seven souls seven sins

chapter 69: midnight murmurs

Vincent's pov:

"This is so exciting!" I watch Nat's eyes glimmer waiting for the firework display. "How so?" I question, hoping to hear her voice. "Majority of Brazil crowding around Christ the Redeemer to witness the lights is much more fascinating than the plain old London eye." My Princess criticises her old town.

We stay hurdled together at a hoof of the mountain, awaiting the spectacular event.

Everyone's eyes dart towards the drones hovering above the bay of water. It's time. We're always one of the last regions to celebrate the New Year due to our unique geographical location but it's still memorable nonetheless. I've already given my celebrations to the other mafias, now I just have to await mine.

All of us are tight-knitted like that, well, most of us.

The overall situation on the British Mafia has escalated drastically in the past months. We've done our best to hide it from the twins and Nat but I have an eery feeling that worse is to come. The threats have become more frequent, more alarming too. I've lost my cool numerous times but Adrien's sanity is what stopped me from sending missiles to Cambridge.

I've already sent a few to Oxford and Greenwich but when I strike London is when all hell with break loose.

Charles has found himself intrigued with this case in particular and has offered a lending hand many times before. He has given many possible solutions to this mess but some of which result in hurting Nat, hence was obviously my last pick. The threats have been nothing physical, just a scary text every once in a while or a picture of my Princess at school.

It alarms me that because of my job, she's being targeted by my enemy.

After the first picture of her was sent in November, we increased security protocols urgently, but unfortunately the images didn't stop. We now have 24/7 security measures in place outside of the house and headquarters. I've spoken with the school to allow bodyguard placement outside the front and back of the building to assure upmost safety.

If anything were to change, more measures would have to be taken.

"Vince look!" Her angelic voice snaps me out of my daze. My princess points towards the drones which have already started the 60 second countdown. "C'mere." I hoist her light body up on my broad shoulders. Her head tilts upwards trying to get a better view. "Oi! When is it my turn?" Xander crosses his arms waiting for his upsies.

"Says the grown man." Chase nudges Xander in the arm.

"I'm not a grown man! My stubble hasn't even developed yet." He smothers his hands over his nonexistent beard. Tash places her hands on her hips. "Eureka! You're right! You turned into a literal child when Brazil lost against England."  She brings up last month's horrific event, whilst quoting Horrid Henry in the mean time.

I have to admit, that match was devastating to say the least.

Hearing Nat being the only one cheering whilst England scored via penalties was one of the worst situations I've ever been in, coming from a strong football fan. "10, 9, 8.." People chant all around us as the drones change the numbers per second. "3, 2, 1. Happy New Year!" We all belt in harmony, excited for 2025 to start.

Streams of yellow, blue and green flood the dark sky, illuminating our country's colours.

"Beats the London Eye ay?" Leo winks at my Princess. "100%." She responds in bursts of cheers. Clanks of champagne glasses and bubbles of laughter flood my eardrums. "Let's get back home before the party crowd starts." I gently let Nat back down and hold her hand as we walk back towards the car.