The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 2: A Vow for Vengeance

Nathaniel Moretti stood atop the rooftop of the luxurious hotel that he owned. From this vantage point, he surveyed the bustling city below, a kingdom built upon greed, power, and secrets. As the leader of the Moretti Mafia cartel, Nathaniel knew these streets like the back of his hand. But it was not his childhood memories that occupied his thoughts; it was the burning desire for vengeance.

Nathaniel had been orphaned at a young age, left to fend for himself in the harsh streets of Brooklyn. It was during those desperate times that he had caught the attention of Salvatore Moretti, a feared mafia cartel leader. Recognizing the spark of potential within the young boy, Salvatore had taken him in, adopting him as his own.

Under Salvatore's tutelage, Nathaniel had learned the art of manipulation, the power of loyalty, and the unforgiving nature of their world. He had risen through the ranks, earning the respect and fear of those around him. But it all came crashing down one fateful night when Nathaniel was just a teenager.

The details of that night were etched into Nathaniel's memory like a scar he couldn't forget. Salvatore had been lured into a trap by rival factions seeking to claim dominance over their territory. In a hail of bullets, Salvatore fell, leaving a void that Nathaniel was ill-prepared to fill. The weight of leadership had been thrust upon him, and with it, the insatiable thirst for vengeance.

Descending from the rooftop, Nathaniel stepped into the opulent lobby of the hotel. The grand chandeliers cast a warm glow upon the marble floors, reflecting the polished elegance that hid the illicit dealings beneath the surface. As he made his way through the lobby, the enchanting sound of a violin reached his ears, weaving its way through the air.

Nathaniel paused, a crooked grin tugging at the corners of his lips as he listened to the melodious strains of the music. The rhythm captivated him, momentarily drawing him away from the dark thoughts that consumed him. Curiosity piqued, he followed the sound, leading him to a small lounge tucked away in a corner of the hotel.

There, on a small stage, stood Alannah, a blind violinist, lost in her own world as her fingers danced across the strings. The music she created was like a spell, casting its enchantment upon all who listened. Nathaniel found himself swaying to the rhythm, unable to tear his gaze away from her graceful movements.

He leaned against a nearby pillar, his expression relaxed as he soaked in the music. His brooding nature momentarily gave way to a sense of ease, a respite from the relentless pursuit of vengeance. The music offered a brief escape, a reminder that beauty could still exist amidst the chaos of their world.

But duty called, and Nathaniel reluctantly tore his gaze away from the captivating performance. As he walked through the hotel, his lieutenant, Marco, approached him, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Nathaniel, I see you've discovered Alannah," Marco said, his voice filled with amusement.

Nathaniel chuckled, his voice low and casual. "Yeah, Marco. The girl has talent. Her music cuts through the noise of this damn city."

Marco nodded, his eyes reflecting a shared understanding. "True, boss. It's like she's speaking a language we can all understand, even without words."

Nathaniel's gaze turned serious as he met Marco's eyes. "But we can't let distractions get in the way, Marco. We have unfinished business to attend to. Salvatore's killers won't rest easy until we make them pay."

Marco's expression hardened, his loyalty shining through. "Don't worry, boss. We'll bring them to their knees. Nobody messes with the Moretti family and gets away with it."

A hint of a smile played on Nathaniel's lips. "That's the spirit, Marco. Let's get our ducks in a row. We strike tonight, and we strike hard."

As Marco nodded and went to carry out his orders, Nathaniel's calm demeanor masked the fire that burned within him. The desire for vengeance fueled his every move, propelling him forward with a relentless determination. The memory of Alannah's music lingered, a bittersweet reminder of the fragile beauty that existed alongside the darkness he embraced.

The stage was set, and Nathaniel would stop at nothing to ensure that those who had taken his father from him would pay the ultimate price. The streets would tremble under the weight of his retribution, and no one would stand in his way.