Blood ties

Chapter 9 - Shadows of the Past

Days turned into weeks, and the reality of my new life settled in like a dense fog. I trained rigorously every day, but alongside the physical challenges came the emotional weight of adjusting to the truth of my heritage. I was no longer just Elena—foster kid struggling to survive. I was Elena Moretti, the daughter of a mafia boss, and that came with its own set of burdens.

As the sun set on another day of training, I found myself wandering through the sprawling gardens of the Moretti estate, seeking solace among the vibrant flowers and manicured hedges. The quiet rustle of leaves filled the air, but it did little to calm the storm brewing within me. My brothers were always there, protective and fierce, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being a pawn in their game—a piece to be moved on a board I didn't fully understand.

My thoughts drifted back to my childhood, the memories fragmented but vivid. I could almost hear the shouts of my foster father, the slamming of doors, and the chilling silence that followed. I had spent so long trying to forget that pain, and yet here I was, confronted by a new kind of fear. It wasn't just the fear of physical violence; it was the fear of failing my new family.

"Lost in thought?" Luca's voice broke through my reverie. He had appeared silently beside me, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the pathway.

I turned to him, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Just... thinking about everything."

He stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "It's a lot to take in. I get it."

"I didn't ask for this life," I admitted, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I didn't ask to be part of a family that runs a crime syndicate. I just want to be normal."

Luca tilted his head, his gaze piercing. "Normal is overrated. You have a chance to be more than that. You have power in this world, and you need to learn how to wield it."

"Power?" I scoffed. "What kind of power comes from blood ties to a mafia family? It only comes with danger and pain."

"Maybe," he conceded, "but it also comes with loyalty and strength. We're not just a family by blood; we're bound by something deeper. We protect our own, no matter the cost."

The weight of his words hung in the air between us, and I could feel the truth in them. But still, I couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped. My thoughts were interrupted by the distant sound of laughter from the mansion. My brothers were likely unwinding after a long day, and the idea of joining them brought a mix of comfort and apprehension.

"I should go," I said, stepping back. "They'll wonder where I am."

Luca reached out, gently grabbing my wrist. "Elena, don't run away from this. You belong here, even if it feels uncomfortable right now. Embrace it. Learn to trust us."

I looked down at his hand, warmth spreading through me despite the chaos in my mind. "It's hard to trust anyone after what I've been through," I confessed, the vulnerability slipping past my defences.

"I know," he replied softly, releasing my wrist. "But you're not alone anymore. You have us."

I nodded slowly, the knot in my stomach loosening just a fraction. As much as I wanted to resist, there was a part of me that longed to embrace the family I had found. It was terrifying, but it was also exhilarating.

---

That evening, the atmosphere in the mansion was electric. My brothers had organised a dinner to celebrate my progress in training, and the large dining room was filled with laughter, teasing, and the clinking of glasses. The long oak table was laden with delicious food—pasta, grilled meats, and an array of vibrant salads. It felt like a scene out of a movie, a stark contrast to the chaos of my past.