Chapter 1:Emilia

I walked through the city's underworld, my eyes scanning the crowded streets with a mix of caution and desperation. The neon lights of the bars and clubs cast gaudy colors on the wet pavement, reflecting the chaos of the night. People moved with purpose, some chasing dreams and others fleeing nightmares.

I knew this world. I grew up on its edges, learning to navigate through the dangers of the city and exploit the opportunities. My life was a balancing act between survival and slipping into the darkness that seemed to swallow people whole.

I stopped at a dingy café and walked in. Inside, the air was thick with smoke and filled with the smell of coffee. I sat in the back, watching the patrons. Some were players in the city's game of power and the others were just pawns waiting to be used.

I wasn't sure which one was I. I had lost my job a month ago and work was scarce. The city's underworld was unforgiving, but it was also where connections were made and deals were struck. I needed a break, needed something so mind blowing that my life turns around.

As I sipped my coffee, a man slipped in the chair that was across me. He was rough looking and had a cold glare.

"you Emilia?"

"yea"

"message from Vinnie. He wants to see you about a job."

My heart quickened. Vinnie was a name whispered in the underworld, he was a dealer of all sorts. He had connections with those in high power. A job from Vinnie wasn't a simple thing, it came with risks and obligations.

"I'll think about it."

"Vinnie doesn't like people who say no. And you know what will happen of you say no."

I nodded, a chill running down my spine. I finished my coffee and left the café and stepped into the city's chaos. The night air was thick with tension. I walked, thinking about Vinnie and his job offer. I knew little about what Vinnie does, but I do know he's a dangerous man.

I turned the corner and shadows moved around me. I quickened my pace, sensing danger. For a moment I stopped walking and looked back. The streets were now empty and the cast of the lights making it an eerie feeling. I let out a breath, survival in the city means being alert, obeying the rules and making the right move. If people don't obey the rules then the crime lord Viktor Carlo Russo will kill them. He was ruthless, cold hearted and he didn't care.

The night wore on and I walked back to my apartment, my thoughts filled with Vinnie and the underworld. I knew I couldn't avoid the meeting with Vinnie and his message wasn't a suggestion. I'll see Vinnie not tomorrow but the next day, and then I don't know, but I really need this. In this city it's either you survive, get killed or kill someone else to survive.

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