Silent love

Chapter 49

On the previous chapter...

"Focus". I barked through the comms. The sharpness of my voice cut through the chatter, and for a moment, it was silent. "This isn't a joke. You all know the plan. Stick to it".

There was a collective silence in response, everyone falling in line. Even Immanuel kept his mouth shut, his usual cocky edge momentarily absent.

A few beats passed before I added. "If everything goes according to plan and no one dies". I said, my voice now colder, but with a touch of rare levity, "I'll plan a vacation for all of you".

There was a moment of stunned silence, before, inevitably, they cheered. It was a fleeting moment of relief, a brief escape from the tension building in the cars. But it was enough to get them momentarily grounded.

I let it linger for a second before snapping, "Enough. Now focus".

The chatter died almost instantly. My command was final.

I heard a few screams and shouts in my ear through the earpiece.

I didn't need to hear that.

With a swift motion, I ripped out the earpiece, tossing it into the passenger seat beside me.

I exhaled a deep breath.

Finally silence.

                   ʚ FEDERICO'S POV ɞ

"Keep it together". I said again as I crossed over to Seraphina.

She was the first out of her vehicle. I caught the flash of black tactical gear, the determined set of her shoulders. Her eyes flicked to me, sharp. I could feel the weight of her gaze, how she was studying every movement, every detail. But there was something else in her eye. A promise.

Her words from earlier echoed in my mind, and I couldn't push them out. If I see him, I'm going to shoot him.

I didn't doubt it for a second. The rage inside her burned too brightly for her to hold back. But this wasn't just about her revenge. Not entirely. It was personal for all of us now.

This mission would either make us or break us. If we failed... we'd all pay the price.

Seraphina didn't answer, but I saw the flicker of understanding in her eyes. It was the same look I saw in all my soldiers, that quiet readiness.

She hadn't forgotten what Valerio had taken from her, and I didn't blame her. I wouldn't either.

But we won't make a simple mistake just because she wants her revenge.

They were already preparing for what was next. There was no room for hesitation, no time for fear. The plan was set, and we'd execute it with precision.

I scanned the rest of the team as they got out of their cars Silvio, Fiorenzo, and the others. The usual chatter, the easygoing banter, had fallen silent. They were all business now. Weapons were being checked, gear adjusted, faces hardened with resolve.

"Weapons up". I called out, my voice cutting through the stillness. "We move in five. No mistakes".

The group responded with a series of nods, the quiet rustling of equipment the only sound as they prepared. Each of them knew what needed to be done, and they were ready to carry it out. This wasn't just another hit, this was war.

I turned to Seraphina again. Her jaw was set, her focus unwavering. She was already thinking about the route she'd take, the steps she'd need to follow.