Part 3Beyond the Smoke

Leo screamed, struggling wildly. "No! I want Mommy! I want Mommy!"

My fists clenched. I couldn't hold back any longer. I yelled for the house steward, snatched the pistol from his holster, and pressed the cold barrel against Anton's forehead. My hand was perfectly steady. "Anton, you lay another finger on my son, and I swear I will kill you."

He sneered. "You're pointing a gun at me with the skills I taught you?" He grabbed my hand, forcing the muzzle of the gun harder against his own temple. "Right here. Do it. Don't go soft on me now. My body has room for another bullet for you."

I stared into his blazing eyes, my finger tightening on the trigger. "Fine. Then I'll grant you your wish…"

Before I could finish, Seraphina threw herself between us, shoving me hard. She crumpled to the ground, sobbing. "No! First Lady, please, don't hurt him! Whatever he's done wrong, take it out on me!"

"My life is worthless," she cried, "but Anton has to lead the entire Syndicate! His life is more important!"

Anton ignored me and Leo completely, rushing to Seraphina's side. The fall had split her lip, and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

He lifted her into his arms and started for the door. "Sera, stop talking. Nothing is more important than your life. If she dares to touch you, I will never forgive her."

As he carried her away, Seraphina looked back over his shoulder, a triumphant smirk twisting her lips.

The nanny took Leo from my arms, her teeth clenched in anger. "First Lady, the master has gone too far! If you hadn't defied your sick father back then, if you hadn't personally led a relief team to support his flank, he never would have made it out of that ambush alive. You nearly died for him, First Lady! Why won't you let us tell him the truth? If he knew…"

I raised a hand, cutting her off. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Leo was still terrified, his little arms reaching for me. I took him and held him close.

After I got him back to his room and he'd fallen asleep, I summoned the steward.

"Take my token. Send a message to the Prince of the West Side. Tell him… I accept his offer."

The steward was one of our oldest retainers. He hesitated. "First Lady, that man's temperament is… volatile. You must think this through. Everyone knows he was trying to seize Vance territory even when your father was alive. If you agree now, he might…"

"I have my own plans," I interrupted. "Just go."

The steward had no choice but to obey.

Late that night, a commotion in the courtyard woke Leo. It was Anton, returning from the hospital with Seraphina.

I quickly sat up, pulling Leo into my arms. "Shh, it's okay. Mommy's here."

Leo was wide awake now. He burrowed into my chest, his big eyes looking up at me. "Mama, does Daddy not want us anymore?"

A pain lanced through my heart. I looked into my son's eyes and gently kissed his forehead. "You have me. That's all that matters."

He snuggled closer, his small hands clutching my shirt.

My son. Elara Vance's son. I was all he needed.

The next day, Anton came to apologize.

"I know you're still angry," he began, "but it was just an act. Sera saved my life. She was almost eaten by wolves for me. I have to show her I'm on her side."

"I've been thinking," he continued, "our son's birthday is coming up. Let's throw him a huge party. We can announce to everyone that I, Anton Ryder, have a son!"

A cold smile touched my lips. So, it begins.