The docks stretched out before them, silent except for the occasional creak of the cranes looming like giants over the water. Alessia stood beside Dante, her senses on high alert, every nerve in her body attuned to the potential threats that lurked in the shadows. Sergei’s convoy had pulled in just minutes ago, sleek black cars parked in a tight formation near the water.

The Russians moved like a well-oiled machine, their men stepping out of the cars in near-perfect sync, each one exuding an air of controlled menace. Alessia noted the precise movements, the way they subtly flanked Sergei, forming a protective perimeter around him as he approached. They were prepared, armed, and clearly expecting something more than a casual negotiation.

Dante stood calm, but she could feel the tension radiating from him. His eyes were fixed on Sergei, calculating every step the man took. He hadn’t said much since they arrived, but Alessia didn’t need words to understand what was running through his mind. This was more than a business deal. This was a test.

The Russians were pushing boundaries, probing for weaknesses. Dante’s empire had grown too large, too powerful, and now there were wolves at the door, testing the limits of his control. But he wasn’t a man who backed down, and Alessia knew he would fight tooth and nail to keep what was his.

As Sergei approached, his pale, icy eyes flickered briefly to Alessia before settling back on Dante. There was a flicker of amusement in his gaze, as though he enjoyed the tension simmering between them.

“Dante,” Sergei greeted, his voice a low rumble. “It’s good to see you again.”

Dante’s expression didn’t change, his voice smooth and measured as he replied, “Sergei. I trust the drive was uneventful.”

“Uneventful enough.” Sergei’s eyes gleamed with something darker, a hint of danger lurking beneath his casual tone. “Though I suspect tonight will be anything but.”

The two men stood face to face, a silent battle of wills playing out between them. Alessia stayed just behind Dante, her eyes constantly scanning the perimeter, marking the positions of the Russian men, cataloguing potential exits. Her instincts were sharp, the years of living on edge never allowing her to relax fully, especially not in situations like this.

“I assume we’re here to finalize things,” Dante said, his voice cutting through the tense air like a blade.

Sergei’s smile widened, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Yes, of course. But you know how it is, Dante. Sometimes… finality comes with conditions.”

Stolen novel; please report.

Dante’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Conditions?”

Sergei nodded, his expression turning more serious. “The shipment you requested—there have been some complications. New players in the game. They want a piece of the pie. I thought it best to discuss our options before moving forward.”

Alessia felt a shift in the atmosphere, the weight of the conversation deepening. This wasn’t just about a shipment anymore. It was a power play, a subtle move to test Dante’s influence in the underworld. And Sergei wasn’t here to negotiate; he was here to leverage Dante’s position against him.

Dante’s silence stretched for a moment, his mind working through the possibilities, weighing his next move. Alessia could feel the tension tightening around them, like a string being pulled taut, ready to snap.

“And what do these new players want?” Dante asked, his voice low, dangerous.

“Territory,” Sergei replied smoothly. “Specifically, yours.”

A flicker of cold amusement passed over Dante’s face. “Territory is earned, Sergei, not given. You know that better than anyone.”

Sergei chuckled softly. “True. But in this case, they’re not asking. They’re taking.”

Alessia’s pulse quickened. The game had shifted, and the stakes had just been raised. This wasn’t a negotiation; it was an ultimatum.

Dante took a step closer to Sergei, his presence towering, imposing. “If they think they can take what’s mine, they’re in for a rude awakening.”

Sergei’s smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. “I thought you might say that. Which is why I wanted to offer you a proposition.”

Dante’s eyes gleamed with a cold light. “I’m listening.”

Sergei took a slow breath, his gaze flickering to Alessia for the briefest of moments before returning to Dante. “The way I see it, we can make this easy. Share the territory. Keep things… civil. Or…”

“Or?” Dante’s voice was a razor’s edge.

“Or you’ll be facing more than just my men.”

For a moment, there was silence. The air between them thickened with the weight of unspoken threats. Alessia’s hand instinctively moved to the small blade concealed beneath her jacket, ready for whatever was about to unfold.

Dante tilted his head slightly, his voice dangerously calm. “You seem to be forgetting, Sergei, that you’re in my city. If anyone’s making demands here, it’s me.”

Sergei’s smile returned, though it was colder now. “Perhaps. But you should know by now, Dante—power is always shifting. One day you’re on top, and the next…”

“Is that a threat?” Dante’s voice was low, but the menace in it was unmistakable.

Sergei shrugged casually, but his eyes gleamed with malice. “Just an observation.”

For a long moment, neither man moved, the tension between them crackling like electricity. Alessia’s muscles were coiled tight, ready to spring into action at the slightest provocation.

But then, Dante took a step back, his expression shifting to one of cold indifference. “You’ve made your point, Sergei. Now, here’s mine.”

Sergei raised an eyebrow, curious.

Dante’s eyes locked onto Sergei’s, and his voice dropped to a lethal whisper. “You come into my city again with your threats, and it won’t just be an observation. It’ll be your funeral.”

For a moment, Sergei didn’t respond. But then, slowly, a smile spread across his face—a dark, dangerous smile.

“I’ll take that under advisement,” he said, his voice smooth as silk.

And with that, Sergei turned, signaling to his men. They moved as one, retreating back to their cars with the same precision they had arrived with.

As the convoy pulled away, the silence of the docks returned, heavy and oppressive.

Alessia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Her eyes flickered to Dante, who stood motionless, his gaze still fixed on the spot where Sergei had been.

“We’re not done with him,” Dante said quietly, his voice filled with cold resolve.

Alessia nodded. She knew it too.

This wasn’t over.

And the next move would be theirs.