Moth to a Flame

Quarantasette| Ascendancy Rite

LETICIA

I took a deep breath as I watched TK and Keegan welcoming powerful mafia families entering the huge doors.

The lights were dimmed, casting this rich golden glow over everything—very elegant, mysterious, may bahid ng murder vibes kind of setup. I could hear the soft orchestral music in the background, the clinking of wine glasses, and the low hum of conversations na parang puro tsismis at threats lang ang laman. Classic mafia energy.

Tonight is the night everyone waits for, the Ascendancy Rite of the Salvatore's new mistress. Spoiler alert: hindi ako audience. Ako ang host.

Pinindot ko ang earpiece sa tenga ko. "Is everything in order, Keegan?" Nakita ko ang paglingon niya sa akin mula sa far away.

"Yes, everything is going smoothly." Napatango na lang ako.

First time kong mag-host ng ganito kalaking event as in, tipong lahat ng mga taong puwedeng magpatumba sa 'yo with one phone call ay nasa iisang kwarto. No pressure, Leticia. Just don't die.

Don't make this a shit show, I reminded myself. Gawin mong Oscars pero mafia version. Classy with a chance of homicide.

Clearing my throat, I stepped onto the stage, the rich ruby gown flowing around my legs. Kinakabahan ako, pero I need to remain poise and charismatic.

I stood there announcing the entrance of the guests. I welcomed them warmly, a smile on my face as I declared their family names and titles with confidence.

Saglit na nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko nang makita ko kung sino ang pumasok. "With great anticipation, I proudly announce the grand entrance of Don Yulan Torrence and Don Zeeshan Al-Hadid of the illustrious Quartet Federation!" As the words echoed through the room, the audience turned in unison, their applause erupting like a wave.

Two distinguished gentlemen glided onto the golden carpet, their tailored suits gleaming under the lights, captivating everyone's attention with their charismatic presence.

Nakangisi lang na kumaway-kaway si Zeeshan na akala mo artista. Si Yulan? Walang reaction. Nakatingin lang sa mga tao na parang ini-scan kung sino ang pwedeng ipapatay mamaya.

Napairap na lang ako at kaagad na iniwas ang tingin ko nang ihatid sila ng mga waitress sa sarili nilang upuan.

Naiirita pa rin talaga ako kay Yulan. Ayaw ko makita ang imapakto niyang mukha at mga mata niyang hinuhusgahan ang lahat ng kinikilos ko. Gusto kong suntukin ng wine glass.

I heard a static sound in my earpiece. Kaagad akong napatingin sa gawi ni Keegan. "Bozzelli of the Five Rings is here." Napaseryoso ako sa sinabi niya.

They actually dare to attend, huh?

I returned to the mic with the fakest, most graceful smile I could manage. "Let us all welcome Don Quijano Bozzelli of Spinx."

Bozzelli. The man who literally blew up one of Ezio's HQs like it was an expired warehouse sale. Tapos ngayon, andito? Ngumingiti-ngiti lang? Gusto ko talaga siyang pakyuhan on the spot.

I get it. This is an Ascendancy Rite, and everyone can attend regardless of rank, friends or enemies. This is the only event where bloodshed is forbidden. Pero, may mas ikakapal pa pala talaga ang pagmumukha ng Five Rings.

I clutched the mic tighter. Kalma, Leticia. Breathe in diplomacy, exhale rage.

And just when I thought tapos na ang stress of the night—

"Pegasus had just arrived." Mariin kong pinikit ang mata ko sa sinabi ni Keegan.

"Don Karmello De Luca of the Pegasus has graced us with his presence!" Tinuon ko ang pansin ko kay Keegan na siyang matagal na nakipagtitigan kay Karmello habang mahigpit na nakikipagkamay rito.