CHAPTER 3: Eyes of the City

Arthur watched the training for a while, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He was proud of his sons. They had only been at Nosa Costra for a few months, but they were already excelling, proving that they had the strength to carry on the family legacy.

As the training session ended, Agrid clapped his hands, signaling a break. “Alright, take five. We’ll continue after.” The students stopped, some wiping sweat from their faces, others catching their breath.

Arthur leaned back in his chair and decided it was time to check in on Phoenix. He picked up the phone on his desk and called one of the Academy’s authorities. “I’d like to speak with my son, Phoenix,” he said in his deep, commanding voice. The Academy staff knew better than to delay when Arthur Morreti made a request.

At Nosa Costra, it was a strict rule that no student was allowed to have a personal phone. The school was all about discipline and focus, and phones were seen as distractions. If students needed to talk to their guardians, they had to use the phone booth; a heavily secured room with a few phones connected to the outside world. The room was guarded at all times, and every call was monitored to ensure no sensitive information was leaked. It was the only way for students to communicate with the outside world.

After a short wait, Phoenix made his way to the phone booth, his uniform still slightly damp from the intense training session. He picked up the phone, knowing it would be his father on the other end.

“Father,” Phoenix said, his voice calm and respectful.

Arthur smiled, though his tone remained serious. “How are you coping with the training?”

Phoenix straightened up, even though he knew his father couldn’t see him. “It’s tough, but I’m learning a lot. Agrid is pushing us hard.”

“Good,” Arthur replied. “You and your brother are strong, but strength is nothing without control. Focus on everything you’re being taught. There’s more to this life than just fighting.”

Phoenix nodded, understanding the weight of his father’s words. “I will, Father.”

“Keep an eye on your brother,” Arthur added. “You’re both being watched closely. I expect you to lead by example.”

Phoenix agreed, knowing the responsibility that came with being Arthur Morreti’s son. “I won’t let you down. Pass my greetings to mother.”

“Sure, and she’s expecting you.” Arthur replied to his son.

With that, the call ended, and Phoenix returned to his training, the weight of his father’s expectations heavy on his shoulders. Arthur, back in his office, leaned back in his chair, satisfied for now. The future of his family and the Mafia was in good hands.

Somewhere else across the city, a fifteen-year-old Camilla Ivanovick, daughter of Rhomana Ivanovick, one of the most respected Mafias in Willowbrook, stood in the training apartment of her family’s grand house. Camilla was strikingly beautiful, with long silver hair that flowed down her back like a shining waterfall. Her bright blue eyes were full of focus as she tried to concentrate on the training ahead of her.

This time, Camilla was being trained at home, under the watchful eye of Sophie, a skilled martial arts teacher in her late twenties. Sophie had been hired by Rhomana to ensure that his daughter was strong enough to protect herself and, one day, carry on the family’s legacy. Sophie was strict, but she was also kind in her own way, always pushing Camilla to do better.

Both Camilla and Sophie wore their family’s colors; red and white, as they trained. Camilla was dressed in a fitted red top with white stripes along the sides, paired with matching red leggings that allowed her to move easily. Sophie wore a similar outfit but with a white top and red pants, showing her rank as the trainer. Their attire was beautiful and sharp, made for movement and power, but also representing the Ivanovick family pride.

Sophie stood in front of Camilla, her hands on her hips, watching as her young student practiced a series of punches and kicks.

“Again, Camilla. Faster this time. You’re strong, but you need speed too.”

Camilla wiped the sweat from her brow and sighed. “This is tough,” she said, her breath heavy. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this.”

Sophie didn’t let up. She stepped closer, her tone firm but encouraging. “Camilla, you have to keep going. You’re the daughter of Rhomana Ivanovick. Do you think your enemies will give you a break just because you’re tired? No. Now, do it again. Faster.”

Camilla groaned but nodded, understanding what Sophie was trying to teach her. She repeated the punches, pushing herself to move quicker, her muscles aching with each strike. Sophie corrected her posture, showing her how to balance her weight better. “Good,” Sophie said, “but focus on your footwork. You need to stay grounded, or you’ll be knocked off balance.”

Camilla continued, her moves getting sharper, though the exhaustion was clear on her face. “How much longer?” she asked, her voice strained.

Sophie gave her a small smile. “Until you get it right. Now, one more time.”

Camilla pushed through, her punches landing with more power and speed. After a while, Sophie finally raised her hand. “Alright, that’s enough for now. Take a break.”

Camilla let out a long breath of relief and grabbed a bottle of water from the nearby table. She took a big drink, her chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath. Sophie took a sip of her own water, wiping her face with a towel.

Just then, Alexis Ivanovick, Camilla’s mother, walked into the apartment. Alexis moved with honor, her steps light and careful in her six inch high heels as she approached her daughter and Sophie. Her long, dark hair was neatly tied back, and she wore a simple white dotted black dress, her presence commanding authority as she walked.

“How is the training going?” Alexis asked, her voice soft but filled with curiosity.

Sophie turned to Alexis and smiled. “Camilla is doing great. She’s improving every day.”

Alexis’s face lit up with pride. She looked at her daughter, her blue eyes; so similar to Camilla’s, sparkling. “I’m proud of you, Camilla,” she said as she was moving closer. “This training is important, and I can see how hard you’re working. Keep focusing on what Sophie is teaching you. It will all pay off one day.”

Camilla looked up at her mother, still catching her breath. “Thanks, Mom,” she said, a small smile forming on her lips. “It’s tough, but I’m trying.”

Alexis placed a hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “I know it’s hard, but you’re strong. You’ll get through this. Just trust Sophie and stay focused.”

Camilla nodded, her resolve strengthening with her mother’s encouragement. “I will. I won’t let you down.”

Alexis smiled proudly and gave Sophie a nod before stepping back. “Good. I’ll leave you two to it. Keep up the great work.”

As Alexis left the room, Sophie turned back to Camilla. “Ready to get back to it?”

Camilla nodded, taking a deep breath and standing up straight, ready for the next round of training.

As Sophie continued to train Camilla, her mind drifted back to her own days at Nosa Costra Academy. She remembered how Agrid Luchez, her martial arts master, had always been proud of her. Sophie had been the best in her class; fast, strong, and skilled. Agrid would often praise her speed and control. His voice still echoed in her mind: "Strength is nothing without control. Control your mind, and your body will follow." These words had stayed with Sophie, giving her strength even when things got hard.

Now, as she watched Camilla train, Sophie could see some of the same potential in her. But Camilla was still learning, and Sophie knew it was her job to push her harder.

“Focus, Camilla,” Sophie said, stepping closer to adjust her student’s posture. “Don’t just use strength; use your mind. Think before every punch. Control your movements.”

Camilla, tired and sweating, looked up at Sophie. “This is tough,” she said between breaths. “I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this.”

“I know it’s tough,” Sophie replied, her tone firm but understanding. “But you have to keep going. You’re stronger than you think. Don’t let your body control you; use your mind. Stay sharp.”

Camilla nodded, though she was clearly exhausted. She repeated the moves, throwing punches and kicks, trying to focus on what Sophie was saying. Sophie corrected her form, making sure Camilla’s balance was right. “Good. Now faster,” Sophie urged. “Enemies won’t wait for you to be ready.”

Camilla pushed herself, moving faster even though her muscles ached. After a while, Sophie finally called for a break. “Alright, take five,” she said, stepping back and allowing Camilla to catch her breath.