♥ PROLOGUE ♥

Axel Knight.

I was a fool to fall for that job ad. Necessity pushed me forward; at nineteen, the urgency for an income was desperate. But I was fooled. As soon as I arrived in Australia, thinking I'd gotten a job, I was captured by a gang of masked men. When I regained consciousness, I was in a horrible place, like a basement. And to make matters worse, I wasn't alone. There were several people going through the same nightmare as me.

I don't know how long I've been here; my life has become a living hell. Every day, I'm abused by them, just like the other victims. The desire for revenge burned inside me. I tried to kill them. When the bastard had finished his dastardly deed, I grabbed a rock and advanced on him, hitting his head repeatedly. Unfortunately, the other bandits pulled me off him. I was beaten and abused again.

I can't take it anymore. Furthermore, I want them to suffer like we are suffering. I want justice.

Today should be just another day. My body is torn apart, and I don't have the strength to get up. I looked up, seeing the other victims with even more serious injuries.

I fervently hope that someone will save us. These monsters deserve the same torment they are inflicting on us.

Suddenly, we heard gunshots coming from the basement exit.

'' Get down! '' I shout, warning everyone.

I bend down on the floor, despite the pain, fearing I'll be hit by a stray bullet. The silence that follows is deafening, until the iron gate creaks open.

''There are people here, boss! ''An armed man shouts in a foreign language.

I feel a chill at the sight of a tall man, his imposing presence emanating power. His gaze cuts through the room, serious and penetrating. He inspires fear.

Who is this man? Is he going to kill us too?

'' Are you prisoners of these bastards? '' His voice rings out, deep and menacing, causing us all to shiver.

But I'm relieved to hear him speak English.

''Y-Yes... '' One of the victims replies in English.

''My men will free them and help them return to their families.

A collective sigh of relief echoes through the basement.

His men opened our cells, and, despite the pain, I managed to stand up. We walk out of that hellhole, past the bodies of the infamous people responsible for our torments.

They should have suffered more. Death was quick for them, but what we went through at the hands of those scoundrels was real torture. They deserved to pay even more.

I faced the man who seemed to be the leader, my heart racing as I approached him. He was there, smoking quietly, as if he were in control of everything.

'' Excuse me. '' My voice came out firmer than I expected, but I still felt fear creep over my skin as I felt his icy eyes on me.

'' What do you want, child? '' He took another drag of his cigarette, his expression impassive.

''P-Please let me work for you. ''My words came out shaky, but I needed to show courage.

'' Do you have the guts to kill someone, child? Do you think this life is a joke? '' His voice was sharp, like a razor.

''I-I already tried to kill one of them, but I failed. I have the courage, sir. "I replied, trying to control the trembling in my voice.

He looked at me for a moment, assessing me, before gesturing to another man beside him.

''Hand him a gun. '' He ordered, his voice echoing authority.

The man next to the leader obeyed promptly, placing the gun in my trembling hands.

'' Have Yenki bring that survivor.

'' Yes, sir. '' The man left quickly, leaving me alone with the weight of the gun in my hands.

I looked at the gun, feeling its coldness, while a mixture of determination and fear took hold of me.

''Let's see if you really have the guts, child. ''The leader gave a sinister smile that sent chills down my spine. ''Prove to me that you can kill without hesitation.

I looked back to see Yenki bringing the son of a bitch who had abused me several times. Yenki pushed him towards me. I looked at the bastard with great anger; the pain and humiliation I had suffered at his hands were too great.

Without hesitation, I pointed the gun at the bastard's face and unloaded the barrel, fueled by a mixture of fury and determination. Each shot was a release, an act of justice for all the torment he had inflicted on us. And even when the bullets stopped, my desire for revenge still roared inside me, clamoring for more.

'' Well done, child. I see that you have great potential to be one of us. '' The leader smiled, his sinister expression echoing in the silence of the basement. He put his hand on my shoulder, a gesture that conveys authority and acceptance. ''You will be trained by me; you will undergo a lot of training. Are you ready?

'' Yes, sir. '' My answer was firm, loaded with the promise of a future marked by determination and loyalty.

'' Well done, good boy. Welcome to the Zefinopolis mafia. But remember, child, once you're in, there's no getting out. '' His cold eyes shone with a dark promise.

''I have no intention of leaving, sir. ''My resolve was unshakeable.

He just smiled-a smile that contained both power and danger-and walked past me, leaving me with the feeling that my life would never be the same again.

From that day on, I plunged headlong into the dark and seductive world of the Zeinopolis mafia. Under the tutelage of Dante Sinclair, I learned the secrets and tricks of the underworld, becoming a valuable piece in his game of power and influence. Every day was a challenge, an opportunity to prove my loyalty and skills.

Under Dante's guidance, I became something I never imagined possible: a ruthless enforcer, capable of facing any adversity with courage and cunning. Every mission I completed was proof of my devotion to my master and to the mafia.

And alongside Dante, I not only found a boss, but also a mentor and a friend. His unwavering support and wisdom were like anchors in the storm, guiding me through the dangers and betrayals of the criminal world.

I will never regret having entered this life. For, alongside Dante Sinclair and the Zefinopolis mafia, I have found a purpose, a family and a destiny that belongs to me. And I am determined to follow this path to the end, no matter what challenges and adversities may come my way.