De La Reine Vengeance

1.

A U R O R A
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As I entered the dimly lit conference room, an air of tension enveloped the space like a suffocating fog. The shadows danced menacingly on the walls, as if harboring secrets that could shatter the very foundation of our mafia. This meeting was supposed to be a strategic discussion, but it had quickly devolved into a clash of wills between two powerful forces within our organization.

Angel, my second in command, slammed his fist onto the table, the sound reverberating through the room like a thunderclap. His eyes blazed with a furious intensity as he locked gazes with Nathan, my third in command, who stood defiantly before him. The atmosphere crackled with animosity, and the silence spoke volumes.

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon us. We had convened to deliberate on the relocation of our headquarters to New York, a move that would bring us closer to the four ruling families, including our own Royal Mafia. But the discussion had veered off course, consumed by the clash of egos and conflicting viewpoints.

"Are you fucking kidding me? I won't allow this!" Angel's voice rumbled with unrestrained anger, his words laced with a raw fury that echoed through the room. All eyes turned to him, astonished by his sudden outburst. His defiance clashed against Nathan's calm but firm demeanor, as other members of the meeting nodded in agreement with the latter. The room became a battleground of opposing wills, each vying for control.

"Working from Paris isn't helping us find their killer, Angel! We need to go there to root out that bastard," Nathan argued, his voice a steady and resolute counterpoint to Angel's explosive anger. The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement from those who sought justice and revenge. I understood Nathan's thirst for vengeance, for we all sought the same end. It was why I had suggested this offer in the first place.

Angel's frustration reached its boiling point. He threw his hands up in exasperation, his voice filled with incredulity. "Then send me or you! Why shift the entire base? Do you have any fucking idea how much risk it will put on Reine's life?"

I could feel my patience wearing thin, my nails biting into my palms as frustration coursed through my veins. I couldn't allow this bickering to continue, especially not in front of our loyal subordinates. Rising from my seat, I let my voice drip with a dangerous calmness that commanded attention.

"Enough."

The word slipped from my lips like a venomous whisper, but it reverberated through the room with the force of a gunshot. Silence fell like a heavy fog, each person frozen in their place, their eyes fixed upon me. I rose slowly from my seat, a regal figure emanating power and authority. I met the gaze of my two commandments, their expressions a mixture of guilt and submission. Every gaze turned towards me, their eyes wide with anticipation, fear, and respect.

"I am the Donna of this mafia, and my decision is final. Bickering amongst yourselves challenges my authority," I asserted, my voice low and laced with a dangerous edge. Leaning forward, I locked eyes with each person, sending a chilling message with my gaze alone. The room responded in unison, their heads bowing in submission.

"Oui, Reine."

A satisfied hum escaped my lips as I leaned back in my chair, closing my eyes briefly to regain my composure. The room emptied out, the sound of chairs scraping against the floor and hurried footsteps fading into the distance. Left with Angel and Nathan, I could sense their lingering presence, aware of the tension that still hung in the air.

Before either of them could utter another word, my phone pierced the silence with its insistent ring. I glanced at the screen, seeing Elijah's name displayed. He rarely called, and when he did, it meant something of utmost importance. I pressed the speakerphone button, allowing his voice to fill the room.

"Elijah," I spoke with my usual cold tone, my senses sharpening, anticipating the urgency in his voice.

"Reine, j'ai trouvé quelque chose et je pense que vous devriez voir ceci," Elijah's voice held an undertone of tension, his words dripping with mystery and intrigue. (Reine, I found something, and I think you should see this.)

My eyebrow furrowed in confusion, exchanging a knowing glance with Nathan. There was something about this call that unsettled me, an unspoken danger lurking within the unknown. I pushed aside my unease, knowing that time was of the essence.

"Où es-tu?" I demanded, my voice betraying a mix of curiosity and authority. (Where are you?)

"Estate," he replied, his voice laden with a sense of urgency. I nodded to Nathan, silently communicating that he would accompany me.

"Angel, you will go home and tell Bella to pack her things. We will be leaving in four hours," I commanded, my tone brooking no argument. With that, I strode out of the conference room, Nathan and Angel following closely behind, each of us harboring our own thoughts and apprehensions.

As we embarked on this new path, the unknown awaiting us, a sense of mystery, suspense, and danger seeped into every corner of my being. The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, but the true nature of the enigma remained shrouded in darkness, threatening to consume us all.

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De Luca Empire