Shattered Allegiance

LANA'S

as Pietro and I set out on yet

rk underbelly of our relationship, giving the impression of romance. With my fancy shoes on, every st

iffed, and his fitted suit exuded money and authority. With a flourish, he pulled out my chair, his perfectly con

oice was as soft as silk as he asked. I forced a grin and gave

in the underworld?' I pondered sourly. What I really wanted, ho

d no idea that every drink of wine I had was mixed with a subtly toxic substance-a poison meant to cau

lulling me into a false feeling of security. I was unaware of h

ued, his eyes bright with interest

a little. "He's okay," I cautiously answered. "

ing the head is quite a demanding role,

o family is paramount, right? Without fail, loya

nversation, I answered, "Of course," mainta

re are reports that you are hanging out with Nikolai Petrov.

.. hardly spend the time you accuse me of,

in our world, even a small amount of time with the wrong pe

cts starting to muddle my judgment. "Pietro, why are you s

you unaware of your responsibilities? N

both fists. "Regardless of my betrothal to you, Pietro

a constant grin, Pietro added. "The soo

ival family, but Ni

d, giving way to a calculating, ha

in a power game," I said gently. "He sees me as... myse

against it?" Leaning back in his chair, he asked. I felt my

out with an increasing tone. "I would

the heart, me

s decision on your own, usi

etl

ngry cry. "Have I requested this? Did I have any input at all? And you

ce was near his. "I'm engaged

ed my handbag and hurried out of t

chip away at the core of my identity as th

s, and my love for Nikolai-are gradually disintegrating into

my way back to the Ivanova home, eager for

sed for battle, rows of troop

air as a few senior commanders walked about e

hrough the silent corridors until I reached

with many others gathered in front of him,

worry and perplexity in my voice. "What's

guys assembled in front of him divided. He continued, his

ng to attack th