LIACH ~
"Ahhh," Hilda gasps, eyes wide. "You look fucking good, bitch. OMG, I'm obsessed. Are you real? Girl!! You look fucking amazing, that's the best you've ever—." she shake her head side ways. "Hm, hm, hm, hm, I'm taking you out, OMG I'm showing you off after the ceremony." She says, snapping her fingers.
"OMG, oh my God! What is that! Who is that?!" Maya shouts with excitement in her voice.
As they both continue to hype me from across the door. Hilda, hands on my shoulders and spins me around. Then we fell into a three way hug.
"Right! I've been telling her she looks beautiful." Elias adds, hands cross on his chest.
"Elias my love!" Hilda tries hugging him but Elias dodges. "What, don't you want me to hold you any more?" Hilda, say forming a sad face.
"I'm a man now! You can't be touching me as you please anymore," he says, hands on his waist.
"Yes, you are a man, but just my man. You are a kid to others." Hilda says, still trying to catch him.
"I'm nine !" Elias keeps running.
"You are still a kid, I'm not sharing you with anyone else. Not that cuteness."
Maya and I burst out laughing.
"Lia, don't laugh," Elias says, running towards me. "Save me from this madwoman, please."
"Eli, stop being shy. You have always liked me." Hilda continues her pursuit catching up to him.
"Maya, Liach!" Elias calls out his hand stretched to our direction receiving loads of kisses from Hilda.
As Maya and I continue laughing.
"Both of you look divine and sin," I say, eyeing Hilda mostly.
"Don't look at me like that, I'm hoping to get laid before or after the ceremony, if the opportunity rises." She says, wiggling both brows.
I can never get use to this girl.
"Hilda! There's a child —." Before Maya could finish, Elias cut her short.
"Disgusting!" Elias says, making a disguised face, walking out of the room covering his eyes.
"Noooooo!" Hilda shouts dramatically, her hand stretched the other one her chest.
The past two years have been blissful: It has been the life I've ever wanted for Elias and I. After I introduce Maya and Hilda to Elias, he has been spoiled with love, gifts, attention and friendship. Even during holidays we didn't return to Italy or St Moritz, we remained here in Gevena enjoying our time. Even though papa calls sometimes to check on my training and skill progress. And Dave checking on us and giving me reports on some information.
And today is our graduation—Hilda, Maya and I.
"Let's go. it's almost time for the ceremony." Maya informs us, checking her watch.
***
Everyone around me claps. Professors shake my hand, eyes full of admiration.
"Congratulations, Miss Liach Cisco, 'Summa cum laude'."
Papa, watches from the crowd with his dead shark eyes. He doesn't clap. Just
nods. Alongside Dave and Antonio.
I didn't think he would come, maybe Dave convinced him to come. Or maybe he's here to remind me that this charade is over. I've graduated, and It's time to get dirty again.
Time to finish what I started. Killing Sinveer De Luna. The Don of our Mafia region.
~~~
Later that day a few hours after the convocation.
"LIACH! What do you say about going out tonight…. perhaps a club?"
"Yeah, I love that idea. Liach, why don't we go, hmm. Hilda is right."
"Come along, surprisingly even our goody two shoes agree to this. There will be hot guys, drinks, drugs and good sex." Hilda says, rubbing her temples.
"Hilda!" Maya calls out, hitting her.
But none of them are from any Mafia family nor do they know about my family legacy.
"Liach, what do you say? You are coming, right?" Maya asks tugging at the cuff of my dress.
"Ah— Yes I'm going." Let me unwind tonight.
"You made the right choice, and since you are going back after today, let's spend the remaining time together." Hilda adds, crossing her arms over mine.
Yeah. To my real life. Removing my father's problems
I think I should just humour them. since this is the last time we will see each other again.
Later that night in the club, Maya, Hilda and I were vibing to the beats. When I suddenly get sick from the beat vibrating through my bones and the blind flashy lights which now affect my head.
I hate these places—it keeps reminding me of that night. But my friends insisted we celebrate. They think I'm too introverted. Shy. Book-smart.
Unaware that the girl beside them can kill in a heartbeat.
I excuse myself from the table, slipping toward the VIP section out of boredom… and fate fucks me.
What?
Isn't that Sinveer?
Why is he here?
What is he doing in Swiss? Could he be the owner of this club too?
For fucks sake, how far does his hands stretches to?
Lounging in his utmost comfort, a drink in one hand, some faceless girl whispering in his ear. His dark suit molds to his body like sin. But he doesn't see me.
Suddenly I feel it—the shift in the air, the pulse between us.
My fingers twitch. My pulse accelerates. I taste copper on my tongue as the memory of his blood comes into sight as a vision.
I stood there staring at him for a long time.
He turns in my direction. I guess he feels my presence. Then our eyes lock.
It is a heartbeat. A war drum. A razor across skin.
And then… he tilts his head, his gaze still on me. Maybe confused? Curious? Not recognizing me. Not knowing why a strange girl was looking at him.
But there's something in his eyes—recognition at the level of instinct.
I turn and vanish into the crowd before he can rise.
We are not meeting Mr De Luna. Not yet.
The game has resumed, but not tonight.
Later that night, my phone buzzes on my nightstand as I towel off from a shower. Papa's name flashes across the screen. I answer without speaking.
"Now that you have graduated, our plans commence."
"I know, Papa. And also, I saw Sinveer De Luna."
"You saw him?" he asks.
"I did."
"And?"
Nothing happened."
A pause. Then, "You've got another chance, and do not blow this up, Liach. This time, you operate from inside. Don't fail me again."
He hangs up.
I look into the mirror. My reflection stares back—dripping wet.
This time I'll be Inside. Closer to Him.
I'll be the last thing Sinveer De Luna ever sees.