Chapter 5 - The Glass Citadel FallsThe SUV slammed to a stop outside the Hudson riverfront estate.
Instead of hiding in the safehouse, Dante stepped out of the vehicle and walked straight to the trunk, pulling out two heavy tactical cases. Inside were heavy body armor, high-caliber assault rifles, and tactical explosive charges.
"Dante, what are you doing?" I asked, stepping out into the rain. "You can't attack the penthouse alone! They have dozens of men!"
"I am not attacking them alone," Dante said quietly, looking at me.
He pulled out a secure satellite phone and dialed a ten-digit number that wasn't saved in any contact list.
"Execute Protocol Omega," Dante commanded into the phone without greeting. "Activate the Shadow Guard."
My eyes widened. The Shadow Guard was a legendary, ghost-like unit of veteran mercenaries created by Dante's father decades ago—loyal only to the reigning head of the Moretti bloodline, operating completely outside the syndicate's standard hierarchy. Even Mateo hadn't known how to contact them.
Within ten minutes, three unmarked black helicopters swept low over the Hudson River, landing silently on the estate's wide lawn. Dozens of heavily armored soldiers poured out, forming a disciplined perimeter and saluting Dante in silence.
Dante turned to me, putting a heavy tactical vest over his black shirt.
"Elena," he said, taking my hands in his. "I need you to stay here with Sophia. The Shadow Guard will lock down this perimeter. No one gets in."
"No," I said firmly, tightening my grip on his wrists. "Bianca thinks you're going there for a gunfight. She expects a mob war. But she doesn't know that I know the penthouse's internal security systems, the encrypted server rooms, and the structural schematics better than anyone alive. I spent two years managing that building!"
Dante stared at me, his dark eyes searching my face. "It's a suicide mission, Elena."
"It's our home she's occupying," I replied, standing tall. "And she laid her hands on Sophia. We finish this together."
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A faint, proud smile flickered across Dante’s harsh features. He reached behind his back, pulled out a compact, lightweight pistol, and placed it into my hand.
"Keep the safety on until you see someone who doesn't belong," Dante said softly. "Let's go take back our kingdom."
