2025-08-20 22:29:04
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
The King’s Command
“That is something I don’t know,” Paul admitted. “But I do know this—he’s connected to someone in the underworld. Someone just as powerful. That’s where his sudden rise comes from. Those connections.”Butcher narrowed his eyes. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe you’re wrong. Either way, I leave tomorrow. Be ready. This mission… it’ll be on you to see it through. Dane and Jane have already done enough. It’s time they rest. I haven’t told them yet, but this one—I’ll handle it myself.”Paul nodded firmly. “Understood, sir. As you wish.”“Good,” Butcher replied with finality.Paul turned and left the office. Almost immediately, he began giving orders, shouting through the corridors. Men who hadn’t started packing were told to move their things at once. The announcement echoed across the ship.Dane stirred awake, irritated by the noise booming through the speakers. “Who the hell is making all that noise? Some of us are trying to sleep…” he muttered. But sleep wouldn’t return. The weight in his ch
Orders from Above
What am I even thinking? Butcher’s mind swirled, heavy with thoughts he couldn’t share with anyone. He sat alone in his office, arms folded, eyes fixed on the dark corner of the room.I’m really lost in thought… this ball, this mission. No one understands what’s coming. Something big. Leo is going to strike soon.His jaw clenched. The governor of Naples had sent him a message earlier that day. The request wasn’t just from the governor—the order came from the one above all. The king of all mafias.Butcher leaned back in his chair. I cannot disobey. Even if I wanted to, I can’t. When I joined the Mafia, I swore to climb closer to the top, closer to the one who commands all mafias. I am a boss… but not the king. Not yet. That is my goal. That is the summit I must reach. If I can stand at that height, then I’ve fulfilled everything I set out to do.A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts. The office door creaked open, and Paul stepped in. One of his most trusted men.“How are things going?
Relocation
Butcher exhaled slowly, his voice dropping lower as Dane and Jane stepped closer.“It’s good they’re back,” he said, almost to himself. “Even if I never knew who they really were… it doesn’t matter. They survived.”He turned to them fully now, his expression hardening.“Listen carefully. I’ll tell you both the plan before I tell the others. I don’t trust many people here. Some I’m meant to trust, but I can’t. If even one loose tongue slips, Leo will know everything. I won’t risk that.”Dane and Jane exchanged a glance but stayed silent.“Leo might make his move tomorrow—or the day after. We have to be ready. This ship is no longer safe. Every man, every weapon, every piece of equipment will be moved.” Butcher’s eyes narrowed. “We’re relocating to one of my mansions. The largest one I own. Three hundred rooms. Built like a castle. Big enough to fit everyone on this ship, and then some.”Jane blinked, startled. “Three hundred rooms?”Dane frowned. “Boss… you’re serious?”Butcher’s lips
Betrayers Always Die
Butcher pushed the door open, his presence filling the medic room.“You’re already back,” he said, his gravelly voice carrying both relief and weight. “I heard word you’d returned.”Dane and Jane, still catching their breath, stepped closer to the beds where Sofia and Luca lay motionless.“Yes, sir,” Dane replied. “We’re back.”Butcher’s sharp eyes flicked over the two unconscious figures. Their hollow faces, their skeletal bodies—it was almost unbearable to look at. “They look horrible,” he muttered, then straightened. “Forget it. The important thing is, they didn’t die. Three years… and still, they didn’t die. That’s enough.”A nurse entered quietly, moving to Butcher’s side.“They’ll remain like this for about two days,” she explained. “They’ve been given an overdose of sedatives. Their vitals are stable, and they may wake earlier, but two days is the safest estimate. We’ve already begun treatment.”Butcher gave a short nod. “Good. Not dead yet.”The nurse left, and Butcher turned
Through the Window
“I think we should find it in one of these drums or something—the key,” Dane said.Jane laughed under her breath. “Seriously? You can’t really use your head, can you? If it’s a car key, it’s not going to be buried in a drum. It’ll be by the desk.”Dane scratched his neck and chuckled. “Well, you’re right. That wasn’t the first thing that crossed my mind.”He strode to the desk, shoved aside a crate, and there it was—a small hook with four keys dangling from it. Rolls Royce. Jeep. Toyota. Hummer.“The Hummer,” Dane said with a grin. He plucked it off the hook and tossed it once in his palm. “I’ve got the key.”“Good,” Jane replied.Dane hurried back, crouched, and lifted Sofia into his arms. He eased her carefully through the small window, making sure not to bump her head. Outside, he climbed out himself, gently lowering her onto the ground. Then he carried her to the Hummer, opened the back door, and laid her across the seat.He returned inside.“Now, Luca,” Jane said firmly.“What do
Key to Survival
“So… how do you wake them up?” Dane asked, voice low. “Don’t tell me they haven’t eaten in the past three years.”“They… they eat sometimes,” Nico rasped. “But not regularly. Maybe three times a week.”Dane’s jaw flexed. “Alright. Final question—who sent you? We already know, but we want it from your mouth. Jane—record this.”Jane pulled out her phone, camera pointed straight at Nico’s bloodied face.Nico shook his head violently. “No. I can’t say it. He’s always watching. I’ll never—never—”“Speak,” Dane growled. “You’re bleeding out. You’re seconds from dying. Talk, and I’ll save you.”Nico’s eyes darted between them, panic warring with fear of someone unseen. “Okay… okay, save me now. I’ll tell you the name of my boss—the one who told me to capture them. The one who made me betray—”BANG!Blood sprayed across the floor. Nico’s head snapped back, his body going limp. Jane froze, still holding the phone, eyes wide.“Contact!” Dane barked, yanking his gun free. He spun toward the soun
