Shadows of Naples: Code Lightning.

The party at a luxurious mansion on the coast of Naples brought together influential mafiosi from various clans. It was a traditional annual event where dons and bosses met to make deals, display their power, and at the same time maintain the illusion of civility. Sofia and Javier entered together, and their appearance did not go unnoticed. The unification of their clans had become the main topic of conversation, and while most watched them with interest, some did so with hidden resentment. Sofia wore a black dress—elegant but restrained. Her confident look did not reveal the inner unease she sometimes felt when she was near Javier. He, in turn, looked calm but alert, staying close to her. While they were discussing something with Luca and Maximilian, a woman in a red dress approached them. Her long blonde hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders, and a faint, dangerous smile played on her lips. “Oh, Sofia, what a surprise,” Alicia’s voice was smooth, almost honeyed, but there was a hidden bitterness behind it. Sofia turned to her and met her gaze without a hint of fear. “Alicia, it’s been a while. I hope you’re doing well?” — her voice was steady, but with a note of challenge. Alicia tilted her head mockingly. “Did I hear right, or are you trying to stand in my way again? You know that weapon was supposed to be mine.” Javier took a step forward, his gaze turning cold. “Free market,” he said calmly. “You didn’t have any exclusive rights to that deal.” Alicia turned her gaze to him, narrowing her eyes. “Oh, I see you’ve learned the game quickly, Javier. Just like your father…” She paused, savoring the moment, then added, “I hope you won’t end the same way.” It took only one look from Sofia for Javier to understand that she was struggling to control her anger. But she took a deep breath and replied coldly: “You made a mistake thinking I would ever let you dictate the rules to me.” Alicia smiled again, but there was a dangerous spark in her eyes. “Oh, darling, this isn’t over yet.” Alicia crossed her arms and looked at Sofia. “By the way, how’s your Order doing? Do they still believe in your leadership?” — her voice dripped with mockery. Sofia didn’t react. She only tilted her head slightly. “As you can see, the Order is thriving.” “For now,” Alicia smirked, bringing her glass to her lips. “What do you really want?” Javier asked calmly, his eyes fixed on her. “Oh, just to talk,” she said with feigned innocence. “To warn you, so to speak. Don’t think I’ll forgive you for that weapon deal. You crossed me for the second time.” “And what will you do about it?” Sofia raised an eyebrow. Alicia was about to respond, but suddenly a tall man in an expensive dark-blue suit approached. His black hair was perfectly slicked back, and his gaze was cold and sharp. “Good evening, Sofia,” his low, even voice sounded. Sofia tensed. “Lorenzo. Long time no see. How’s life in your new clan?” Javier noticed her fingers tightening around her glass. Lorenzo Riccardi. Once one of the most loyal men of the Order of the Lightning. But he had betrayed them and joined Alicia’s clan. “Wonderful,” he replied. “I’m glad you’re working for someone who’s destined to lose,” Sofia said evenly. Alicia scoffed. “We’ll see who loses, Sofia. I hope you don’t regret your choices.” Lorenzo gave Sofia a sharp look, then turned his gaze to Javier. “So, you’ve found yourself a new ally. Quite unexpected, considering your family’s history, Rodriguez.” “And you’re still selling yourself to whoever pays more,” Sofia replied coldly. Lorenzo clenched his jaw but said nothing. “See you around, Sofia,” he finally said, and together with Alicia, disappeared into the crowd. Javier followed them with his eyes and then turned back to Sofia. “Who was that guy?” he asked, leaning closer to be heard over the loud music. Sofia took a sip of wine, as if considering how to answer. “Lorenzo Riccardi,” she said at last. “He used to be one of us. A loyal member of the Order.” “And what happened?” Sofia looked at him, a flicker of sadness passing through her eyes. “He betrayed us.” Javier frowned slightly. “A sellout bastard?” “I used to think he wasn’t,” Sofia said with a faint, joyless smile. “He swore loyalty to my father — and to me. But when Alicia came along, she offered him something… more tempting. And he left.” Javier grimaced. “A sellout bastard,” he repeated more firmly. Sofia smiled faintly, though her eyes remained cold. “One day he’ll pay for his betrayal. But not today.” Javier said nothing, his gaze still lingering in the direction where Lorenzo and Alicia had vanished. --- Javier was silent for a few seconds, then smiled and set his glass on the table. “Enough about them,” he said, leaning closer. “They’re not worth ruining our evening. Let’s relax.” Sofia raised an eyebrow, though her eyes showed a hint of interest. “And how do you suggest we do that?” Javier didn’t answer right away. He glanced at the dance floor, where couples were already swirling, then extended his hand toward her. “May I?” Sofia looked at him in surprise. “You want to dance?” “I want you to take a break — even for a few minutes,” he said softly. Sofia hesitated, then finally took his hand. “Fine, Javier. But if you step on my foot, I won’t forgive you.” “I have a feeling my life’s in danger,” he smiled, leading her onto the dance floor. The music was slow and rhythmic. Javier placed his hand on her waist, Sofia laid hers on his shoulder, and they began to move in sync with the melody. For a moment, everything else seemed to disappear. Sofia felt the warmth of his hand, the closeness of his body. She looked up and met his gaze. There was something in it — something that made her heart tighten. Javier felt it too. Something strange, unfamiliar. His fingers tightened around her waist a little more than necessary. He couldn’t look away from her. They said nothing, but both of them felt it — the moment when the line between them began to blur. The music kept playing, but Sofia felt something turning over inside her chest. Her breathing grew deeper, her movements softer. She tried not to think about how close they were. Javier felt it too. He had never allowed himself to fall into moments like this, but now… Sofia made him forget caution. “I didn’t think you could dance so well,” she said quietly, trying to distract herself. “And I didn’t think you’d agree,” he replied with a faint smile. She looked away, hiding a small smile. “It’s been an unexpected evening,” Sofia said. Javier spun her gently, and when she turned back to him, their eyes met again — even closer this time. “Sometimes surprises aren’t such a bad thing,” his voice grew lower. Sofia’s fingers tightened slightly on his shoulder. They moved in silence for a few more seconds until the music began to slow. Sofia inhaled deeply, as if returning to reality. “Maybe we should go back,” she said, though she didn’t step away. Javier looked at her a moment longer than he should have. “Yes, maybe.” But neither of them let go right away. Sofia was the first to pull back, her fingers brushing lightly against Javier’s wrist as she let go of his hand. “Thank you for the dance,” she said, trying to sound casual. “Always a pleasure,” he replied. They returned to the main hall. The atmosphere once again felt tense, a reminder that the night wasn’t just about dancing. Maximilian Lehmann was already waiting for Sofia by the bar. “Everything alright?” he asked, casting a measured look at Javier. “Yes,” Sofia nodded, though something unspoken still glimmered in her eyes. Javier went back to his men. But as he stood among them, he found his attention constantly drifting back to Sofia. And she felt it too — his gaze, even when she wasn’t looking his way. And what she felt at that moment scared her more than Alicia’s threats ever could.