Wicked Devotion

Out Of Cage

The next morning, the first light of dawn filtered through the cold, metallic bars of the cage, casting eerie shadows.

Amelia's eyes were puffy and red from crying, her body aching from the cramped position she had curled into for the night. The dogs had settled down, but their presence still kept her on edge.

Matteo arrived shortly after sunrise, his expression unreadable. He approached the cage slowly, observing Amelia's defeated form. Unlocking the door, he stepped inside, the dogs parting to let him through.

Matteo: [Calmly] Amelia, come out. It's time to face the day.

Amelia: [Weakly] Matteo, please... don't leave me here again.

Matteo: [Ignoring her plea] Stand up, Amelia. You need to learn from this.

Trembling, Amelia rose to her feet, her legs unsteady. Matteo took her by the arm, guiding her out of the cage and towards the grand family estate. The warmth inside was a stark contrast to the cold dread that had settled in her bones.

Once inside, Matteo led her to a small dining area where breakfast was laid out. The sight of food did little to comfort her, as fear and exhaustion clouded her mind.

Matteo: [Firmly] Sit down and eat.

Amelia: [Barely audible] I'm not hungry.

Matteo: [Leaning in, his voice dangerous] I said eat, Amelia. You need to keep up your strength.

Reluctantly, Amelia picked up a piece of toast and nibbled at it. Her hands trembled, and tears threatened to spill again. Matteo sat across from her, watching her every move, his eyes cold and unyielding.

Matteo: [Calmly] You need to understand that your actions have consequences. I don't enjoy punishing you, but you leave me no choice.

Amelia: [Voice breaking] I'm sorry. Please, just don't make me go back to the cage.

Matteo: [Nodding slowly] That depends on you, Amelia. Show me you can behave, and there won't be a need for such measures.

Amelia forced herself to swallow a few more bites, each one feeling like a weight in her stomach. She knew she had to comply, at least for now, to avoid further punishment.

Just then, the door opened, and Matteo's older brother, Alexander, strolled in, his cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to Matteo's intensity.

Alexander: [Grinning] Ah, the lovebirds! Matteo, you're being too harsh on her.

Matteo: [Coldly] She needs to learn, Alexander. She's not here for your amusement.

Alexander: [Winking at Amelia] Don't worry, cara. Matteo's bark is worse than his bite. Sometimes.

Matteo shot Alexander a warning look as their innocent father, Enzo, appeared, whistling a cheerful tune.

Grandfather, Don Luca, the head of the family and mafia king, entered the room. His presence commanded respect and fear in equal measure.

Don Luca: [Gruffly] Matteo, come. We need to discuss some business matters. Alexander, keep an eye on Amelia.

Matteo: [Standing, his voice softening briefly] Remember, Amelia. Behave.

As Matteo followed Don Luca out, Alexander took a seat beside Amelia, his expression turning serious.

Alexander: [Quietly] You need to be careful, Amelia. Matteo's under a lot of pressure, especially with the upcoming transition. Just try to stay out of trouble.

Amelia nodded, her heart heavy with the knowledge of her precarious position. The breakfast continued in strained silence, the weight of the family's expectations pressing down on her.

Amelia: [Whispering to herself] I have to find a way out. I can't stay trapped here forever.

The rest of the morning passed uneventfully, but the shadow of Matteo's punishment and the looming presence of Don

***********************

The grand estate was a flurry of activity as preparations for the crowning ceremony reached their peak.

The lush gardens were adorned with lavish decorations, and security was tight, ensuring that only the elite business tycoons and underworld figures who had been invited could enter. The De Luca family's power and influence were on full display.

Matteo stood in his room, adjusting his Armani suit.

The custom-made ensemble was a mirror image of the ones worn by his father, Giovanni De Luca, his older brother, Alexander De Luca, and his grandfather, Don Luca. Tonight, Don Luca would pass the throne to his grandson, marking Matteo as the new mafia king.

Matteo: [To himself, with determination] Tonight, everything changes.

He took a deep breath, calming his nerves. He despised his mother, Maria De Luca, for her betrayal, but he had to maintain his composure for the sake of the ceremony.

In another room, Amelia was being prepared by the maids. They forced her into a stunning red evening gown, a dress that symbolized her place in Matteo's life. Despite the elegance of the dress, Amelia felt like she was being dressed for a role she never wanted.