Recollection

sixteen | home

David Kushner - Darkerside

Nothing could alleviate the gravity of the situation. Imani sat across from me, legs crossed and fingers drumming against the polished wood of Drystan's desk. Cassian leaned back in his chair, arms folded, looking like he had everything under control. Drystan, ever the composed leader, paced slowly behind his desk, rereading the details of the ball for what felt like the hundredth time.

I knew the ball was just a formality—an excuse to show power, flaunt alliances, and pretend we weren't all in some silent war. But the stakes were higher than ever, especially for me.

Imani's voice broke the silence. "So, we're really doing this?" She glanced at me, then Cassian.

I shrugged. "What other choice do we have? We need to make a statement. One that will erase their bloody existence from this earth."

Drystan stopped pacing and turned to face us. His gray eyes met mine, sharp as ever. "We need to control the room. We can't afford to let anyone slip through our fingers. This isn't just a show; it's a test of strength."

I nodded, understanding the weight behind his words. The ball wasn't just a gathering of crime families—it was neutral territory, a place where everyone would be watching and waiting for the slightest misstep. Ireland, once the Irish mafia's stronghold, had turned into no-man's-land since their collapse. We knew it was the perfect setting for this, and that Flynn had certainty something planned.

As if on cue, Cleo knocked lightly before stepping into the room, a small red envelope in her hand. Blood red. My stomach twisted in recognition. The golden wax seal glinted under the office light, stamped with the Devil's insignia.

Each gang or mafia that was invited would get one of those with their insignia stamped on it with the golden seal.

Drystan took it from her, his brow furrowing as he broke the seal. He unfolded the paper inside and began reading aloud, his voice calm and even. "you are invited to the annual ball... hosted on neutral territory... black attire only." He paused, glancing up at me before continuing, but I wasn't really paying attention to the rest. I already knew them.

My grin widened as soon as I heard the words black attire only. A ball, a formal gathering, was one thing. A dress code? Well, that was something else entirely.

"You've got that look again," Drystan murmured beside me, shaking his head.

I didn't bother to hide my grin. "What look?"

"The one that says you're about to ignore the rules and do whatever the hell you want."

Cassian chuckled softly, looking between us. "Oh, she definitely is. There's no way Lia is wearing black."

Drystan shot me a sharp look, knowing exactly what I was thinking. "Wear black, Lia." His voice was flat, but there was a hint of exasperation. He knew me too well.