Chapter 4: The Family Ritual

Alessio, true to his nature, had chosen to wipe out a middle-tier mafia gang as his rite of passage. While others had targeted smaller clans, he had set his sights higher. It was a testament to his determination and ruthlessness. This audacious move had garnered the attention of the criminal underworld. The rivals of the Bianchi family and their partners viewed Alessio with a mixture of fear and hatred.

But this was just the beginning of Alessio's ascent to power. He fought in underground rings, where his reputation as a skilled fighter only grew. Each victory solidified his dominance, and each wound inflicted on his opponents served as a warning to those who dared to challenge him.

In the shadowy world they inhabited, Alessio's name was synonymous with terror. He was a force to be reckoned with, a man who had embraced the darkness within him. But beneath the surface, a glimmer of the man he used to be remained, buried under layers of anger and cruelty.

Alessio's empire grew, both in terms of wealth and influence. He became a formidable figure in the city, feared by all who crossed his path. His hatred for women remained, a shield he used to protect himself from emotional entanglements.

Alessio Bianchi, the enigmatic and ruthless figure who had risen to prominence, stood at the center of attention. He had known nothing of the betrothal until that very moment. His family had kept the truth hidden, perhaps hoping not to get on his bad side.

The following morning brought with it an unexpected turn of events. Alessio's father summoned him to his office, an imposing chamber adorned with dark wood and ancient family portraits. The patriarch's stern gaze met Alessio's as he sat behind an ornate desk.

"Alessio," his father's voice was low and authoritative, "you are aware of our family's traditions."

Alessio nodded. He knew all too well what his father referred to—the dark rituals that had bound the Bianchi family to the criminal underworld for centuries. When a son turned twenty, he was tasked with wiping out a rival gang, solidifying the family's dominance.

"Tonight," his father continued, "is your twentieth birthday. It's time you fulfill your duty."

Alessio felt a knot tighten in his chest. He had expected this day, but he hadn't prepared himself for the inevitable. The weight of the responsibility pressed down on him.

"Father," Alessio spoke, his voice uncharacteristically soft, "I need your help. Not for myself, but for the city. There is a cancer growing in its heart, and we have the power to cut it out."

His father's face remained impassive. "Our family has rules, Alessio. These principles have kept us strong for generations. We cannot waver."

Alessio's fists clenched. He had hoped his father would see reason, but he had underestimated the man's unwavering adherence to tradition.

"Then," Alessio said with a determination that burned in his eyes, "I will do it alone."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left his father's office. The die was cast. Tonight, he would confront the darkness that plagued the city, even if it meant defying his own family.

As Alessio descended the grand staircase of the family mansion, he couldn't shake the feeling that this decision would change his life forever. He could almost hear Marco's voice, urging him forward, and for the first time in years, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

A few days into the coming-of-age ceremony, Alessio was sent on a business deal by his father, stating that he is the only one right for the job, unaware to Alessio that it is one of his father's dirty schemes.

But can he blamed? No, he was just fulfilling his fatherly duties towards his son's upcoming ceremony.

On getting there, it was like they were expecting him, the thick wooden doors of the Rossi estate swung open slowly, unleashing a blast of lively noise from within. Music and raucous laughter spilled into the stormy night, a stark contrast to the dreary world Alessio inhabited. A burly servant eyed him warily.

"The Don 'has been expecting' ya," he grunted, ushering Alessio into a lavish foyer. Oil paintings of past family members lined the elegant halls as Alessio was led deeper into the heart of the celebration, accompanied by men he was ushered down.

He emerged into a grand ballroom filled with masked revelers dancing to a live orchestra, and he was given a mask. The Martinez celebrated another successful year, unfettered by the daily violence that defined Alessio's life. His lip curled in disdain as giggling debutantes waved fans, oblivious to the realities of power.

At the far end, Don Rossi held court, flanked by his trusted advisors. His stern gaze fell upon Alessio as he approached, unimpressed by the show of force. "This is a night of joy, Bianchi. State your business and be on your way."

Alessio relayed his father's terms, keeping emotion from his voice. Allow further expansion or suffer the costs. The Don's eyes narrowed, but he nodded slowly. "We will discuss this civilly on the morrow. For now, enjoy the festivities."

As Alessio turned to take his leave, a girl caught his eye across the room. Dangerous grace flowed through her lithe form as she dueled mock blows with several partners, smiling radiantly. Chestnut curls spilled from her mask, a foil for striking emerald eyes. This must be Chiara, the Don's only daughter.

Rumors of her beauty were legendary throughout the city. Few dared to cross one bearing the Rossi name. But it was her fiery spirit that gave Alessio pause, a spark amid smothering privilege. Then her eyes met his, it was like fate, they stared at each other and the people around, immediately he froze under her bold stare, taken aback by the life within.

The next day, Alessio arrived as requested to negotiate. But the Don had another proposal - an alliance through marriage. Chiara would wed Alessio, uniting their houses in a permanent partnership. She stood stiffly by her father's side, displaying none of the vibrant energy from the night before. Dark circles shadowed her eyes.

It was clear she resented this arrangement as much as Alessio, but they had no choice in the matters of their precarious world. A bitter truce was forged that day, along with the first reluctant stirrings of something deeper between the unwilling partners bound for life.