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00:02I was dark-natured and born a cursed living voodoo doll.
00:05At birth, my father's mole tried to strangle me.
00:07Her face went blue and she choked to death.
00:09While I emerged completely unhurt, servants, kapos, and rogues,
00:13all those who wanted to harm me died the way they wanted me to die.
00:16Any harm inflicted upon my body will be reflected back onto others.
00:19Everyone believed I was a monster.
00:21My father wanted to throw me to the public sea,
00:23but my guileless sister Isabella saved me from drowning.
00:26But fate played a cruel trick on my innocent sister.
00:28She was sent by our heartless father to wed the brutal underworld padrino,
00:32the godfather Don Alessandro Greco.
00:34Chained and awake, she was slit on command at regular intervals,
00:37so the godfather's mistress could live off her blood.
00:39The godfather later slaughtered our family and I, alone and hopeless.
00:42Died with Isabella tragically.
00:44When I opened my eyes I was back on the night of the Alliance betrothal gala.
00:47I swear I shall avenge us in this life.
00:49In my past life, it was a pity that I married the gentle city counselor Matteo,
00:53also the vital heir.
00:55The godfather and I would have been a perfect match in hell.
00:57I would only be a thousand times more evil than him.
00:59So when Don the godfather and the vital's heir stood in front of me and Isabella at the same time,
01:04I walked towards Don without hesitation.
01:06Isabella still clutched my hand, tears welling in her eyes.
01:09Valentina, you'll die there.
01:11I'll go in your place.
01:12I shook my head and clutched the marriage contract and laughed.
01:15This time, neither of us will die.
01:18Three days later, two weddings were held in the cathedral at once.
01:22Matteo Vitale came to collect Isabella himself.
01:24He arrived in a white and gold suit that made ceremonial dress look effortless.
01:28I watched him help Isabella into the limo.
01:30Be good to her, I thought.
01:31She deserves your love.
01:32Then I turned and stepped into my own.
01:34Don Alessandro had not come to meet me.
01:36He'd spent last night at a brothel house with his mistress.
01:39I'd fucked that woman all night.
01:41Seven times.
01:42I needed to catch up on sleep.
01:44Just go have your wedding with it for now.
01:52Is the Padrino really doing this?
01:54A bride from a minor family, bound to a dog.
01:56How fitting.
01:57If I were her, I'd hang myself.
01:58What's left to preserve?
02:00Signora, this is his most prized companion.
02:04He felt it appropriate that it stand in his place for the ceremony.
02:07The Padrino despises me.
02:09Even his capos don't bother hiding it.
02:11I said nothing.
02:11I looked past him to the Mama Greco, seated on the main chair.
02:14She didn't rebuke him.
02:16My boy just came back from business, exhausted.
02:18You're his wife.
02:19Show him some grace.
02:20The guests are waiting.
02:22Finish the ceremony.
02:23This was what Isabella had endured in our past life.
02:26She never told me.
02:27Valina, stop stalling.
02:29You're asking me to complete the ceremony with a bitch?
02:33So your boy is equivalent to this bitch?
02:35How dare you!
02:37I dare nothing.
02:38I came here to wed the Padrino.
02:40Not a bitch.
02:41Silence.
02:42Then scattered laughter.
02:43Nervous, surprised, quickly smothered.
02:45The Mama Greco's composure cracked at the edges.
02:47The pit bull snarled at the change in the room.
02:50It lunged.
02:50Teeth bared.
02:51I sidestepped and fired my revolver once.
02:53Cleaned through its shoulder.
02:55Blood sprayed across the stone.
02:56A dark red smear fanned out from the wedding nave.
02:58Droplets dotted the front of my white dress.
03:01Crimson, deliberate like I'd meant it.
03:02She killed it.
03:03She killed the Don's dog.
03:06You.
03:07It attacked me.
03:11What would you have had me do?
03:13Grab her!
03:14Someone get the Don!
03:16The doors swung open.
03:17The floor seemed to shift as Don Alessandro walked in.
03:20He moved in a dark suit.
03:21Calm as a man used to having rooms fall silent.
03:24His eyes swept the crowd and landed on me.
03:26On the crushed animal.
03:27You killed my dog.
03:28His voice was quiet.
03:29That was worse than shouting.
03:31I met his gaze.
03:32It started first.
03:33I'm going to kill you.
03:35I smiled.
03:36I knew he'd come eventually.
03:37Don Alessandro crossed the hall in a few strides and beckoned.
03:40A line of capos moved forward.
03:42Guns leveled.
03:43The metal glinting in the torchlight.
03:46Don Alessandro.
03:48Kill me.
03:49And you'll die.
04:02What did you do to me?
04:10Nothing.
04:11I said coldly.
04:12Remember.
04:13I was born evil and cursed.
04:15I am more monstrous than you.
04:18Any harm done to my body can be transferred to others.
04:20Don Alessandro signaled and his capos fell back.
04:23Guns lowered.
04:24The dog was just a dog.
04:26He said flat.
04:26Voice calm.
04:27I won't hold it against you.
04:28Generous.
04:29I let the word sit.
04:30We still haven't finished the marriage pact.
04:33You killed my dog and you want to-
04:34He stopped, stared.
04:35The pact isn't finished.
04:37Then it stays unfinished.
04:39Be grateful I'm not having you tossed out.
04:41I smiled and turned to the crowd.
04:43My eyes landed on Il Medico Carlo by the far pillar Yang.
04:45Slick in his white coat.
04:46Watching like he hated every second.
04:48I walked to him.
04:49In the last life it was him who cut Isabella open and kept her alive.
04:52If Don Alessandro won't finish this reach-
04:55I said calm.
04:56Perhaps you'd like to stand in.
04:58Carlo went pale.
04:58He looked to Don Alessandro.
05:00Horror on his face.
05:01The insult stung deeper for being indirect.
05:03Don Alessandro pointed at Carlo without a tremor.
05:06Execute him.
05:06Any man suspected of betraying the Don doesn't walk away.
05:09Carlo knew it.
05:10He was dragged off pleading.
05:11Eyes on me.
05:12Don Alessandro's jaw tightened.
05:14He turned back to the dais.
05:15Face like a storm.
05:16All right.
05:17He said through his teeth.
05:18Fine.
05:19He completed the wedding ceremony.
05:20I did not make it easy for him.
05:22That night he didn't come to the room.
05:24In the last life Isabella had sat up until Don in her dress.
05:28Waiting.
05:28I gave Don Alessandro exactly one hour.
05:31Pack his things.
05:32Everything.
05:33I told my people.
05:34If he won't share the room we won't make space for his things here.
05:37They did it without question.
05:39By the time Don Alessandro stormed into the courtyard.
05:41I was already asleep.
05:42My father's men.
05:43My goons.
05:44Stood at the door.
05:45Faces hard and loyal.
05:46Valentina.
05:47He said my name.
05:48Like it was a pistol shot.
05:49Open this door.
05:50I stayed silent.
05:52He slipped into the room like a shadow.
05:53All sharp angles and quiet menace.
05:55He closed the door behind him.
05:57Suddenly.
05:57I felt something warm wrapped around me.
05:59He leaned in close.
06:01Do you know how the last woman who crossed me ended up?
06:03He asked.
06:04Lo.
06:04If you want to kill me it won't be tonight.
06:06You still need the docks my family runs.
06:09The night stretched long and slow.
06:10Before Don the Mama Greco's aide came for me.
06:13The aide said.
06:14You will come with me.
06:15No softness.
06:16No invitation.
06:17They led me to the Mama Greco's private suite.
06:19The room smelled of starch and hot metal linen piled.
06:22A heavy cast iron iron on the board.
06:23The Mama Greco sat at her dressing table.
06:25Loose robe.
06:26A cigarette smoldering between two fingers.
06:28She said without looking up.
06:30Valentina.
06:31You iron my things.
06:33Of course.
06:33I answered.
06:34She tapped ash into the tray and watched me tie the apron around my waist.
06:38You will not eat before the clothes are pressed.
06:40She added.
06:41No food until noon if it takes that long.
06:44You understand how discipline works here?
06:46Yes.
06:47I said.
06:48I pressed the iron over a sleeve.
06:49Heat hissed.
06:50Starch browned the fabric.
06:52In a past life I noticed that every time Isabella came home her hands were covered in blisters.
06:56Her face pale and emaciated.
06:58So that's how it was.
06:59The Mama Greco said.
07:01You shall learn your place here.
07:05Hurry up girl or you prefer to starve.
07:08I waited until she had finished dressing.
07:10Until she was standing in her finest robes.
07:12Silver threaded.
07:13I picked up the iron.
07:14I did not touch the fabric but pressed the hot plate hard against the inside of my left arm.
07:18With a blood curdling scream.
07:19Blisters instantly broke out all over the Mama Greco's arm.
07:22Her shriek brought Don Alessandro through the door in under a minute.
07:25He stood in the doorway and looked at his mother, shocked, furious, extensive burns on one arm.
07:30And then at me, standing beside her with a provocative expression.
07:33Throw her out!
07:34Void the contract.
07:35She's a devil!
07:37We can't.
07:38Don Alessandro's voice was very flat.
07:40We need the doc.
07:42Worthless!
07:43The Mama Greco slammed her teacup into Don Alessandro's chest and shrieked.
07:47Good for nothing, brat!
07:50Coward!
07:50She was right.
07:51Don Alessandro had cut a deal with Don Vittorio Marconi, the most powerful boss on the coast.
07:57He needed the shipping lanes, open gates and compliant nobles.
08:00My family held the eastern docks.
08:02His consigliere had made sure he understood that before the marriage contract was signed.
08:06In the last life he broke my sister Isabella slowly and on purpose.
08:10Once he realized she carried no leverage, this time he knew exactly what he was getting.
08:14I made sure of it.
08:15I left the Mama Greco to her collapse and walked beside Don Alessandro into the cold corridor outside her suite.
08:21Three days later was the customary return to my family's waterfront.
08:24Don Alessandro hadn't meant to come.
08:26He'd been spending his nights at a private flat in the lower town with his first woman,
08:30waiting for the right season to bring her to the compound and make her as his favorite mall.
08:34In the old life he never returned to Isabella.
08:36She went alone.
08:37Her mother called her useless for failing to control her husband.
08:40Isabella stood with her eyes down and took every insulting silence.
08:43No one knew what she endured in those rooms.
08:46I found Don Alessandro before he could slip away and had my men escort him into the car.
08:50He did his best to keep his fury in check.
08:53Valentina, have I been too patient with you?
08:55If you don't show at my family's docks, it's my family who'll take the shame.
08:59That's not my problem.
09:00I've got business tonight.
09:02Of course, Julia's birthday.
09:03His secret lover.
09:04Then stay.
09:06And I'll make sure to have that whore killed before evening bells.
09:09You wouldn't.
09:09I held his gaze until he understood I was not performing.
09:13I didn't smile.
09:14Senora Julia, Lucio Ferri's girl.
09:16Did you really think you could sweep her past the gates and call her a sweetheart?
09:20If I have her disappeared, your people will thank me for it.
09:23Don Alessandro went very still.
09:25He had not known I had gone that deep.
09:27A tainted lineage like Ferri's was trouble he could not afford right now.
09:30Lucio Ferri betrayed Don Vittorio Marconi and murdered his brother in a gunfight.
09:35Don Alessandro wouldn't step on another Don's toes.
09:37The air in the car dropped.
09:39Sit quiet.
09:40Come with me.
09:41And Julia lives another day.
09:44If you step out of this car, she's dead.
09:48Don Alessandro looked like he wanted to put his hands around mine.
09:50Viper.
09:51You absolute viper.
09:53He came unwillingly.
09:54When we arrived, my sister Isabella was already there with her husband, Mateo, the city counselor.
09:59She had brought half a cartload of gifts, luxury watches, a custom gold medallion and vintage wines pulled from the
10:05cellar.
10:05My mother received them with polite indifference.
10:08How thoughtful.
10:08And handed everything to the aid without looking.
10:10Isabella's expression did not change.
10:12She had long since learned to carry disappointment without showing it.
10:15But Mateo noticed.
10:17He reached over and covered her hand with his.
10:19Tenderly.
10:23Valentina, my dear sister.
10:24Isabella saw me and smiled.
10:26She inspected me carefully and then exhaled when she found me safe and sound.
10:30Have they treated you badly?
10:31Before I could answer, Don Alessandro stepped forward.
10:34Who'd have the nerve?
10:36She's turned the whole household inside out.
10:38Threatened to kill me before we were even married.
10:41He was still furious about it.
10:42Isabella blinked at him.
10:43In the past life he had not come here.
10:45His presence surprised her and scared her.
10:47She flinched.
10:48Mateo noticed her fear.
10:49Come.
10:50Let's walk the docks.
10:51They left together.
10:52Don Alessandro watched her go.
10:54Something shifted in his expression.
10:55Your sister.
10:57She's soft.
10:59Measured.
10:59Knows how to hold herself.
11:00You and she.
11:02Same blood and yet you're a different animal.
11:03How does that happen?
11:04I should have taken her instead of you.
11:07In the past life.
11:08He had taken Isabella and he had unmade her.
11:10Piece by piece.
11:11Season by season.
11:12Until there was nothing left that resembled the girl who had once circled me in the courtyard
11:15checking for bruises.
11:17Even his stable men could land a hand on her.
11:19He had used her as a blood vessel to sustain that Julia's life.
11:23Regrets?
11:24Say her name once more and I'll have Judah's tongue cut out.
11:27Don Alessandro's face drained.
11:28I misspoke.
11:30Don't touch her.
11:31Then go.
11:31I need to settle with my mother.
11:33I left him there and went inside.
11:35We were back at the family compound by late afternoon.
11:37Don Alessandro still had business that night.
11:40He went down to Julia's flat in the lower row.
11:42She rose when he came in.
11:44Eyes already wet.
11:45Don.
11:45I thought you'd forgotten.
11:47I got held up.
11:48That viper made me stay.
11:50She pushed my hand.
11:51Of course.
11:52I knew it was she.
11:53Good girl.
11:54Don Alessandro's hand slid under her dress.
11:56And the two became entwined.
11:58After the tenderness subsided, Julia held on to Don Alessandro.
12:01Her eyes and cheeks still flushed with the afterglow of passion.
12:04Our son is old enough to find a tutor.
12:06Could I not bring him to your household?
12:08Pack.
12:09I'll have a car.
12:10In two days you move up.
12:11You come to my place.
12:13Thank you, Don.
12:14And behind the smile, behind the downcast lashes, emerged the calculating slyness.
12:19When we returned to the compound before the gate I heard shouting.
12:22A kid barreled toward me face red.
12:24Hands flailing.
12:25It's because of you my mother can't come home.
12:27I'll kill you.
12:28I'll kill you.
12:29A woman came scrambling after him snatching at his collar.
12:33Her face white with terror.
12:34It was Julia.
12:35She hauled him back and turned to leave.
12:37The boy still thrashing and her arms still screaming.
12:40Wait.
12:40She stopped then.
12:42Slowly, she sank to her knees with the child still clutched against her chest.
12:45Senora, he's just a child.
12:47Kids say stupid things.
12:49He means nothing by it.
12:50What do you call him?
12:52The Don's boy.
12:53My man quickly stepped forward and struck Julia across the face.
12:56Witch!
12:57You hit my ma!
12:58I'll have my old man kill you!
13:00I'll have you all killed!
13:01In the past life, this same child had put snakes in Isabella's bed.
13:05Slipped them into her shoes.
13:06He terrorized her until she was too frightened to stand.
13:09Not this time.
13:10I watched him a moment, then closed the space between us and slapped him hard.
13:14I didn't want to do it, but he raised his hand in my house first.
13:17And in my house, that is a line you don't cross.
13:19How dare you touch my boy!
13:21He's the Don's heir!
13:23You are confused.
13:25There is no heir yet.
13:26There is no legitimate son.
13:27Everyone calls him that!
13:29Even the Mama Greci never objected!
13:31Everyone was sloppy with their facts.
13:34An heir is born of a wife and the Don.
13:37You are neither his wife nor officially recognized.
13:40Your boy is a bastard.
13:42Because he carries the Don's blood informally.
13:45He'll live in my wing.
13:47Under my roof and my rules.
13:49Julia snapped.
13:50She lunged at me hands like claws.
13:52If you so much as lay a finger on my son, I'll kill you!
13:56In the scramble, she found my dagger.
13:57She grabbed it from my belt in the struggle.
13:59She forced it into her own right shoulder with a scream.
14:02Blood gushing to make the scene convincing.
14:04By the time Don Alessandro crossed the courtyard, weapon in hand, Julia's face was already wet
14:09with tears.
14:10He had closed the distance in four long strides, jaw working with a look that emptied the air.
14:15Gun leveled.
14:18The moment he saw her thrown into his arms sobbing, pity flickered across his face.
14:22Then he looked up and his eyes cut to me, hard and furious.
14:27Valentina, you touched Julia and my boy.
14:30Your boy.
14:31Charged at me in my own hall and threatened to kill my men.
14:34I taught him a lesson.
14:35That is my right.
14:37Apologize to my son.
14:38I almost laughed.
14:40Or I will end you for this.
14:41He's your bastard.
14:43No title, no standing, no right to parade in my courtyard without my say.
14:48He's here only because I allow it.
14:51While this bitch, she deserves to die.
14:53In the past life, this Julia set a trap for my sister, staged wounds, cried for sympathy.
14:59Although the wound looked scary, it was only a superficial injury.
15:02But she'd bled Isabella while everyone looked away.
15:05Don Alessandro had let it happen.
15:08Don Alessandro.
15:09Don Alessandro, please.
15:11She is the donna of the house.
15:13You cannot.
15:14But I could tell she wasn't using much force.
15:16He shook her off easily and kept walking.
15:19I glanced at her.
15:19Julia, do you really want me to die?
15:21Julia lowered her head.
15:22Pretending not to dare to see what would happen next.
15:25But her eyes betrayed an uncontrollable, triumphant smile.
15:28Don Alessandro's hand moved.
15:30A gun came up.
15:31Steady and cold.
15:32The muzzle rested an inch from my chest.
15:34The metal reflecting the courtyard lights.
15:36For one breath, the world narrowed.
15:38I lunged.
15:39I grabbed the barrel and the gun like it was a hot brand.
15:41There was a shock.
15:42Clean, horrible sound.
15:48A blood-curdling scream rang off the walls.
15:50Not mine, but Julia's.
15:52Blood gushed from Julia's chest like a fountain pale-faced.
15:55She pressed her hand against the wound only to find the blood flowing faster and faster.
15:59Don Alessandro and the boy rushed over to Julia at the same time.
16:03Julia!
16:04Mother!
16:06Fetch il medico!
16:08He looked at me as if his eyes were about to shoot fire.
16:11Men!
16:12Cut this woman into pieces!
16:14The Greco's goons after witnessing all this.
16:16None of them dared to touch me.
16:18Kahlo was executed.
16:20In your hands.
16:21The look on his face suddenly changed into disbelief and fear.
16:24So it was you all along.
16:27You planned this from the very beginning.
16:29Looks like you're not all that dumb after all.
16:33But why?
16:34Why are you doing this to me?
16:36We had no history of conflict before we met.
16:39No conflict?
16:40You seem to have no recollection of how you mistreated my sister.
16:43That really is a bit unfair.
16:45Here's the deal.
16:46If you want to save this woman, come with me to the Vitali's annual countryside shooting weekend.
16:51He had no reason to object.
16:53Vitali family organized these congregations every year.
16:56A two-day riding and shooting affair out in the hills that looked like sport but ran on politics.
17:00Every major family showed.
17:02Every old score and new favor played out on that guest list.
17:05The moment Isabella and I appeared, the whispers started.
17:07Isn't that the Dawn's woman?
17:08The one who was paired with his dog?
17:10She still shows her face.
17:12Remarkable.
17:13He doesn't even treat her as a person.
17:15I'd have drowned myself.
17:16The last came from Donna Lucia of the fairy line.
17:18An old enemy who loved a sharp word.
17:20She and her cliques stood near the tree line and didn't bother to lower their voices.
17:24She'd never needed a reason to look at me with contempt.
17:27Today she thought she had plenty.
17:29Isabella's eyes went red.
17:30My sister has done nothing wrong.
17:32The fault lies with the Dawn.
17:34Not with her.
17:36I squeezed her hand.
17:37In the past life, they had said these things to Isabella.
17:39I only learned later.
17:40Isabella walking alone through the snow while they called after her.
17:43No one standing beside her.
17:44No one speaking.
17:46I miss you, sister.
17:47I crossed the grass toward Donna Lucia.
17:49She didn't step back.
17:50She thought I wouldn't dare out here, in front of everyone.
17:53I slapped her.
17:55The crowd went quiet.
17:56Somewhere in the trees, a bird startled and fled.
17:58She pressed a hand to her cheek, eyes wide.
18:01She said,
18:02You hit me!
18:03Do you know who my father is?
18:04I know exactly who your father is.
18:06And when Dawn's wife is present, you bow.
18:09You don't perform for your pals at her expense.
18:12Your old man failed to teach you that.
18:15Consider this a correction.
18:17You think you're untouchable?
18:19My cousin is Dawn's favorite.
18:21She will discipline you and your familia.
18:23Voice rising, she had been rattled into saying something she couldn't take back.
18:28You mean Giula?
18:30What's so funny?
18:31I called my man, and he came in carrying a tray.
18:36Donna Lucia left quickly and without her friends.
18:39The tray held a hand, a woman's hand, still adorned with a signet ring.
18:42It was Julia's.
18:45That's gruesome even for you, Valentina.
18:47A gentle but calm voice rang at my ear.
18:49I looked over my shoulder and saw a handsome man wearing dark Figaro riding gear.
18:53Lorenzo, the heir of the Greco family, Don Alessandro's nephew.
18:56I stood there for a moment, genuinely caught off guard.
18:59In another life, when Dawn's coup collapsed and my father was swept up in the wreckage,
19:03it had been Lorenzo who stepped forward.
19:05He had argued my father's case before the commission.
19:07He had taken 30 lashes for it, and 30 lashes had nearly killed him.
19:11I had never thanked him.
19:12I hadn't known.
19:14Lorenzo, thank you.
19:16I only said you're gruesome.
19:17What are you thanking me for?
19:18I caught his sleeve.
19:19You ran.
19:20When I told you I wanted to marry you, you actually ran.
19:23He looked mildly startled.
19:25Senora, I would strongly advise against pursuing this particular...
19:29I licked his hand.
19:30He froze like a stone.
19:31Then he pulled his hand back and stared at me.
19:33You were...
19:34We're outside.
19:34There are people.
19:35You can't just...
19:35Lorenzo.
19:36There are horses.
19:37They can see.
19:38I know.
19:39Color climbing steadily up the back of his neck, and then turned and walked away with tremendous
19:42dignity, and absolutely no idea where he was going.
19:46Don Alexandra and I never finish the wedding roults.
19:48We never slept together.
19:50By any strict reading, we're not married.
19:52Whatever is between you and the Don, it's none of my business.
19:56You shouldn't...
19:56Mustn't...
19:57This is...
19:57I called after him.
19:59He kept walking.
20:00If you're willing, once I dissolve the arrangement with Don Alessandro, I'd take you.
20:06Coward.
20:07Utter coward.
20:10You viper.
20:11Don Alessandro stepped out of the crowd on my left, materializing from the riding party like
20:15a shadow arriving in sunlight.
20:17He set his jaw and closed the distance.
20:19I'm not dead yet.
20:20You'd like to dissolve our arrangement and marry Lorenzo over my living body.
20:25He had come after all.
20:26Some belated instinct about appearances, most likely.
20:29And he had arrived at exactly the wrong moment.
20:31I'm considering my options.
20:33I'm considering finding a convenient moment...
20:36to have you removed.
20:39Are you?
20:41Yes.
20:42That would be...
20:44a miscalculation.
20:45He stared at me.
20:46His jaw worked.
20:47He knew I was right.
20:48He couldn't touch me without consequences he wasn't prepared to face.
20:51He couldn't risk to lose my father's support.
20:53And Julia's fate lies in my hands.
20:56You asked me to come here with you.
20:58Was it just so I could watch you cheat on me?
21:00Not entirely.
21:03Isabella, bring the trophy.
21:05She feared Don Alessandro deep to bone, holding the sacred by tail stag antler in her hands.
21:09It was no ordinary trophy.
21:10It was the family relic, carved and kept for rights.
21:13The old story said blood on that antler pulled secrets out of men.
21:16I picked up the antler and stabbed Don Alessandro with its sharpest point.
21:24Don Alessandro's eyes widened.
21:27You wanna kill me?
21:29That would be too easy for you.
21:31The antler is a relic of the Vitae's last prophet.
21:34When it come into contact with blood, they reveal the truths of past lives.
21:37You should repent for everything you did to my sister.
21:40Don Alessandro, remember this.
21:41It's a fight to the death between us.
21:43And of course you're the one who's going to die.
21:44But I won't let you die easily.
21:46Don Alessandro left ladder.
21:48Someone told me he had spent the ride home in uncharacteristic silence.
21:51I was told he kept reaching up to touch the back of his neck,
21:53as though feeling a draft from somewhere he couldn't locate.
21:56Good, I thought.
21:57He should start getting used to that feeling.
21:59Julia's boy, the Don's bastard, was dragged into my courtyard shouting threats.
22:03You're going to throw me out?
22:05My father will come for revenge.
22:07You'll regret this.
22:08When his lungs gave up, I crouched, took him by the throat.
22:12Not hard enough to kill, his screams died.
22:15Listen to me carefully.
22:16You are not what you think you are.
22:17You have no title, no protection that I cannot remove.
22:20I could end you and call it a household matter,
22:21and no one with any authority would tell me I was wrong.
22:23He stared at me.
22:24His lip was trembling.
22:26If she ever sets foot in this compound again, has no standing to raise you.
22:29That right belongs to me.
22:31By every rule that matters in this quarter, I am the closest thing to a mother you've got.
22:35You're not my mother.
22:37No, I'm not.
22:39But you'll address me like you mean it.
22:41Or you'll kneel in this yard until you do.
22:44He was not stupid.
22:45He could feel my grip.
22:46He went limp.
22:47I released him.
22:47Of course I wouldn't really kill him.
22:49He's just a kid.
22:50I just wanted to make his mother submit.
22:52I kept my promise and spared Julia's life.
22:54But she wasn't satisfied.
22:56She still wanted to be the wife of Don Alessandro.
22:58Julia curtsied holding her hand over the wound on her chest, which still ached faintly.
23:02I sipped my wine.
23:04In the past life, Isabella had stood where Julia stood.
23:07Julia had Don Alessandro to lean on.
23:09This life.
23:10With me occupying this position, Don Alessandro didn't dare move against me openly,
23:14which meant Julia had no lever to pull.
23:16Except me.
23:17So here she was.
23:18Please.
23:18She said finally.
23:20I am asking for a way forward.
23:22We are both women.
23:24You know what it is to have no ground beneath you.
23:28If I am not brought into the fortress properly.
23:30She let her voice break on the last word.
23:32She was playing the sympathy card with both hands.
23:34I had no sympathy for Julia.
23:36She had watched Isabella being bled on a schedule and called it none of her business.
23:40She had benefited from every drop.
23:42She can find no soft feeling in me.
23:44You may stay.
23:45I said.
23:46She exhaled.
23:48As a chambermaid.
23:50The exhale stopped.
23:52Signora Greccio!
23:54Being a fairy girl, you ought to count yourself lucky to still be breathing.
23:59I bore him a son.
24:02I know what has really an eye.
24:03The softness had thinned at the edges now.
24:05Something harder showing through.
24:07That counts for something.
24:08It counts for the boy's existence.
24:10It does not count for yours.
24:12You produced an illegitimate child outside of any formal arrangement and called it a service.
24:19In most households, that gets you killed.
24:22She stood there, not quite able to speak.
24:24In truth, I didn't particularly care what she was called.
24:26What I cared about was Isabella.
24:28And the years Julia had spent comfortable while Isabella bled.
24:31Let her kneel for a while.
24:32Let her learn the texture of the floor.
24:34I understand.
24:35She said at last, she bowed her head and went down.
24:38After that, she fell into a routine.
24:40She laundered shirts at dawn, polished boots at noon.
24:43And every night she went to whisper to Don Alessandro about how I'd made her life hard.
24:47Don Alessandro caught between two immovable objects, eventually lost patience and snapped at her.
24:52She is the Donna of the family.
24:55Serving her is not beneath you.
24:57I was told Julia did not speak to him for three days after that.
25:00I set to work unraveling the household.
25:03Move the ones who could be turned.
25:04Exile the ones who wouldn't.
25:06Watch how loyalty shifted.
25:07And I watched Don Alessandro.
25:09Meetings ended when I entered rooms.
25:11Letters arrived sealed with unfamiliar marks.
25:13Men showed up in the compound with no announced purpose.
25:16A coup moves like bad weather.
25:18First it smells like thunder.
25:19I needed proof.
25:20Which meant staying close to Don Alessandro.
25:22Close enough to search.
25:24Close enough to be seen.
25:25And there was Lorenzo as my ally.
25:27Don Alessandro got a summons to the coast boss.
25:30Lorenzo and I arrived together.
25:32The show of it mattered.
25:33And while Don Alessandro sat in that meeting, Lorenzo came to my side.
25:36Since when have you and the Don been chummy?
25:40Since it suited me.
25:42Don't stay too close to him.
25:44Go back to your docks for a while.
25:45Say you're ill.
25:46Lay low.
25:47He wasn't asking.
25:48He was warning.
25:49He knew there was a move coming.
25:50Lorenzo, if I dissolved my arrangement with Don Alessandro, formally, legally, would you marry me?
25:58He went still.
25:59You have been married.
26:01No one ever broke the oath made on the wedding nave.
26:03The roults were never completed at the wedding nave.
26:06Technically-
26:07Valentinta.
26:08Is it because I've been another man's wife?
26:10Even in name only?
26:14That is not the reason.
26:17I don't care about titles.
26:18I watched him a long beat and then smiled.
26:21If a devil like me could be worth someone trying to be better, it would be for him.
26:25I handed him the folder ledgers, letters, names, dates.
26:28Then come for me when you can.
26:30And walked away before he could answer.
26:31Don Alessandro was waiting when I returned to the compound.
26:34Who were you with?
26:37Lorenzo?
26:38When I get what I'm owed, when the neighborhood is settled, he'll be the first I cut down.
26:43Then I'll look forward to that day.
26:45He stared.
26:46I went inside.
26:46Two weeks later Don Alessandro and his allies moved on the city's administration, the customs
26:51house, and the docks that run the trade.
26:53They never reached the inner gates.
26:55I had given Lorenzo everything, the papers, the correspondence, the ledgers.
26:59Lorenzo took them to Don Vittorio Marconi, the coast boss.
27:03Don Vittorio took them straight to my father.
27:06My father showed up in the dark with 50 men at his back.
27:09When Don Alessandro's column hit the cordon, they were surrounded.
27:12The whole thing was over in about an hour.
27:15Don Alessandro's household was seized three days later.
27:18He looked at me across the vestibule he no longer owned, and his expression dimmed like
27:22a smoldering candle.
27:23You gave the things all to Lorenzo.
27:26You were going to destroy my family.
27:28I wasn't going to let that happen twice.
27:30Don Alessandro Greco was stripped.
27:32The household condemned.
27:33Those who had served the coup were dealt with according to the code, Marconi's code.
27:37Julia ran.
27:37She took the boy and tried for the East Lane.
27:39They were caught before nightfall.
27:41She had miscalculated.
27:42As people often do when they have spent too long believing themselves protected.
27:45She had spent years cultivating Don Alessandro as her shelter.
27:48In the end, he could not shelter even himself.
27:51Don Vittorio Marconi took me in himself.
27:54My father had held the docks.
27:55I'd given the intelligence that let them stop the move before it began.
27:58By every account, I'd been on the right side from the start.
28:01Within a week, the city talked about me again.
28:03The tone had changed.
28:04Less sneer.
28:05More a careful kind of interest.
28:07I'm sorry.
28:08This should have been me.
28:09If I'd been the one, you wouldn't have had to.
28:12Nothing to apologize for.
28:14You and Mateo are safe.
28:15That's enough.
28:16She looked at me a long time, then rested her head on my shoulder and stayed there, saying
28:20nothing.
28:21A fortnight past Lorenzo didn't show.
28:23I sat with that for days.
28:24Maybe he liked the idea of me more than the thing itself.
28:27Better admired from afar.
28:33Ma, I'm heading south.
28:34The car waited at dawn.
28:36I had one foot on the running board when a motor cut through the morning.
28:39A black sedan slid up.
28:40Lorenzo killed the engine and climbed out, looking down at me from the driver's side.
28:44You, do you always move people like pieces?
28:47You didn't come.
28:48I waited.
28:50A fortnight.
28:52You waited a fortnight and then decided I wasn't coming.
28:56It seemed like a reasonable conclusion.
28:58I had to call my folks.
29:00Protocol.
29:00Families talk.
29:01A betrothal isn't something you rush.
29:05Valentina, I've been waiting for you for ten years.
29:08The morning held its breath.
29:10The morning was very quiet around us.
29:13You were fifteen the first time I saw you at your father's winter party.
29:15You hit three clay pippers with one shot, and I thought there was someone I'd like to
29:19have.
29:20I said,
29:21You never said.
29:22You were promised a way.
29:23Then you were married.
29:24I was trying to stop the city from burning while you were dismantling a coup.
29:27He looked at me.
29:27I'm saying it now.
29:29I stepped down from the car.
29:30How long before your parents arrive?
29:32A week.
29:32Maybe ten days.
29:33Then you have ten days.
29:35Make them worth the wait.
29:36He smiled.
29:37I've had ten years of practice.
29:39I held up my head and reached out to pinch his chin, smiling.
29:42Had you?
29:43His face blushed instantly.
29:45I said,
29:46You should know I'm a voodoo doll.
29:47A teasing smile deepening.
29:49So the heat you're feeling right now?
29:50I'm feeling it too.
29:52I barely felt myself grow lighter before he wordlessly swept me up into the car.
29:57We should have had the wedding first, but since you want it this way.
30:00His warm lips met mine.
30:01I stared into his deep eyes and kissed him harder.
30:03The road should have been empty, but a shout cut through the valley.
30:06Men came out of the trees like a net, shots slamming into the air.
30:09A planted charge blew a wheel apart.
30:11The sedan lurched, throwing Lorenzo into the cushions.
30:14Men went down.
30:14We closed like a well-drilled crew.
30:21I moved with them.
30:22Every step measured.
30:23One man took a round and went rigid.
30:25Pupils gone wide, foam at his mouth.
30:26He was dead in breaths.
30:28The smell of the toxin was sharp, metallic.
30:30The wound had a black smear at the edge.
30:32The mark of rounds laced for more than blood.
30:34Pietro looked at me.
30:37I clenched my fists.
30:38His household might have been broken.
30:40And Alexandro.
30:41But his reach hadn't died.
30:42He's still breathing.
30:43Two of the attackers broke off and tried to run.
30:45We caught one young, hair matted with blood.
30:47Eyes too bright with fear.
30:48I leaned in.
30:50Who sent you?
30:51He spat a curse.
30:52You voodoo bitch.
30:53I stepped back and picked up the spent cartridge that had fallen near him,
30:56turning it in my hand like a question.
30:58Don Alexandro, isn't it?
31:00He barked a brittle laugh.
31:01You think taking out the Don stops it?
31:03His crew will swear blood for blood.
31:05I pulled a knife and cut my palms slow and clean.
31:08The kid's chest and arms welted where my blade had bitten dark blood rising along his skin.
31:12He clenched his teeth and didn't cry out.
31:14A tough nut.
31:14I said.
31:15I raised the knife to my throat.
31:16If I can make you bleed, I can make your boss bleed.
31:19Speak.
31:20Or I'll make sure he understands what pain tastes like.
31:23The captive's laugh died.
31:24He swallowed.
31:25He said hoarsely.
31:27He's at the Taverina de la Luna by the goldsmith.
31:29I let the knife fall and sneered.
31:31The trick worked.
31:32My touch only carries when the target is in my sight.
31:34But I got what I needed.
31:35I looked at Lorenzo sitting in the broken car,
31:38his hand bleeding where a splinter had pressed.
31:40He met my eyes.
31:40The questions in his face were all about me.
31:42His voice was clearly tinged with jealousy.
31:44You're going to see him yourself?
31:46You're welcome to go with me.
31:47On the way back, I sent a runner to the dockside watch.
31:50The Taverina de la Luna was filthy and loud.
31:52Don Alessandro was easy to find.
31:54He'd taken hits in the retreat.
31:55A scar split his lip.
31:56He sneered when they dragged him out.
31:58When he saw me, his face brightened for a heartbeat and then went flat.
32:01He turned his cheek away.
32:02The scar sliding into shadow.
32:04I crouched until I was level with him.
32:06I said,
32:07Seeing me again, you must hate me.
32:08You're in this mess because of me.
32:10If you want to kill me, I won't pretend I don't understand.
32:12He turned his head farther, as if to hide.
32:14I grabbed his chin and forced him to look at me.
32:16His eyes held anger, refusal, and something like a thin, fossilized affection.
32:20You should hate me.
32:21My breath stopped for a fraction.
32:22But I won't let you die that easily.
32:24I told him.
32:24I ordered the men around us.
32:26Find him.
32:26From now on, he doesn't leave my sight.
32:28There was time.
32:29I needed names, routes, the small details that turned a conspiracy into a machine.
32:32I closed my hand around Don Alessandro's wrist and let the old reflex take hold.
32:37Mercy wasn't on my mind.
32:38Only leverage.
32:39Don Alessandro's breath hitched.
32:41His face tightened as if someone had punched him in the gut.
32:43He went rigid for a beat, alive, but holding himself like a man who'd just been reminded how fragile skin
32:48is.
32:48That night, I spread the maps on the table.
32:50Lorenzo sat close, his hand finding mine.
32:52He asked, the edge of something close to jealousy in his voice.
32:56I heard you didn't let him leave your side for a second.
32:59I stroked his cheek.
33:02He's just a prisoner.
33:04Don't worry.
33:05I never had any feelings for him.
33:07But he does for you.
33:09Eyes don't lie.
33:10I looped my arms around his neck and laughed.
33:12Then we can make very good use of that.
33:14He grabbed me, reckless, and kissed me hard enough to mark me.
33:20The night stretched long and hot.
33:22Dawn came sooner than I'd planned.
33:23The banquet room was long, polished.
33:25The old men sat on benches with judgments folded into their collars.
33:28My father's crew ran the formalities like a line of soldiers.
33:31The engagement party needed witness.
33:33Shipping magnates, warehouse owners, dock captains, a couple of city councilmen, and a clutch of smaller crew bosses.
33:38The glasses were heavy, the food measured to impress.
33:40I watched my hands as the wine moved.
33:42Deals pass in the small motions.
33:44Who reaches first?
33:45Who pours?
33:45Who leaves a thumbprint on a glass?
33:47I kept my eyes on hands.
33:49Dawn Alessandro stood at the edge of the room like a taut wire.
33:53Halfway through the night, an attendant screamed.
33:57The singer on the stage took a sip and folded.
34:00Another guest plodded his throat.
34:02Panic split the room.
34:06Pietro moved before anyone else did.
34:08He crossed the hall in two long strides and slammed a cloth over the nearest cup.
34:11This wasn't the crude stuff they use in ambushes.
34:13The powder that kills by choking.
34:15This was clinical.
34:16A nerve cut.
34:16Muscles seizing in a spasm.
34:18The cold slid down my spine.
34:19It wasn't random.
34:20It was timed and poured.
34:21The cup the singer touched had been set out for me.
34:23I don't drink wine.
34:24The cup had been switched at the last minute.
34:26Someone had aimed for me.
34:28I saw Dawn Alessandro move like a shadow at the edge of the room.
34:31He looked like the obvious hand behind it.
34:33He came close enough that I felt the warmth of his breath.
34:37Not me.
34:38I didn't do this.
34:39I'm out of that kind of poison.
34:41Show me proof.
34:42His face went bright red in a single flash.
34:45There is one way to prove a thing like this.
34:46To prove he hadn't been carrying it.
34:48He'd have to strip down in front of everyone.
34:50For a man of his pride, being stripped in public was worse than death.
34:53You're a woman.
34:54It wouldn't be proper for you to search a man.
34:56I'll do it.
34:57Lorenzo walked up to the pillar where Don Alessandro stood.
34:59Don Alessandro stiffened.
35:01He looked at Lorenzo, then at me.
35:04You're gonna strip me in front of all these people?
35:06If you wanna clear your name, do it.
35:08Lorenzo's eyes were flat.
35:09Refuse, and you'll look guilty.
35:11Don Alessandro laughed once hollow.
35:13He undid his outer cloak and lifted his shirt slowly.
35:16The hall watched him.
35:17He exposed his body without flinching.
35:19The belt marks and old scars showed.
35:21Lorenzo and two guards inspected him.
35:23There was no sign of a venom sack or recent injections.
35:26Don Alessandro turned his face away, and red came to his neck.
35:31So what?
35:32I'm clearing you.
35:34The cup was switched.
35:36Someone knew the seating arrangement and my habits.
35:39This was premeditated.
35:41Don Alessandro's gaze met mine just once.
35:43There was something like accusation in it, and something else.
35:46This relief that the indignity had been born.
35:48We pulled the cups and the servants out of the room.
35:52Piatro and two men tore through the steward's pantry.
35:54Under a tray damp with wine, they found a scrap of cloth.
35:57Piatro held it up.
35:58This was used to wipe a cup.
35:59The steward went white and shook.
36:01We kept him under watch in the hall until night.
36:03Later, I sat with him alone.
36:04Who told you to swap the cups?
36:07I was paid.
36:09Silver coins under the tray.
36:11A woman.
36:12She wore fox fur.
36:13Fox fur, I repeated.
36:16Said she served Donna Lucia, gave me the coin, and told me which goblet to swap.
36:20Who saw you?
36:21Lorenzo pressed his thumb into the steward's wrist.
36:24The steward whispered two names, two serving girls, and a runner.
36:27Don Alessandro watched from the doorway the whole time.
36:29He didn't speak.
36:30He loomed in the room like a shadow you could cut your hand on.
36:33We rounded up the girls, Marta, the runner.
36:35I swapped the cup.
36:36I didn't know who it was, Bo.
36:38Cracked when Piatro shoved her into the lockup.
36:40Who paid you?
36:41Who ordered it?
36:41A woman with a clam out hat.
36:43She gave me a silver coin and said, serve this to the guest at the lion's table, but
36:47it somehow went to the singer.
36:49Lorenzo's mouth tightened.
36:50He'd seen Donna Lucia sneer at the hunt.
36:52I walked to Donna Lucia's pavilion.
36:54She sat under a tent swirling wine like nothing had happened.
36:58Did you send a runner tonight?
37:00Donna Lucia gave her a polite smile.
37:02I sent no one.
37:03Why would I?
37:04Because someone wanted me dead, then planned to pin it on Donna Alexandro.
37:07You accused me?
37:09Ridiculous.
37:10Stop making stuff up and freaking out.
37:12The argument had no smoking gun.
37:14Marta had small coins with a fox stamp hidden in her hair.
37:17The stamp matched a merchant family known to trade with Donna Lucia.
37:20It was circumstantial, but enough to raise the alarm.
37:23That night, I called Lorenzo and Don Alessandro out to the courtyard.
37:26A single lamp burned over us.
37:28Lorenzo looked at Don Alessandro with cold in his voice.
37:31What's he doing here?
37:32He said.
37:33I smiled, quiet.
37:33There was special venom in my cup.
37:36Don Alessandro's people know that poison.
37:39Lorenzo snorted.
37:41Viper tricks.
37:42If someone set this up, they want to split us.
37:45I said.
37:45We won't let that happen.
37:47We?
37:48Not including him, surely.
37:50Don Alessandro's voice was low.
37:52If Donna Lucia arranged it, she answers to someone higher.
37:55They're stirring unrest.
37:57Then follow Donna Lucia's merchants.
38:00Follow the money and tell me who pays them.
38:02Don Alessandro hesitated, then gave a short nod.
38:06I will look.
38:07Lorenzo's hand squeezed mine, possessive.
38:10Don't trust Don Alessandro without proof.
38:12I won't.
38:14But if you're cleaning up more blood, show me what you find.
38:18Do it where I can see it.
38:20He didn't like the demand, but he agreed.
38:22He left with that thin bruise of regret across his face.
38:26Don Alessandro's men tailed the merchant wagons until they found a tent with a ledger spread on a stump.
38:30Payments, dates, terse notes.
38:32A few entries carried the fox stamp cash paid to runners for special placements.
38:37Pietro read in the dim light.
38:38Paid for Table of the Lion, coin drawn third night.
38:41Names followed, one read Marco.
38:43Marco was a minor capo with debts and a grudge against Lorenzo's family over the river crossing.
38:47Motive enough.
38:48We moved fast.
38:49When they hauled Marco in, he wore anger on his face like a mask.
38:52You can't touch me!
38:53You've no cause!
38:54You bought death.
38:56You paid to swap a cup and try to cut a life.
38:57Why?
38:58Marco spat.
39:00Valolina and Lorenzo together tips the balance.
39:03I wanted the council to think twice.
39:05I didn't mean to kill, just scare.
39:08The poison man clipped it harder.
39:09He named a doctor I'd heard of, trafficked in powders and secret methods.
39:13Someone who'd once worked with Don Alessandro's camps.
39:16They dragged her out of a low tent that stank of vinegar and drying herbs small, bent paper thin.
39:21You sold the poison formula.
39:23You plotted to poison Signora Valentina and Lorenzo.
39:26She didn't flinch.
39:27I did it.
39:28A small bitter laugh escaped her.
39:29I won't deny it.
39:31Lorenzo stepped up.
39:32Why sell to men who kill?
39:34Why help them?
39:35The apothecary fixed him with a hard, sudden look.
39:38Because I was afraid.
39:39Then she pointed at me.
39:41Her voice snagged on the next word.
39:43Don Alessandro stood in the doorway, silent, his fingers flexed.
39:48Explain yourself.
39:50I was the midwife when your mother gave birth.
39:53You didn't breathe.
39:55Your mother begged me to do anything to bring you to life.
39:59I made a choice I thought would save you.
40:01Save me?
40:03You turned me into what I am?
40:06You were not born whole.
40:08I put life back on a thread.
40:11I made a binding so the soul could find its body if the body was taken or broken.
40:16I used a pin.
40:18I used a charm.
40:19It was desperate.
40:21Your mother wanted you to live.
40:23His jaw moved once like someone biting down.
40:25You call that saving?
40:26At first, yes.
40:28It returned you when you died.
40:30Short returns.
40:31Easy ones.
40:32I thought it was a mercy.
40:34Then you began to come back with memories.
40:36Each time your power woke stronger.
40:38Each time you walked more dangerous.
40:40Her eyes flicked to Don Alessandro and then away.
40:42I watched you grow a thing that could twist fates and send it back through time.
40:48I felt it in the air.
40:50After deaths, you did not stay gone.
40:52I heard you move in the world when you were not meant to.
40:54It made men hungry to use you and terrified to lose you.
40:57Don Alessandro flinched as if struck.
41:01So you tried to murder?
41:03In a hall full of witnesses?
41:05The murderer was caught and we went back to the villa.
41:07The courtyard was colder than I expected.
41:10Moonlight lay flat across flagstones and the rose beds.
41:12I stood with my back to the wall and watched the moon till the memory of my birth and the
41:17black pin crawled under my skin again.
41:18The past kept knocking.
41:20The present felt brittle in my hands.
41:22A rustle in the roses broke the quiet.
41:24Someone moved among the bushes.
41:25Deliberate, careful.
41:26I stepped forward without thinking and found him half-crouched.
41:29One hand in a tangle of thorns.
41:31The other holding a single rose.
41:33Don Alessandro looked up at me as if he'd been caught doing something petty.
41:36For a second, the moonlight softened him in a way it never did in daylight.
41:40You shouldn't be here.
41:41He straightened slowly.
41:42Neither should you.
41:44His tone was low, almost amused.
41:46I closed the distance in two long steps and seized his arm.
41:49He didn't resist.
41:51He looked surprised at my boldness.
41:53And then something like pleasure passed through his expression.
41:55An old habit of being the one who provoked.
41:57Before I could speak, he covered my mouth with his hand.
42:00His palm was warm.
42:01His fingers firm.
42:02The motion was possessive in the old way.
42:04The way men who think in ownership move.
42:07Shh.
42:08Don't shout.
42:09His nearness was a provocation.
42:11I did not struggle at first.
42:13When I realized what that softness did to the memory of every wound, I wrenched my jaw free and pushed
42:17his hand down.
42:20Don't.
42:21He stayed close enough that I could see the fine line at his jaw.
42:24He half bowed, plucked a rose from his fist and tucked it at my temple where a curl would hide
42:28it.
42:30You always liked roses.
42:32His fingers lingered on my skin.
42:34He looked at me like a man looking at a map he remembered from long ago.
42:38I remember you.
42:40Not in one life.
42:42In every life I saw pieces, glimpses.
42:46Sometimes I think those pieces line up and make the same person again.
42:51You remember me?
42:53He searched my face.
42:55Yes.
42:56I remember.
42:58I remember more than I should.
43:00In every life I have lost you.
43:03I won't let you go this life.
43:05The rose was heavy at my hair.
43:07The scent was sharp.
43:09For a moment the courtyard narrowed to two people and one small bloom.
43:12I don't want your memories.
43:13I pushed the rose down and the thorn pricked my palm.
43:16I dropped it at my feet and slammed my heel down on it.
43:19You should know.
43:19My voice clear in the hush.
43:21I will never forgive you.
43:22You hurt Isabella.
43:24In the last life you torn her to pieces.
43:26Now you're circling Jialia just like before leaving bloodstains on the same land.
43:30I won't pretend not to know what your hands are capable of.
43:33His face changed when I said Isabella's name.
43:35There was an instant of pain that did not look like pretense.
43:39You can't blame everything in the past on me.
43:41That was-
43:42Enough!
43:43No more excuses.
43:44You had a choice and you made it.
43:46He took a step forward as if to close the space between reproach and understanding.
43:50I was wrong.
43:51Not everything I did was by choice and not everything was my fault.
43:55But I-
43:56He stopped, the words hanging.
43:57Save your justifications.
43:59They mean nothing once the damage is done.
44:01What about Lorenzo?
44:02He looked past me, as if the thought of Lorenzo had a shape he could avoid staring at,
44:07and then returned his gaze to me.
44:08You are betrothed to him.
44:10Yes.
44:11I've made my promise.
44:12I've made my Tavari.
44:13I've chosen a life that protects more people.
44:15It matters more than our quarrels.
44:17He watched me like a man counting losses.
44:19A slow, almost bitter smile touched his mouth.
44:22You chose him.
44:23I will not.
44:24Don't speak to me of love, as if one apology can make up for all the blood you've spilled.
44:29The moon caught his profile and made his face look very old.
44:34I'm not asking for forgiveness.
44:35His hand found the rose crushed under my boot and closed over its stem.
44:38I want you to know, the things I remember are enough to keep me awake at night.
44:44I looked at him.
44:45He was telling the truth, the unmistakable melancholy.
44:47Then remember this.
44:49I remember what you've done too.
44:51Next time you think about crossing that line that ruins people, think of this.
44:57Lorenzo's steps came quick on the flagstones.
44:59He had circled the courtyard and stopped when he saw us.
45:01The two of us faced each other by the crushed rose.
45:04His face went closed, then raw.
45:06Valentina.
45:07He did not call like a friend.
45:08The name came out like a claim.
45:10He pushed between us without waiting for permission and took my hand.
45:13His fingers hard and hot around mine.
45:15What is he doing here?
45:17Don Alessandro did not move back.
45:18He kept his hands loose at his sides, but his eyes found Lorenzo and folded inward like a blade being
45:23softened.
45:24You promised me some privacy.
45:26Privacy?
45:27There's no such thing when a strange man stands alone with you face to face.
45:31I felt Lorenzo's grip tighten.
45:32He pulled me a fraction closer as if proximity could be a barricade.
45:35Lorenzo, he's here to talk.
45:38Lorenzo's look said he did not believe it.
45:40Talk or conspire?
45:43Don Alessandro's face changed then.
45:45You always imagine me to be something I'm not.
45:47Lorenzo's hand left mine and went to the pommel at his hip.
45:50The motion was a warning, but the air altered.
45:52I watched Don Alessandro's eyes.
45:54They were the same green gray I had stared into once before, in a life that felt both distant and
45:58sharp.
45:59I was a child then, and a small snake had slithered from under a stone in the courtyard.
46:03It had been hurt, one side of its face torn.
46:05I had cupped it in my palms and held it while it stilled.
46:07And when it looked up the light caught its eyes and they were exactly like Don Alessandro's now, slow, wet,
46:12aware in a way that was neither animal nor human.
46:14I had fed it milk and wrapped it in linen until the wound closed.
46:17Its gaze had stayed on me the way this man's did now, like a debt unpaid.
46:21The memory slid through me and softened something I had bolted shut.
46:24But it did not make me to forgive him.
46:25It complicated the shape of my anger.
46:27Lorenzo saw the change in me and his face shifted.
46:30Confusion, then a flash of hurt.
46:32You're looking at him like you remember him.
46:35His voice was sharp enough to cut through the moonlight.
46:37You're not supposed to be looking at him.
46:40Don Alessandro's mouth thinned.
46:41I never wanted you to be torn.
46:43Lorenzo laughed, but it had no joy.
46:45You have torn people since you learned to keep a blade.
46:48Stop, I said.
46:49My voice was steady.
46:50We are not settling this with blades in the moonlight.
46:52Lorenzo would not let go at once.
46:54He kept a grip on me as if my being there proved something.
46:56Softer now.
46:57Found him to leave.
46:58Don Alessandro looked at me as if asking permission.
47:00Not with words, but with the whole tilt of his head.
47:02For a second.
47:03His sorrow was a question.
47:04Would I send him away or let him stay and make some further claim?
47:07I thought of the snake, of its patient eyes, of the smell of milk and linen.
47:11I choose Lorenzo.
47:12I thought of Isabella and all the reasons I had closed my hand against him before.
47:16I thought of Lorenzo's steady warmth and the life we were building that was not scraped from violence.
47:21Don Alessandro's face did not harden into anger, but grief.
47:24He bowed his head very slightly.
47:25Wait.
47:26The rose still crushed under our feet and stepped back into the shadowed bushes as silently as he had come.
47:31I hesitated a beat.
47:32The moon sharp on the stones.
47:33Don Alessandro had already stepped into shadow when I called him back.
47:37He paused, one hand still in the rose bush.
47:39When he turned, his face was a study and calm.
47:41I'll make you an offer.
47:42You can stay here, in my house.
47:44But if you want to stand in my courtyard and plant flowers at my feet, you will do it as
47:47my slave.
47:48You will serve me to repay what you've done.
47:50You will answer to my will.
47:53Publicly, you will undo what your name has set loose and you will submit to my terms.
47:56A single invisible line had been drawn.
47:58The three of us held our breaths.
48:00Don Alessandro's eyes widened.
48:01For a moment he looked almost stunned, as if the words had landed on him like a physical blow.
48:05Then something moved through him.
48:07Surprise.
48:07Then a very small, almost childlike joy.
48:09His voice was rough.
48:11You mean, you mean you would have me stay and bow?
48:14Yes.
48:15You will be seen.
48:16You will confess your deeds.
48:17You will work under my command.
48:19You will atone publicly every sunrise for a season.
48:22If you refuse, you leave and never return.
48:25I let the words sit there.
48:26I was not bargaining for love.
48:27I was bargaining for safety and for repair.
48:29He took a step forward, and in that step his composure broke into something wrong.
48:33And if I accept?
48:34I repeated, harsher.
48:36You will do as I say.
48:37No tricks.
48:38No secrecy.
48:39You will be watched.
48:40You will answer me.
48:42To refuse is to choose the road you have walk.
48:45Don Alessandro's breath came out like steam.
48:47He swallowed as if to steady himself.
48:49He looked at Lorenzo, then back at me.
48:51For the first time he seemed small in the way guilt makes a man small.
48:54If service keeps me near you, if kneeling at your feet is the price for seeing you breathe in the
48:59same air, then I will take it.
49:00I will be yours.
49:01He said finally, voice low.
49:03There was a wobble in his voice I had not expected.
49:05It sounded like relief.
49:06And something else relief laced with hunger.
49:08He bowed his head a fraction.
49:10Lorenzo's face changed the way thunder changes the sky.
49:12He moved in between us with an impatient, raw force.
49:15Without hesitation, in front of Don Alessandro, and the moon and the crushed rose at our feet.
49:19He seized me, and kissed me.
49:21Pardon claiming right where we had stood arguing.
49:23The kiss was sudden, fierce.
49:25Lorenzo's hands were heavy at my waist.
49:26His mouth left no doubt.
49:28It was a mark and a warning.
49:29The courtyard held its breath.
49:30Even the wind broke.
49:32It was a mark and a warning.
49:33It was a mark and a warning.
49:33It was a mark and a warning.
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