𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

7

ANTHEA

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

One year later

The streets were quieter now, the dark alleys stretching like shadows around me as I walked with purpose, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the stillness. This was my domain now-my kingdom-and everyone knew it. I had worked relentlessly to earn this power, this respect. But power came at a price, and mine was steeped in coldness. I had learned to shut off every trace of warmth and humanity, to embrace a hard, calculating mind. Emotions were a liability. They were weaknesses I couldn't afford in my line of work.

I had turned into someone I never thought I could be. Someone ruthless. Someone feared.

I didn't care. I didn't know how anymore. I didn't waste time wondering about anything. I just moved, a machine in a human shell.

I reached my destination: a shadowy warehouse where my men waited. They stood at attention as soon as I walked in. They knew their place. They knew who was in charge. The power I wielded had become unquestionable.

"Report," I said, my voice steady as I took my seat at the head of the table, removing my gloves, the cool leather now nothing but an accessory to my cold demeanor.

"Boss," one of the men said, his voice nervous. "We've got a problem. The rival gang intercepted our trucks."

I didn't flinch. I didn't even blink. This was business. Nothing more. Nothing personal.

"Plan B. Get Salvatore on it," I ordered, my voice unwavering.

Tony, one of my older men, hesitated. "Boss, are you sure? Salvatore's a little... unpredictable. He's known for getting trigger-happy."

I met Tony's gaze. His hesitation was a weakness. I wouldn't tolerate it. "Do I need to remind you who makes the calls here?" I said, my voice cold, cutting through the tension. "Do as I say."

Tony swallowed, the fear in his eyes obvious. He nodded quickly. No one crossed me. Not anymore. I was too far gone for anyone to try.

I watched as they scrambled to follow my orders, the men moving with the urgency of fear. I leaned back in my chair, the weight of my leadership pressing on me, and for a brief second, my mind wandered. It wasn't often that it did.

I thought of the girl I once was. The one who believed in love, in hope, in something good. But that girl was long gone. She had been buried under layers of violence and power.

I quickly pushed those thoughts aside. I couldn't afford distractions. Weakness was death in this world.

The sound of my phone buzzing snapped me back. It was Salvatore. The problem had been handled.

A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips. "That's how it's done," I said, turning to face the room. "Business is about logic, not feelings. Emotions get you killed."

My men all nodded in agreement, but I could see the fear behind their eyes. They were in awe of me, and that was how it had to be.

Just as I stood to leave, my phone buzzed again. Another call. I glanced at the screen. A name flashed up. A special one.

I paused for a moment, the familiar tug at my chest almost making me hesitate. But no. I couldn't afford to answer. Not now. Not when I was this far gone.

I let it go to voicemail. No matter how much I wanted to listen, I couldn't. Love? Affection? That wasn't for me anymore. I had made myself a fortress. I was the leader of this empire, and no one could weaken me-not even with their love.

I left the warehouse, my mind already calculating my next move. I didn't need anyone. Not anymore.

This was my world now, and everyone else was just playing my game.