Cloak of Shadows

The walls of Elena Rossi's cramped apartment were covered in articles and newspaper clippings about a string of enigmatic disappearances that had been taking place in the city over the past few months. As a potential journalist, her instincts had told her that this was not a pattern of random violence, and she had followed the story for weeks. Elena came to realize that the police were either too afraid or too corrupt to investigate the case further, but she was willing to find out the truth at any cost. As she pursued her notes, she sat down on the chair by her desk.

Moretti kept coming up with a name for this person in this city that was associated with power, wealth, and terror. The Moretti family was the most well-known mafia group to infiltrate every sector of society. Despite the fact that Elena was aware that it was a risky undertaking to investigate their affairs, she was unable to resist the urge to reveal their wrongdoings. Luca, her brother, would never approve of what she was about to do because he had always protected her. Luca used to tell her to stay away from this part of the city that was bad, but Elena couldn't resist the call of her love of journalism and justice. She was aware that, in addition to making a name for herself, she would rid the city of its most dangerous criminals if she were able to bring Moretti's family down. Elena got her camera out and got ready to leave. An even more exclusive guest list was known to have access to the club's even more exclusive secrets after tonight's meet-up at one of Moretti's clubs. Elena was planning to quickly gather evidence and leave. She'd take it; it's a gamble, indeed, however here she was as she moved toward the club, encompassed by thick air hanging tense generally around her. Her heart was racing as she slipped past the entrance and could see the guards' eyes on her. The atmosphere inside was electric, with loud music, flashing lights, and beautiful people having fun, blissfully unaware of the danger below. With a concealed camera concealed within her jacket, Elena blended in with the crowd. She saw a lot of men behind her. People around them viewed them with both respect and dread because of their presence. Adrian Moretti stood out among them with his tall, dark, intense eyes that seemed to be able to see through the chaos. In person, his presence was suffocating, despite the fact that she had seen his face on the news. Although it was too late, she could not afford to be noticed. His and Elena's eyes met. Elena felt as though she could not breathe for a brief moment as Adrian looked at her. He looked dangerously curious, as though he could just by looking to find out something about her. She quickly turned away and almost dashed for the exit. But a hand wrapped around her arm before she could see. Elena turned around to meet Adrian face-to-face. He firmly but not painfully held onto her while glaring so hard into her eyes that she shuddered. His voice was low and menacing, and he said, "You shouldn't be here." In order to keep up with herself, Elena sucked hard. "I just want to leave." He didn't let go of his hold. "Who are you by name?" She said, barely raising her voice above a whisper, "Elena." Adrian's eyes flickered as he maintained the same expression on his face. Rossi, Elena? She became numb to the core as the blood drained from her face. He was aware of her. Adrian wasn't ready to let Elena go, but Elena had to. No, he moved closer, placing his voice next to her ear. "Eleanor, stay out of this. It's not a game here." Elena ran out of the club with her heart racing after he released her to support his claims. Because of her carelessness, she was now on the radar of the city's most dangerous man. However, Elena experienced a surge of determination rather than fear. She wouldn't stop until she discovered everything because she was closer than ever to the truth.