“You like that idea, don’t you? Our families will be joined forever, and the Monti name will disappear. When I’m done with her, your daughter won’t even remember you.” Desmond started toward my dad. “But enough talk. It’s your turn to say goodbye to this world.” All he had to do was nod, and the men next to my dad took their aim and fired. Someone was wailing, and it was the most terrible sound I’d ever heard—so full of pain, sadness, and anguish. It took me a moment to realize that sound was coming from me.

“Shut up!” Desmond turned toward me, annoyance flashing across his face. “Take her away,” he said to the man holding me.

The man had to lift me into his arms because I was in no condition to walk. As he carried me to the door, the grisly scene around me seared itself into my brain. I had no idea where he was taking me, but I didn’t want to go anywhere. I wanted to stay with my family where I belonged, so I curled my fingers into fists and banged on his shoulders.

It did me no good, since he was much stronger than I was. But when we neared one of the black vans parked outside, someone jumped out from the shadows. It was too dark for me to see what was going on, but at first, I was falling, and then strong hands grabbed me.

“Arianna, it’s okay,” Hugo whispered into my ear, and then he broke into a run with me in his arms. “You’re going to be fine.”

“I want my mom and dad,” I choked out. “Please.”

“Shh. Don’t cry. We have to get out of here.”

I pressed my face against his chest and cried harder. After what seemed like an eternity, Hugo set me down on my feet and placed his hands on my shoulders.

“Arianna, look at me,” he said, and I met his gaze. There was blood on the side of his head. “You’re the last Monti, and as long as you’re still breathing, the Ezzatis won’t win.”

“I don’t want to... I don’t...” How did he expect me to live without my family? I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t.

“Your family needs you to stay strong. One day you’ll avenge their deaths.”

A word formed in my mind and invaded my whole being.

Revenge.

Chapter 2

Now

“WHAT DOES IT feel like to see your sons die one by one?” I hissed into Desmond’s ear as I painfully gripped his hair. On the wall in front of us, a live feed was playing.