𝐒𝐄𝐗 & 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 [𝐉𝐉𝐊]

4

[Lizzie's POV]

The air in the room felt heavy tonight, almost suffocating. I could sense them—snakes, venomous and coiling, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Jack and Viktor had revealed their fangs too soon, their whispers turning into threats, their shadows growing darker and more sinister.

And then there was Jungkook.

Always Jungkook.

He and his Red Tigers loomed over everything, a storm on the horizon, relentless and unforgiving.

Who do you trust when everyone wears the face of a betrayer?

I stood in front of my father’s portrait, his dark eyes staring back at me like a silent judge.

Lim Wei, the man who built an empire out of chaos, who could crush men with words sharper than knives.

He would have known what to do.

He would have had a plan.

But I’m not him, am I? I’m just the girl left behind to hold the kingdom together, with enemies slithering through the cracks.

“Father,” I whispered, though my voice barely made a sound. “They’re closing in. Jack, Viktor... the Red Tigers. Even the Big 5 is no longer safe.”

My eyes began to sting, but I wouldn’t let the tears fall. Not here. Not in front of him. Weakness had no place in my world. I swallowed the tears back, letting the bitterness settle in my throat like a poison I was willing to endure.

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. The silence was my only solace, but it didn’t last long. A sharp knock on the door broke the moment.

“Miss Lizzie” a voice called out. It was Ming, the maid who had served my family for years.

She stepped into the room hesitantly, her wide eyes scanning my face as if she was afraid of what she might find. “It’s time for the party. They’re expecting you soon.”

I exhaled slowly, pulling myself together.

The Big 5’s gathering.

Every five years, the most powerful mafia families from across the globe came together in an elaborate display of dominance.

Strength, wealth, brutality—it was all on full display.

The Blue Dragons and Red Tigers represented the East, with their own unique forms of intimidation.

From Europe and America, the syndicates boasted their empires of drugs and crime.

The Italians, led by Vincenzo, and the Colombo family showcased their bloody legacies with weapons that spoke louder than words.

“I’ll join soon,” I said, my voice steady. “Prepare the bowl.”

Ming’s face twisted into worry. “The bowl of—oh, Miss Lizzie, must we? It’s—”