Iris POV
My heart was racing wildly inside my chest beating so hard that it felt like it might burst out at any moment. The sound was so loud that I could hear it echoing in my ears overwhelming me and drowning out the low threatening conversations of the men who were hiding in the shadows nearby.
These men belonged to the powerful Bellotti family a group known for their fierce loyalty and unshakeable strength. I had called upon them to come here feeling a deep sense of desperation for their help.
I was clinging to the hope that this might finally be the moment when we could put an end to the unending nightmare that had tortured and haunted us for such a long time. We were hidden away tucked into a corner of this dim rundown warehouse and the only light we had was the weak flickering glow coming through the cracks in the old building above us.
As I cautiously peeked out from our hiding spot I held my breath feeling anxiety squeeze around my chest like a tight band making it hard to breathe.
In the large dusty room that seemed to stretch forever there stood Raf. He was a person filled with strong determination but there was also a deeper side to him that showed he was vulnerable. He was facing Campani a terrifying and monstrous figure that seemed to loom over everything. Campani was like a horrible shadow that had been following me around in this harsh and unforgiving game that we had found ourselves forced into.
Behind Campani I could see Dahlia the sweet and innocent little girl we had put everything on the line to try to save. She was caught in his grip and there was a gun held threateningly against her small head.
Just looking at her in that terrifying situation made my heart twist painfully as she seemed so helpless and fragile while trapped in the clutches of such evil. This sight filled me with a raw and intense rage that felt like it was about to explode from within me a powerful storm of emotions that I could barely contain.
“Just take a look at you, Raf,” Campani said his voice dripping with sarcasm. Each word he spoke was filled with contempt as if he enjoyed watching Raf's struggle.
“You’ve somehow managed to make a piece of garbage look good. Is that something you’re proud of? Standing all by yourself trying to put up a brave front against me? It’s such a pitiful yet strangely beautiful picture isn’t it?” His scorn hung in the air like thick smoke wrapping around us and making it hard to breathe.
Raf's jaw was clenched tightly showing that he was very determined. However, I could see that his hands were shaking slightly. This shaking was a mix of both defiance and fear and it somehow resonated with me making me feel the same way.
“Let her go Campani. This is something that is only between the two of us.” he insisted with a strong and steady voice even though the situation we were all in was very serious.
“Maybe,” Campani said with a laugh an arrogant smile spreading across his face. His sharp eyes scanned the area behind Raf as if he was looking for something or someone there.
“But at this moment she is my leverage my tool in this game. And believe me, I like being in this powerful position. I have despised you for such a long time I have wished with every ounce of my being for this very moment to happen and now that it’s finally here it feels incredible. You are not the unstoppable hero you think you are Raf. In reality, you are just a clumsy fool who thought he could wear a crown and rule over others.” His laughter filled the air cold and mocking each word was intended to hurt to leave a mark.
“Please just be quiet,” Raf said in a low voice his teeth clenched tightly together. Even though he was upset I could still see that strong determination in his eyes.
“Do you honestly think that this makes you powerful? Holding a little girl like her against her will?” His brave attitude sparked something in me—a sense of hope that reminded me of the inner strength that had always attracted me to him.
Campani's eyes shone with a strange light making him look both intriguing and a little scary at the same time. He spoke in a calm voice that sent chills down one's spine.
“You see power is not absolute it depends on the situation and who is involved” he explained. His intense gaze was locked on Dahlia who was looking around the room with big wide eyes that seemed to hold innocence and curiosity.
“It's quite nice to feel like you are in control, isn’t it? And just take a look at the other people who have joined us here.”
When he yelled “Luiza! Come on out!” my heart felt heavy and sad like a stone that is thrown into a deep dark hole that seems to go on forever. His voice echoed in the room and the silence that followed was thick and heavy making it hard to breathe.
I felt nervous and anxious so I clenched my fists tight pressing my nails into my skin. Just then I saw a familiar figure come out from the shadows. She had a sneaky smile on her face looking very pleased with herself like a predator that is excited about catching its prey.
“It's wonderful to see you again Iris,” Luiza said with a smooth and gentle tone but there was an underlying bitterness in her voice that hinted at something much darker.
“I truly hope you are not too troubled or angry about the fact that I poisoned Dahlia.” She paused for a moment savoring her words.
“All that time you spent trying to be the good person always doing the right thing—it feels like that effort wraps around me like a warm yet twisted blanket. It brings me joy to watch all my plans come together, especially the one that framed you in such a clever and convenient way.”
Each word she spoke was sharp and cutting a nasty reminder of her harmful intentions and the way she took pleasure in causing others pain.
A sudden cold wave of fear swept through my body making me feel uneasy and anxious. At the same time, I felt a strong surge of anger and pain in my chest almost like a fierce thunderstorm rumbling inside me.
“You disgusting witch!” I shouted my voice getting louder as I stared at her with intense anger. Hatred and disbelief mixed within me creating a powerful mix of emotions that I couldn’t contain.
“Ah, but the truth does hurt doesn’t it?” Luiza said with a sly smile taking a step closer to Campani. He had a triumphant grin on his face but it was a grin that didn’t look right as if every part of his face was twisted by bad feelings.
“Raf is losing everything because of you you know. And let me tell you I hope you enjoy what’s about to happen. It’s going to be quite a show.”
I looked over at Hector feeling a bit shaky and catching my breath in the tense and electrifying atmosphere around us. Taking a moment to collect my thoughts I said “We can’t keep waiting any longer. You must start right now.”
“Got it,” Hector said in a calm and quiet voice. His tone showed that he was determined as he gave crucial instructions to his men who were waiting outside.
When they quickly started to get things done I felt a little flicker of energy come alive inside me—a small but bright spark of hope starting to shine again amid all the darkness…