though I was feeling very anxious.
“The sewer system,” I said carefully. “It goes right underneath his compound.” As I spoke my thoughts started racing. I remembered all the complicated and winding paths we would have to figure out and navigate through.
“Then please show us the way” he commanded his voice filled with assurance that inspired and motivated the men who were gathered around us.
As I stepped out of the truck the first thing I noticed was the coolness of the night air. It wrapped around me like a gentle but brisk blanket refreshing me but also making me feel a little cold. I began to lead the group in the direction of a narrow alleyway that was on the side. This alley was bordered by old dirty brick walls that looked like they had many stories to tell secrets waiting to be discovered…