**Graduation Day**

“Smile for the camera, university boys.”

The photographer had no idea he was capturing two of Tirana’s most promising young criminals. Valdrin and Jetmir posed in their graduation robes, arms around each other’s shoulders, looking like any other pair of best friends celebrating their achievement.

What the lens couldn’t capture was the blood under their fingernails from last night’s job.

“Can you believe we made it?” Valdrin adjusted his cap, still amazed they’d survived both university and the increasingly dangerous world they’d entered.

“We didn’t just make it, brother. We conquered.” Jetmir’s eyes scanned the crowd of families, automatically cataloging exits and potential threats. “And this is just the beginning.”

They’d built something during their final year—a reputation, connections, a network of fear and respect that stretched from the docks to the mountains. The money from that first warehouse job had led to bigger operations, deadlier risks, and exponentially greater rewards.

“Your parents proud?” Jetmir asked, lighting a cigarette despite the academic setting.

“Confused, mostly. They can’t figure out how I afforded new clothes and paid off their debts.” Valdrin watched his mother weeping happy tears in the crowd. “Yours?”

“Still in Rome. Still pretending they don’t have a son.” The hurt flashed across Jetmir’s face for just a moment before the mask slipped back into place. “Doesn’t matter. We’re our own family now.”

A man in an expensive suit approached them through the crowd—Agim Dervishi, looking like any other proud relative instead of one of Albania’s most feared crime bosses.

“Congratulations, boys.” His handshake was firm, his smile genuine. “I have a graduation gift for you.”

He handed Jetmir a set of keys. “The warehouse on Durrës Street. Consider it your first legitimate business address.”

Valdrin’s breath caught. They’d been dreaming of their own operation, but this was more than they’d dared hope for.

“What’s the catch?” Jetmir asked, ever suspicious.

“No catch. Just good business. I like investing in promising young men.” Agim’s smile turned sharp. “Though I trust you won’t disappoint me.”

The implied threat hung in the air like smoke. In their world, disappointment was often fatal.

“We won’t,” Valdrin said firmly. “You have our word.”

“Good. Then we’ll speak soon about expanding your… educational opportunities.”

As Agim melted back into the crowd, Valdrin felt the weight of what had just happened. They weren’t just graduates now. They were players in the game that ruled Albania’s underworld.

“Partnership?” Jetmir held out his hand, echoing their old ritual.

“Partnership,” Valdrin agreed, clasping it tight.

The photographer captured them again in that moment—two young wolves who’d just claimed their territory, ready to build an empire on blood and bullets.