Between horror and sin

Chapter 1: The Descent

The rain fell in a steady rhythm, hammering against the windshield of Elena Marlowe's car as she sat parked across the street from La Rosa Nera, a swanky nightclub deep in the heart of the city. Her fingers drummed against the steering wheel, each beat echoing the pounding in her chest. This was it—the night her life would change. Either she would infiltrate Dominic Salvatore's inner circle or she would be exposed and swallowed whole by the criminal underworld she had sworn to fight.

Through the rain-soaked glass, the neon sign above the club flickered in and out, casting brief flashes of red light across the wet pavement. People filed in and out of the building, a parade of expensive suits and designer dresses. This wasn't just a club; it was a fortress. Dominic Salvatore's kingdom. And tonight, Elena was walking right into its heart.

Her phone buzzed on the dashboard, shaking her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen: a message from her handler, Detective Matt Bennett, her partner and the only person who knew the truth of what she was about to do.

You ready?
As ready as I'll ever be, she typed back.

The truth was, Elena wasn't sure if she could ever be ready for what lay ahead. For months, they had prepared her, meticulously crafting her new identity, "Lena Matthews," a former cop who had fallen from grace. Her cover story was airtight, with fake records, background checks, and even whispers spread through the criminal underworld to give her name weight. The goal was simple: get close to Dominic Salvatore, gain his trust, and collect enough evidence to dismantle his empire.

But there was nothing simple about it. Dominic was known for his ruthlessness, his ability to snuff out informants and traitors before they even knew they were compromised. If Elena made one wrong move, if she hesitated for even a second, her life would be forfeit. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus. She had a job to do, and she wasn't going to back down now.

She pulled down the visor, checking her reflection in the mirror. Her long dark hair was slicked back into a tight ponytail, and her makeup was flawless—just enough to accentuate her sharp cheekbones and wide, expressive eyes. She looked tough, but not hardened. A woman on the edge. Exactly what "Lena Matthews" needed to be.

Pulling on a sleek leather jacket, she stepped out of the car and into the rain, the chill biting at her skin. As she crossed the street toward the club, the sound of laughter and music spilled out into the night. Two large men stood at the entrance, watching her approach with cold, assessing eyes. Elena had been briefed on them—Dominic's personal security, bravi, loyal to him alone. She needed to get past them without raising suspicion.

"Elena Mar—Lena Matthews," she corrected herself, her new name slipping awkwardly off her tongue. "I'm here to see Luca Ricci."

The taller of the two men narrowed his eyes. "Who the hell are you?"

"Word on the street is you're looking for some new talent. I used to be a cop. Thought your boss might be interested in someone with my skill set."

The bouncer looked her up and down, unimpressed. "I don't know you."

"You don't have to," Elena shot back, standing her ground. "But Luca does. Tell him Lena's here."

There was a beat of silence, tension thick in the air as the two men exchanged glances. Elena forced herself to stay calm, to play the role. Infiltration was a game of confidence, of never letting them see you sweat.

The shorter of the two finally pulled out his phone, dialing a number and muttering a few words into the receiver. After a moment, he hung up and nodded toward Elena. "Luca says let her in."

The door swung open, and Elena stepped into the world she had spent her career fighting against.

Inside, La Rosa Nera was a study in opulence. The walls were lined with dark, velvet curtains, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive cigars and perfume. A soft, pulsating rhythm of music filled the space, blending with the hum of low conversation and the clink of crystal glasses. Elena moved through the crowd, her senses on high alert. This place reeked of power and excess—a world where everyone wore a mask, and every deal came with a hidden price.