COVENANTS OF CHAOS

Chapter Eight: The Weight Of Their Threat

Lucas snatched the paper and slammed the door shut, locking it. He leaned against it, his breathing heavy, the weight of their threat sinking in.

“Lucas?” Evelyn’s voice came from the kitchen, shaky and full of fear.

“It’s fine, Mom,” Lucas called back, forcing his tone to stay calm. “Just some delivery guys looking for the wrong address.”

---

Back in the kitchen, Lucas dropped into the chair and stared at the paper the men had left. It wasn’t the usual bill or warning notice. This was something else. A formal invitation.

“What’s that?” Evelyn asked, her eyes darting to the paper.

Lucas hesitated, then slid it across the table. “It’s from Moretti.”

Evelyn’s face paled as she read the letter. “He… wants to meet with you?”

“ Yeah,” Lucas replied evenly, his tone laden with apprehension. “Apparently, I’ve been ‘invited’ to his office to talk about the debt.”

“You can't leave,” Evelyn responded instantly, shaking her head. “Lucas, you are aware of the type of man Silas Moretti is.” “If you visit that place, you may not return.”

"What happens if I stay?" Lucas fired back. “They will arrive here, Mom.” Would you like to see them appear again? Are they threatening you? “Because I definitely do not.”

Evelyn tried to speak up in objection, yet no sounds emerged. Her fingers shook as she grasped the letter, and tears brimmed in her eyes. "There must be an alternative method."

“There's not,” Lucas replied decisively. He got up, taking his jacket from the back of the chair. "I will leave." I will speak to him. Perhaps I can figure something out.

“Lucas…” Evelyn's voice faltered. "Kindly, refrain from doing this."

He stopped by the door, his hand on the handle. "I will be okay, Mom." "I assure you."

---

The Moretti building towered over the street like a stronghold, its smooth glass exterior concealing the unsightliness inside. Lucas paused outside for a moment, water dripping from the edge of his hood, before inhaling deeply and entering.

The lobby felt chilly and clinical, featuring polished marble floors and a subtle smell of disinfectant. A receptionist occupied a modern desk, her demeanor uninterested as she typed on a computer.

“Lucas Kane,” he stated, his tone calm even with the tension in his gut.

The receptionist failed to glance up. She pushed a button on the intercom. "He's arrived."

A moment later, a big man in a custom suit showed up, his face expressionless. “Come with me.”

Lucas entered the elevator behind the man, the quiet overwhelming. His image looked back at him from the mirrored surfaces, pale and strained.

As the doors swung open, they entered a softly illuminated office. Deep wooden paneling, leather seats, and one desk filled the space. Seated behind it was **Silas Moretti**, a figure exuding authority and dominance. His sleek suit and composed demeanor only heightened his intimidation.

“Mr. Kane,” Silas said, his voice smooth and dangerous. “Please, have a seat.”

Lucas hesitated, then sat in the chair across from the desk. He felt like a bug under a magnifying glass as Silas studied him.

“You’ve been quite the problem, Lucas,” Silas said, leaning back in his chair. “I don’t like problems.”

“I’m working on it,” Lucas said quickly. “I just need more time.”

“Time,” Silas repeated, his tone mocking. “You’ve had plenty of time. And yet, here we are.”

“I’ll pay you back,” Lucas insisted. “Every cent. I just—”

“No,” Silas interrupted, his smile vanishing. “You won’t. Do you know why? Because men like you don’t climb out of holes like this. You dig yourselves deeper, until there’s no way out.”

Lucas swallowed hard, his palms sweating. “Then why am I here?”

Silas smiled again, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Because I’m offering you a way out. A way to erase your debt entirely.”

Lucas frowned. “What kind of way?”

Silas leaned forward, his eyes cold and calculating. “Marry my daughter.”