I needed a weapon—something, anything—to give me a fighting chance to escape. I couldn't just rot away in this cell, waiting for Speranza and her followers to haul me out for the kill. Desperation crept in, and almost unconsciously, my thoughts drifted to Alitos.

Was anyone from the resistance even looking for me? Why would they? After all, Alessandro had grown stronger, his ranks bolstered after my deal with Stefano. He didn’t need me anymore, as harsh as it was to admit. He had ...