"Exactly. Everyone across the underworld knows the Don fell for Lady Seraphina at first sight. What are you? You're not even fit to be compared to her."

"The Don stands above every Family in the country. Of course there are shameless little tramps like this civilian crawling around, dreaming of climbing into his bed. My lady, we should make an example of her today. Send a message, and crush those delusions once and for all."

"That's right. Let every shameless wretch out there know that the Don's woman is not a title just anyone can claim."

Every one of them spoke with razor-edged malice, their eyes burning with a hatred so sharp it seemed they wanted to tear me apart where I lay.

I kept my expression grave. "You should go ask the Don himself who I am."

Seraphina lifted her chin, contempt dripping from every pore.

"You, a common outsider who snuck into the Forbidden Wing, think you're worthy of me inquiring about your identity?"

"I am the one closest to the Don's heart. I am Don Castellano's most treasured daughter. What are you? You think your status could ever compare to mine?"

She let her gaze drift across the darkened hall, the reinforced walls, the heavy silence that lived in this part of the estate. Her voice turned soft, almost idle.

"This wing is far too gloomy. It could use a splash of red."

The Castellano soldiers understood instantly. One by one, they drew their belts free, the leather hissing through the loops.

And they lashed into me without mercy.

I was flesh and bone with no Family behind me, no soldiers, no name. I had no way to withstand an assault from this many of them at once.

I was beaten to the ground, curled into myself, my skin split open in ribbons of blood.

Through the blinding agony, I locked both hands over my belly and screamed with everything I had left:

"Stop! I am the Don's wife!"

At those words, the Castellano soldiers froze mid-strike.

Seraphina stood off to the side, eyes narrowing as she studied me.

"What did you just say? That you're the Don's wife?"

I met her gaze without flinching. "That's right. If Dominic Valente finds out what you've done to me, none of you will walk away from this."

I laid the truth bare, certain that Seraphina would stop.

Instead, they burst out laughing in unison.

"This filthy civilian has lost her mind! She actually thinks she's the Don's wife?"