What should have been 8

Chapter Two

As I pulled into the mafia compound, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread in the pit of my stomach. The familiar surroundings looked eerie and foreign at the same time, as if everything had shifted in some incomprehensible way. The guards at the gate nodded respectfully as I drove past, their expressions a mix of pity and understanding. I parked my car in my usual spot and climbed out, forcing myself to stand tall and straight, trying to project an air of confidence I didn't feel.

The main building loomed before me, its facade a testament to the power and wealth of the organization. The doors swung open, and I was greeted by the familiar sight of countless mafiosi going about their daily routines. Somewhere deep in conversation, others were laughing and joking, but there was an underlying tension in the air that I couldn't quite put my finger on. It was as if everyone was on edge, waiting for something to happen.

I made my way through the bustling crowd, nodding to those I recognized, trying to blend in with the scenery. My footsteps seemed to echo through the hallway, a reminder of how alone I truly felt. I found my way to the meeting room where I was supposed to report for duty, and took my seat at the table. Aram had straight, chin-length black hair slicked back, leaving bangs on each side of his face and dark purple eyes that made him always look tired. I nodded. "Good morning boss."

He smiled his usual smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Good morning, Teo. It's good to see you back."

Thaïs jumped up and hugged me, her long red hair was more wavy now, and black eyes filled with sympathy. "I would have gone to check on you but Rio said it would be best if I didn't." She pulled back and gave me a sad smile.

I faked a smile, "I'm fine Thaïs. Really."

Myron and Alek walked in and Myron almost jumped when he saw me. "Teo, it's good to see you back." He said as he took his seat beside Aram.

"Thanks, it's good to be back."

Rio and Isidor were fighting when they walked in, their words sharp and biting. "Teo, you came!"

"I'm glad to see everyone is as ready as ever." I said sarcastically. There was another girl at the table. She was new, and younger than me. Was she supposed to replace Eliz? My mind screamed. She had long dark brown hair and purple eyes.

Aram cleared his throat, his gaze shifting to the door. "Before we begin," he said, his voice steady and commanding. "Teo, this is your new student Melina. Melina, this is Matteo, though call him Teo. The other partner of Kroviask." That word hit me like a bullet, Kroviask, the name the world had given me and Eliz.

"It's a pleasure to work with you, Teo." Melina smiled warmly, her hand extended. I forced myself to meet her gaze and shake her hand.

"The pleasure is mine." I said, forcing a smile.

Aram nodded, seeming satisfied with our exchange. "Teo, Melina isn't an executive but I wanted her at his meeting. As you all know, we've lost Eliz, and Kroviask is no more. Teo, you're going to need to rely on Melina here from now on. She's been trained by the best and she's more than capable of handling whatever comes our way." His voice was firm, but there was a note of sadness there as well. His voice never had sadness in it. "Melina, Teo is stronger than you, respect him or you'll get hurt. You will never get to his level."

Melina nodded, her expression serious. "I understand, boss."

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed the news. The weight of responsibility that came with being a partner in the organization was not something I had ever relished, but it was a part of my life. And now, with Eliz gone, it felt even more daunting. I glanced at Melina, trying to gauge her reaction. She seemed calm and composed, but there was a determination in her eyes that made me wonder if she knew what she was getting herself into. Eliz died three weeks ago, was I supposed to be here?