Chapter 6 - The Unmasking at the Harbor
The Great Council Chamber was illuminated by high arched windows framing the fog-draped harbor below. At the head of a massive marble table sat Don Salieri—an elderly man with sunken eyes, expensive suit, and a cane topped with a silver snake head. Around him sat the commanders of the six major district families.
"Roman," Salieri rasped, a cruel smile spreading across his withered face. "You bring chaos into our sanctuary. Last night, your estate was attacked, blood was spilled, and rumors abound that you married a ghost."
"I married the rightful heir of this city, Salieri," Roman announced, his voice ringing through the cavernous chamber like a battle cry.
Whispers broke out among the council members. Salieri chuckled darkly, tapping his cane against the marble floor. "A seamstress with a scarred face? A bastard child raised in poverty? Victor Valente’s bloodline died in the flames twenty years ago! She is a fraud cooked up by you to claim absolute dictatorship over the harbor!"
Clara stepped forward, dropping Roman’s arm. The entire room fell silent as the supposedly timid bride walked directly toward the council table.
"You recognize this, don't you, Salieri?" Clara said in a strong, unwavering voice. She reached up and unbuttoned the top collar of her velvet dress, pulling down the fabric on her left shoulder to reveal the birthmark—now fully cleansed of the artificial chemical disguise her mother had used.
May you like
Salieri’s smile vanished instantly. His pale eyes widened in sheer terror.
"And you certainly recognize this," Roman added, walking up beside her and throwing the ancient Valente crest pendant onto the center of the table. It slid across the polished stone and landed directly in front of Salieri. "The seal of Victor Valente. Given to my father for safekeeping on the night you set fire to the Valente estate."
