01

My mother always told me to work hard and good things will come to me. In some aspects, her words carried a meaning. I spent five years chasing every opportunity that allowed me to stand here today, and every ounce of sweat was worth the pain.

My mind sank in awe as I took a step inside the room.

The place I could only see on TV was the same place I stood in, the Hall of Lucrezia. The hall was known for its beauty but, most importantly, its history. Only Kings and queens roamed this place, which caused my heart to pump even faster at the thought of its luxury.

Looking around, trying to find my name, a gleam of happiness appeared on my face noticing an envelope with my name reading Izel Monroe. Taking a seat, I looked about, observing the room.

Everyone seemed elegant and graceful, but one bunch stood above the rest. My eyes rested on a group of men who board an aura that could make one shiver even in the desert.

Making a closer observation of the bunch, one of the men raised their hand, pointing to me. Acknowledging the man, they all looked at me, each of their eyes more stunning than the other, but only one caught my mind. A pair of bright blue eyes gazed at me.

I shamelessly started deeper unable to pivot away. I wanted to know more about the dark gaze that surrounded this stranger.

"Hey," spoke Amanda, drifting me back to the present.

"Hey," I replied, inhaling before diverting my attention to her.

I flashed her a weak smile grabbing a drink from her hand. Without a delay, I took a sip of my glass.

Noticing Amanda on her phone, I found my eyes subconsciously drifting back to the man from earlier. Surprisingly he was already looking at me, flashing me a devilish grin.

The expression on his face spoke deeper than any words my mother told, and they clearly showed his intentions, and I somehow wanted to play along. Gazing back at him, I flashed him a bright smile, which seemed to have earned me a confused look from the stranger.

"Are you excited," asked Amanda, turning off her phone.

'For what," I replied, giving her a confused look.

"The Lucrezia Family is here tonight," she said, cupping her face before staring into oblivion.

Unfazed by her behavior, a look of slight disappointment appeared on my face to tease her.

"My dear friend," I spoke, patting her shoulder in sympathy. "You are just one of the many in line to become a part of the Lucrezia."

Hearing my words, her a pout manifested on her cheeks yanking my hand away as she acknowledged my tone.

"What a friend you are," she replied, amusement and sarcasm filling her tone. We laughed at our little conversation, which was brought short by an individual.

"Amanda Capponi," said a dark-haired lady whose face seemed more innocent that her age.

"Lilly Smith."

An enthusiastic tone exited Amanda's mouth as she stood up to lean in for a hug. Following her lead I stood up, flashing a smile at the lady. From the looks of her face, she seemed to be a lady in her early twenties, with a voice that seemed to belong to a toddler.

"This is Izel Monroe, my friend," introduced Amanda causing me to lean in to shake the woman's hand.

Taking a seat, the duo started to converse, leaving me in the dark.

"I'll be right back," I said, standing up from my chair.

"Okay," spoke Amanda and Lilly in unison, a look of slight worry appearing on Amanda's face.

Grabbing my purse, I walked over to one of the servers. A sudden tug on my arm caused me to react, glancing at the assailant. A look of slight annoyance appeared on my face.

"Be careful," added Amanda, earning from me a soft hum.

Loosening her grip, I continued my quest to look for a drink. Grabbing a glass, I walked over to the balcony. To my surprise, the area was empty, but it didn't bother me.

Leaning over the railing, I looked at the scenery. The moon shone brightly, reflecting its light on the trees, which seemed to be casting shadows of what seemed to be nothingness.

"What are you doing," said a voice, sending shivers down my whole body. Even though this voice sounded foreign, I could only link it to one person. The man from earlier.