Shattered Allegiance

LANA'S

glow of the bed's lamplight, casti

ght from outside reminded me of N

my father's announcement, a menacing r

by the creak of the door, which al

ively walking in. His atmosphere suggested the responsibility and alleg

per that reverberated around the sp

nce that was a stark contrast to the r

d curious at the same time as my fi

inner dress made of onyx emerged-a

tened to swallow my existence, a concrete image

you wear this for the upcoming dinner with Pietro Romano

. Despite being made of silk and lace, the outfit seemed like armor that

flections as the messenger closed the door.

that deviated from my heart's goals and battles with my inner self, was

unable to get rid of the fear t

as the all-encompassing darkness that looms large over t

a haven, suddenly seemed to be clos

y. The option between deviance and duty loomed large, like a nightmare from which I w

ew the dinner dress on the bed and turned to le

rs beneath my feet as I matched them ag

manating from Ivanova Mansion when I barged

g with the gloomy mood of my heart, already full of c

f this?" I started off softly

s my engagement announced to me not last

ing his own emotions. "We need to solidify our connection with the Romanoff family.

my voice above a hushed entreaty. "I c

at me the moment I said those w

his desk with his index finger. "You are going to meet Pietro, and

n of responsibility bearing down on me. As I left that oppre

*

where my father was entertaining influential and deadly Mafia bo

ndeliers contrasted dramati

Pietro Romanoff, approached me, an

e?" Gently, he held out

ryone-including my father-was watching

danced, but it was all planned words

slightly sympathetic. "I understand this isn't by choice." He sai

This is just a plan that

was full of unsaid tension and confli

of a planned marriage, my eyes caught s

g him. His hazel eyes flashed with rage and envy as

iet nooks of the estate because I couldn't ha

gne glass in hand. My heart felt heavy now, instead

ce was a mixture of

ng my eyes as tears threa

e, Nikolai," I said, moving aw

ed. "I'm not able to maintain this act. The seeming allegiance I am supposed to have t

ving of becoming just pawns in our fathers' senseless s

he dark, and I refuse to watch while the

ily as our words reverberated through the shadowy hallways. I felt my fire slowly

d expectations, the weight of responsibility we

, taking my hands off of his, and turning my back

d to the ballroom, va

tlan