Page 86 of Veil of Dust

And the card in my hand has turned cold.

Chapter 20 – Tiziano

I stand at the edge of the sidewalk with my machete in one hand, pistol in the other.

Vespera’s on my left—blade tucked at her hip, eyes scanning every shadow like she’s already made peace with what’s coming.

This isn’t a standoff.

This is a warning.

And we’re the ones giving it.

Across the street, Alfeo’s crew fans out. Six of them. Maybe more behind the buildings.

They try not to look like muscle. But they’re too coordinated, too relaxed in a way only killers can fake.

They came expecting blood.

They’ll get it.

“You sure they’re not just flexing?” Tomas says from behind me. His voice is low, teeth tight.

“They don’t bring a lieutenant just to scare,” I reply.

I see the guy step forward.

Built like a cement block. Bald. Jaw square. Knife on his belt that’s probably gutted more than it’s sliced.

His name’s Dax. Alfeo’s second-in-command.

He looks me over, then turns to Vespera like I’m background noise.

“You don’t belong to him,” he says. “You were marked weeks ago.”

Vespera’s lip curls. “And I unmarked myself.”

He chuckles. “That’s not how this works.”

I step forward.

“Yeah?” I say. “Tell that to the men I left floating in the swamp.”

Dax meets my eyes. No fear. But there’s something else behind it—restraint. They haven’t gotten the order to move yet. They’re waiting. Probably for Alfeo’s call.

Good.

Gives me time to kill the first wave clean.

“She’s not yours to protect, Valtieri,” he sneers. “She was claimed.”

I cock my head.

“So was I.”

He doesn’t move. Doesn’t speak.

So I do.

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