Kingdoms Built In Shadow
Author: Beo
last update2025-07-03 15:53:43

Two Days After the Cathedral Massacre

The world had changed.

News stations called it the Black Wedding.

Social media spun conspiracy theories, corruption, gang warfare, betrayal.

The FBI had launched an investigation.

The Moretti and Russo families were in chaos.

And Jason Moretti and Valentina Russo?

Missing.

Somewhere Outside New York – Safehouse #12

Jason opened his eyes to the sound of morning rain tapping against steel walls. The safehouse was buried beneath an abandoned freight yard, no Wi-Fi, no phones, only analog signals.

Valentina sat on the couch, wrapped in a hoodie three sizes too big, clutching a mug of black coffee.

She didnt look at him.

He rose, shirtless, bruises fresh, bullet graze bandaged across his side.

You didnt sleep,he said.

Didnt want to dream,she muttered.

Jason sat beside her. Its not your fault.

She turned to him, eyes glassy. I said no at the altar. I ruined everything.

Jasons voice softened. You saved everything.

She looked away. Then why does it feel like we lost?

Jason leaned back. Because we havent won yet.

Underground War Room – 12 Hours Later

Mila entered with a steel briefcase, tossing it onto the map covered table.

Got it, she said. Full list of Giovannis cash routes. Unmarked assets. Every dirty politician he owns.

Jason flipped the folder open. This is how we bleed him.

Dante lit a cigar, arms crossed. How do you take down a man with a private army?

Jason looked up. You make sure his army belongs to someone else.

Valentina stood behind them. And what about Luciano?

Jasons expression darkened. Hes next. After Giovanni burns.

Vin entered the room, head low, voice low. Then lets start the fire.

Jason turned to face him.

Valentina narrowed her eyes. Youre just now returning?

Vin held up a USB. Proof Giovanni killed his own lieutenant last week, blamed it on you.

Jason snatched the drive. Play it.

Footage – Giovannis Study (Hidden Cam)

Giovanni stood with a glass of bourbon, speaking to a shadowed figure.

We pin it on Jason. Let the world think hes a savage. When he surfaces again, hell be an enemy of every family in America.

What about the girl?

My daughter made her choice. She dies with him.

Valentinas hand trembled.

Jason hit pause.

Silence.

Then—

We leak it, he said. Tonight. With evidence of the wedding hit and photos of the fake bishop. Mila?

Already ahead of you,she replied, typing rapidly. Media storm incoming in five, four, three…

Her laptop chimed.

Welcome to hell, Giovanni.

Hours Later – Manhattan in Uproar

Headlines exploded:

"Giovanni Russo Implicated in Wedding Massacre Cover-Up"

"Mafia Don Wanted by FBI – Shocking Video Surfaces"

"Valentina Russo: Target of Her Own Father?"

The streets whispered. Alliances fractured. Giovannis lieutenants started disappearing.

Jason stood by the safehouse window, watching chaos bloom.

This is just the start,he muttered.

Valentina joined him, arms folded. When do we end it?

Jason turned to her, slow smile forming. Soon. But first… we draw him out.

Meanwhile – Giovannis Private Island, Atlantic Coast

Giovanni slammed his fist against the table.

Who leaked this?!

An advisor stammered, We think it was Jason. Hes alive. Hes organizing.

Giovanni gritted his teeth. Then bait him.

How?

Giovanni leaned back, eyes murderous.

Find the woman who raised him. His weakness.

The room went quiet.

You mean…

Yes,he said. Elena Moretti. His mother.

Later That Night – Safehouse Rooftop

Jason and Valentina stood under the stars. A rare moment of calm.

She held out her hand. Give me your lighter.

He passed it over.

She flicked it, stared into the flame. Everything they built was a lie.

Jason nodded. Thats why well build something real.

She tossed a photo into the fire. It curled and blackened—Giovanni shaking hands with a foreign arms dealer.

No more rules, she said.

Jason stepped closer. No more chains.

Their eyes locked.

Their kiss was slow, aching, real.

Then Jason pulled back, breathless.

I want you beside me,he said. Not as a pawn. As my partner.

Valentina touched his face. Then dont ever lie to me.

I wont.

The wind picked up.

But the fire between them only grew.

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