Shadows of Naples: Code Lightning.

Sergeant James Ward sat in the dim office, hunched over an old crime scene photo. The picture showed a middle-aged man with a bullet wound in his chest. No fingerprints, no cameras, no witnesses—time itself seemed to have erased everything that could help. Nicholas Pelegrinni. That was his name. Though the name revealed nothing—neither in police databases nor in the criminal underworld. No family, no job, no trace. James wasn’t dealing with a murder—he was facing a void. The phone vibrated. An unknown number. One message: "This is connected to Nicholas Pelegrinni. Address: Via Toledo " Ward frowned. It could be anything—a trap, a prank, or… the only lead. He grabbed his holster, took his pistol, and headed out. The house at the given address looked abandoned: a broken lock, creaking doors, windows coated in dust. James slipped inside, weapon ready. The rooms were turned upside down. Drawers pulled out, papers scattered, books strewn across the floor. “Hm,” he muttered. “Someone was looking for something… But what?” “Gold,” a voice came from the next room. James spun around and aimed at the sound. Slowly, tensely, he stepped forward. There, amidst the scattered mess, stood a woman. In a dark coat, her gaze confident. “Coins,” she clarified. “A collection of gold coins disappeared from the museum. Nicholas was one of the few who knew about it. That’s why he died.” “Hands!” James commanded. “No need, Sergeant,” she said calmly. “I was expecting you.” “How did you know I’d be here?” “I sent you the address.” Ward pulled out his phone and dialed the same number—the woman’s phone rang. She lifted it and showed the screen. Incoming call: “James Ward.” “Interesting… I don’t recall giving you my number,” he muttered. “You didn’t.” “Who are you?” “Sofia Reyland. Donna of the ‘Order of the Lightning.’” James froze. He had heard the name. And at the same time—he couldn’t believe it. “So, you… a criminal?” “You could say that. But I’m also a potential ally.” “Is this a joke?” “No. I know you’re an honest cop. And that Nicholas’ case has haunted you. I know more than anyone. If you allow me—I’ll help you find his killer. And you… you’ll just help me in return.” “In what way exactly?” “When needed—some information. Help. Presence at the right moment. I’m not asking you to break your oath—I’m asking you to support order.” Ward was silent. His mind screamed “no,” but something in her words… sounded too real. “And you won’t have to betray the police,” Sofia added softly. “Just be there when needed. I am not the enemy. But I have enemies.” “And if I refuse?” “Then you won’t solve this case. And the killer will remain free.” James thought for a moment. Then he nodded. “Alright. But on one condition—I won’t cross any line.” Sofia smiled. “Perfect, Sergeant Ward. Let’s start with the coins.” Sofia and James quickly unraveled the case of the stolen coins and Nicholas Pelegrinni’s murder. They found the culprit and punished him by the book. After that, Ward began secretly cooperating with the Order of the Lightning while formally remaining a police sergeant. Over time, he and Sofia developed trust, became friends, and now James was one of her most loyal allies. Eventually, James began attending select Order gatherings, gradually integrating into their circle of trust. It was there he met Elena Rodriguez—Havier’s cousin and an influential figure in Sofia’s clan. A mutual attraction quickly grew between them, evolving into a romantic relationship. Their bond further solidified the trust between James and the Orde r, and Sofia saw in him not just an ally, but a true member of the family.