Devil in Disguise

Prologue

The cold water running over me was the only thing that allowed me to breath. Watching the dirt and blood swirl around the drain before disappearing eased the pain in my body and forced me to stay awake a little longer. The ache went numb the longer I stood there, the realization sinking in coldly. This was now my life, by fighting my way out of the warehouse and letting them mark my shoulder, I made my deal with the devil.

My fate was sealed when I was born as the only child after my father's brothers passed away. They had an ability to get into trouble with their own and other families before they realised what they did. It caused early deaths for the both of them. Turning off the water I stepped out to dry off, wrapping the towel around my waist as I walked out of the bathroom attached to my room. The house was vacant and hollow for the time being, mirroring the feeling inside of my chest. After my father's things were removed it would be even colder, if it was possible.

Home had lost its light and warmth after mom passed away and now there was nothing left but shadows that mocked the warm memories I could muster. She tried her hardest to keep everyone happy. Her parties were always the best. She was always planning everything to perfection. So far as to deny anything from leaving the kitchen unless she'd taught the cook how to make the dish herself. She even planned her own funeral, wanting it to be a formal cocktail party people could enjoy. When she still could she would always lay out my clothes for me, even while she was sick. She would tell me she knew always best and would dress me in a way that she was confident would get me a good girl. Even when I brought Nadia home she still laid out my clothes saying I could still find a good girl to marry.

I Crawled into bed alone, loathing the knowledge that sleep was going to be impossible tonight. The tattoo ached, the bandage as irritating as the thing itself. The double headed eagle they permanently inked into my shoulder was more than just a status symbol. It also stood for the new target on my back. The only way to get rid of the threat was through death or by rising over my father's legacy. And even then I can never trust the loyalty of all those under my leadership.