Bloodlines in the Shadows

Chapter Seven: Secrets in the Blood

The thrill of his first real mission lingered for days, but as Nico's arm healed, he found himself increasingly restless. His brothers kept him busy with training and more assignments-enough to wear him out each day-but questions tugged at him. There were pieces of the De Luca family he couldn't quite grasp, mysteries that seemed just out of reach. Everyone here had secrets, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were all tied to the elusive power that held the family together.

One night, he found himself wandering the mansion, unable to sleep. Shadows flickered along the hallways as he roamed, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpets. He passed by the library, the grand study, and finally a room he'd never seen before-a small parlor with the faint glow of candlelight slipping out from beneath the door.

Nico pushed the door open, squinting against the dim light. Inside, he found Vincenzo and Luca, seated across from each other in low armchairs, deep in conversation. His father looked up, raising an eyebrow at Nico's unexpected arrival.

"Nico," Vincenzo said, gesturing him in. "Couldn't sleep?"

Nico hesitated, feeling the weight of his father's gaze. "Just...thought I'd look around."

Luca gave a small smile, his eyes calm but calculating. "Well, you've caught us," he said. "It's not every night we get a visit from the youngest De Luca."

Nico took a tentative step forward, curiosity overriding his caution. "What are you two talking about? It looked...serious."

Vincenzo's eyes narrowed, a spark of pride mingling with something more intense. "Serious matters are our family's lifeblood, Nico. You'll learn in time that this family carries responsibilities most people can't imagine."

Nico felt a shiver run through him, but he kept his gaze steady. "What kind of responsibilities?"

Luca leaned forward, his fingers steepled as he considered Nico carefully. "The kind that don't just keep us safe, but keep everyone else safe, too. What we do isn't just for power or control. We have alliances, enemies, and a reach that most people can't fathom."

Nico glanced between them, the questions bubbling up inside him. "But if this is all about protection and loyalty, why the secrecy? Why don't you tell me...everything?"

Vincenzo exchanged a look with Luca, a silent conversation passing between them before he spoke. "Nico, there are some things in this family you have to earn-not just by blood, but through loyalty and trust."

Nico's frustration flared, and he clenched his fists, forcing himself to remain calm. "How am I supposed to be loyal if I don't know what I'm being loyal to?"

Vincenzo's gaze softened, but there was an edge to his expression that Nico had seen only a few times. "I understand, Nico. But every De Luca has to face certain truths on his own. That time will come for you, but until then, you have my word that everything we do is for this family. For you."

Nico's shoulders tensed. He wanted to argue, to push for answers, but something in Vincenzo's tone held him back. There was an intensity there, a hint of a past that was too heavy to carry alone. And as much as Nico wanted answers, he couldn't deny the gravity in his father's voice.

"Fine," he said finally, swallowing back his frustration. "I'll wait. But when that time comes, I want to know everything."

Vincenzo's expression softened into a faint smile, and Luca nodded approvingly. "Good," Luca said. "That kind of patience will serve you well in this family."

The next morning, Nico awoke to a message from Leo. Meet us in the courtyard at noon.

When he arrived, he found all nine of his brothers gathered, their faces a mix of excitement and mischief. Leo stepped forward, clapping a hand on Nico's shoulder with a grin.