Chapter 2 - The Underground Vault
They were thrown into the lower subterranean levels of the Moretti mansion—a sprawling labyrinth of reinforced concrete and old-world stone that served as Dante’s personal holding facility. The walls were damp, lit only by flickering overhead bulbs that cast long, grotesque shadows. Claire sat on a cold iron cot, rocking Lily, who had finally fallen into an exhausted, tear-stained sleep against her shoulder.
The heavy steel door swung open with a loud groan. Dante Moretti stepped inside, his charcoal-black suit now unbuttoned at the collar, a faint smell of gunsmoke clinging to his fabric. He walked with heavy, deliberate steps, stopping a few feet away from the cot.
"She’s asleep," Claire said defensively, pulling Lily further into her arms. "She's just a baby, Mr. Moretti. Whatever game you're playing with your men, leave us out of it."
"It’s not a game, Claire," Dante replied, his voice chillingly low. "Marco didn't just betray me. He sold our primary shipping lanes to the Russian Syndicate. The bomb under that car wasn't meant to just destroy a vehicle; it was designed to wipe out my entire inner circle during today's summit. Your daughter saved my life. And everyone else's."
Claire stared at him in disbelief. "Then let us go! If she helped you, reward us with our freedom. We have nothing to do with your criminal empire."
Dante pulled a silver pocket watch from his vest, flicked it open, and snapped it shut. "Freedom is a luxury reserved for people who don't know too much. Right now, every rival family in the city knows Marco has been compromised. If they find out a three-year-old child exposed him, you become the most valuable targets in the city. You aren't leaving this estate, Claire. Not because you're prisoners—but because you are now under my direct protection."
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"Protection?" Claire scoffed bitterly, tears stinging her eyes. "You locked us in a dungeon!"
"This is the safest room on the eastern seaboard," Dante corrected sharply. "Tomorrow, the real war begins. And you and Lily are going to stay right here where I can see you."
