Page 13 of Consort of the Crime Queen

He scoffs. "Please. You lead a band of thugs grasping at power beyond your capability. You're destined to fail without the bonds and unity a Family provides."

Anger kindles in my chest but I tamp it down. Lashing out will only play into his hands. I ask in a carefully measured tone, "What must I do to get Aurora back safely?"

He smiles, satisfied at having forced this concession from me. "I see the ice queen's heart is not entirely frozen after all. You care for the girl."

My nails bite into my palms but I remain silent.

"She tried to hide it, too, but I could see the...fondness growing between you." He shakes his head with mock regret. "Love is a dangerous weakness for a leader to reveal."

"Enough games," I snap, composure fraying. "What are your terms?"

His eyes gleam. "I believe you already know, my dear."

Realization dawns. He means for me to publicly abdicate all claims to the Family and revoke leadership of the Syndicate.

Everything I've fought for. Bled for. Nearly died for.

"You've promised Aurora's hand to Nero in marriage," I counter tightly. "Already arranged the wedding next week. Surely he will object."

My father shrugs. "Nero must learn his place. He has been too bold lately—as have you. I know that you and your brother met behind my back." He leans forward. "Let me be clear. You will renounce all claims to the Imperioli Family and dissolve your silly Syndicate. Then, and only then, will I return Aurora to you, assuming you keep your word."

I stare at him, battling the helpless fury rising inside me. He's maneuvering me into an impossible corner. I have no other options. So, with immense effort, I force out the words. "I will renounce my claim to the Family and dismantle the Syndicate."

He claps his hands together, beaming. "Excellent! I'm so pleased we could come to an agreement."

Rage simmers in my blood like molten steel.

"I didn't realize the infamous Hades could be swayed by such a frivolous emotion," he muses as I turn to leave. "How the mighty have fallen."

I have to walk away before I throttle him, just as the doors open for intermission. As opera-goers stream past in a cloud of perfume and mingled voices, I blend into the crowd, his taunting laughter echoing in my ears.

I retreat to my motorcycle, emotions churning. How could I have let this happen? I've sacrificed everything, only to once more be bent beneath my father's heel. And Aurora—her fate dangling by the thinnest of threads, dependent on the whim of that monster.

I ride back to Elysium without seeing the roads. Aurora's face fills my mind, luminous and soft. I imagine the curve of her cheek, the fall of her hair, the way light seems to gather around her as if she's its source. So lovely. So precious.

And I've failed her. Again.

I reach Elysium and am relieved that Lyssa is not around. I go to the war room and into my private study, where I turn off my phone, sit down at my desk, and rest my head on my arms, letting my eyes fall shut.

Even if I tear down the Styx Syndicate and succeed in getting Aurora back safely, what comes next? Now that my father knows she's my weakness, he'll always have power over me through her. I've endangered Aurora more than ever by revealing the depth of my devotion.

A knock interrupts my brooding.

"Come in," I call, schooling my features as Lyssa enters.

"Was wondering when you'd be back," she says in greeting, sprawling into the chair across from me. "I take it your chat with Daddy didn't go so well?"

"The old snake played his hand masterfully, I'll grant him that," I reply.

"And what was his offer?"

Of all the people in the world—and the Syndicate—I can't lie to Lyssa. "I've agreed to break up the Syndicate and renounce all claims to the Imperioli Family in exchange for Aurora."

She stares at me for a moment. "So that's it?" she asks incredulously, after I don't say any more. "You're just rolling over for him? Everything we've built, all those years clawing our way out of the gutter...you're tossing it away for a pretty face?"

Her blunt words spark my smoldering temper. "Don't talk about Aurora that way. I need you on my side, more than ever. I need to find a way to get out of this. I don't want to give up the Syndicate, but if he kills Aurora—or worse, marries her off to Nero—" I break off, unable to force the words out. "Please. I don't want to do it. If you can see a different way, then for God's sake, tell me."

There's a short silence before she asks, more gently, "You care for her that deeply?"

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