Shadows of Naples: Code Lightning.

Sofia sat in the large office of her estate, calmly looking over the documents spread before her. Her mind was occupied with the events of the past few days. An alliance with The Wing of Darkness was an idea that would have seemed impossible just a few months ago. But after meeting with Javier, she had begun to see things differently. She turned her gaze toward the door as Luca, Maximilian, and Elena Rodriguez — Javier’s cousin, who had long been part of the Order — entered the room one by one. Luca sat across from Sofia, crossing one leg over the other, carefully watching her expression. Maximilian, as always, remained composed, waiting for her to speak. Elena, arms folded across her chest, looked intrigued yet cautious. “I didn’t call you here without reason,” Sofia began, her tone steady and confident. “A few days ago, I met with Javier Rodriguez. He suggested we join forces.” The room fell silent. Luca was the first to break it, smirking slightly. “Did I hear that right? The Order of Lightning and the Wing of Darkness… together?” Maximilian raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his sharp eyes studying Sofia. “Is this a joke?” Elena narrowed her eyes, clearly surprised. “No,” Sofia replied firmly. “It’s not a joke.” At last, Maximilian spoke. “Can he be trusted?” Sofia hesitated for a moment, recalling her conversation with Javier. “I believe so. He’s not the type to play stupid games. If he said he’s ready for an alliance, he means it.” Luca sighed, rubbing his chin. “But his gang isn’t like ours. They’re more ruthless — they don’t follow our rules.” “That’s exactly why we need to set our own terms,” Sofia said. “We can’t just merge our groups and expect everything to run smoothly. But if we find the right approach, this could give us a strength no one expects.” Elena let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “If Uncle Rafael knew what his son was doing, he’d turn in his grave.” Sofia smiled faintly. “And yet here we are, considering it a real possibility.” Maximilian looked at her intently. “Are you sure this is what you want? It’s a huge risk.” Sofia met his gaze — calm but resolute. “We take risks every day. But this one… I see a future in it.” The room grew heavy with silence. “So, what’s next?” Luca finally asked. “For now, I’ll meet with Javier again to discuss the details,” Sofia replied. “But I wanted to hear your opinions first.” Maximilian nodded. “If you believe it’s the right move, I’ll stand by you.” Luca sighed but grinned. “Well, if we’re going to break traditions, let’s do it properly.” Elena, still with arms crossed, looked skeptical but finally said: “This will be an interesting alliance. I just hope it’s worth it.” Sofia looked at each of them in turn. She knew it was a risky step — but she was certain of her choice. “Then let’s prepare. Soon enough, Naples will be talking about no one but us.” --- Javier stepped out of the mansion, closing the heavy oak doors behind him. The evening was calm — the Neapolitan night wrapped the city in a warm haze, and the faint scent of the sea lingered in the air. He flicked his lighter, lit a cigarette, and exhaled a slow stream of smoke into the night. He needed a moment to breathe after a long day. His thoughts were consumed by the future — by the idea that refused to leave his mind. The alliance with the Order of Lightning. It sounded insane, yet somehow… right. He was about to leave when he noticed a familiar figure near the gate. Sofia stood quietly, arms crossed, as if she had been waiting for him all along. Her face betrayed no emotion, but there was something in her eyes that made him tense. “Sofia?” he asked, surprised, taking a few steps toward her. She smiled faintly and walked closer. “Are you free right now?” Javier took another drag, then flicked the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under his boot. “I am. Did something happen?” “No,” she said. “I just wanted to take a walk. I think we have more to talk about.” They walked through the narrow city streets, where the lamplight cast soft reflections on the cobblestones, and the distant sounds of nightlife hummed faintly around them. Sofia stayed silent for a few minutes, gathering her thoughts, before finally breaking the quiet. “I’ve been thinking about your proposal. I spoke with my clan. We’ve decided that joining our gangs is the right move.” Javier stopped, studying her face as if searching for a trap. But Sofia met his gaze squarely — her expression was serious, steady. “Are you sure?” “Absolutely,” she replied firmly. “I’m not saying it’ll be easy. But we’ll set our rules and do it right.” He took a step to the side, thinking for a moment. “And what made you decide so quickly?” Sofia smiled lightly, shrugging. “Let’s just say I don’t like delaying the obvious.” “Obvious?” Javier gave a half-smile. “A few days ago, you didn’t even want to hear about this alliance.” “Because I needed time to think. Now I know — it’s the right choice.” He nodded, eyes fixed on her face. “You’re not afraid some in your gang might disagree?” Sofia laughed softly. “If you think anyone can make me change my mind, you underestimate me.” Javier tilted his head slightly. “Still… it won’t be easy.” “We’ll manage — if we work together.” He smiled faintly. “So, when?” “A week from now. I’ll prepare my people, you prepare yours. We’ll meet on neutral ground and discuss everything.” Javier ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. “Well… lo oks like things are about to get interesting.” Sofia’s lips curved into a small smile. “Let’s see what comes of it…”