THE SYNDICATE'S HEIR AND THE MIRACLE WORKER

Gunfire erupted in the east wing, the staccato rhythm of automatic weapons shattering the peace of my home. I shoved a spare Glock into Elena’s hands.

"Do you know how to use this?" I asked.

"I prefer not to, but yes," she said, checking the safety with practiced efficiency.

We sprinted up the grand staircase. Smoke was already billowing from the lower levels. The Calabrese hitmen were ruthless, burning the house to flush me out. We reached the nursery just as a masked man kicked the door open.

I didn't hesitate. I put two bullets in his chest before he could raise his weapon. He crumpled to the floor.

Inside, Lily was crying, clutching Sofia tightly in the corner of the room. Sofia’s walker was overturned.

"Daddy!" Lily screamed.

Elena rushed to them, scooping Sofia into her arms while I grabbed Lily. "We have to take the servant’s passage," Elena said. "It leads down to the old wine cellar and out to the cliffside."

"Lead the way," I ordered.

We navigated the narrow, dark corridors hidden behind the mansion’s walls. The smell of smoke grew thicker, choking us as we descended. I could hear my mother’s voice echoing through the main halls, demanding the men find my body. The betrayal burned hotter than the fire consuming my home.

As we reached the cellar door, two Calabrese enforcers stepped out from the shadows. I was out of ammunition in my primary weapon and holding Lily in my dominant arm.

Before the enforcers could pull their triggers, a deafening CRACK echoed in the stone room. One man dropped. Then another CRACK. The second man fell.

I turned in shock. Elena stood behind me, still holding Sofia with one arm, the Glock smoking in her other hand. Her eyes were wide, but her grip was perfectly steady.