WHISPERING ECHOES
323 Words
The days that followed settled into an uneasy rhythm.
I worked.
Julian ruled.
And somewhere between those two worlds, something changed.
The commanders of the Blackwood syndicate began coming to my studio.
At first, they didn't trust me.
They saw me as a prisoner.
A mysterious girl kept inside their Don's fortress.
Then they saw what my ink could do.
I carved protective runes into their skin.
Some strengthened their bodies.
Others sharpened their senses.
Some were designed to protect against weapons.
The first time one of Julian's commanders returned from a gunfight without a single wound, everything changed.
Word spread.
The tattoo artist wasn't ordinary.
She was Fate Weaver blood.
The woman who could change luck with a needle.
They began calling me something.
The Queen of Ink.
I hated the title at first.
Then I realized I had earned it.
One evening, a thunderstorm shook the manor.
Lightning illuminated the stained-glass windows.
I was cleaning my silver needles when the door opened.
Julian walked inside.
He looked exhausted.
His coat was soaked.
"What's wrong?"
"The Viper Clan."
I stopped.
"They're mobilizing."
"For what?"
"War."
He removed his coat.
"They know the curse didn't kill me."
My stomach tightened.
"And they know about me?"
"Yes."
I looked toward the window.
"How long?"
"Maybe days."
"Then we need more soldiers."
"We have them."
"More weapons."
"We have them."
"More protection."
His eyes met mine.
"We have you."
I frowned.
"I'm not a weapon."
"No."
He stepped closer.
"You're more dangerous."
I almost smiled.
"That's supposed to comfort me?"
"It should."
Thunder exploded outside.
Julian looked toward the dark sky.
"They will come for this manor."
"And you?"
"I'll be waiting."
His voice became colder.
"I'll burn this entire city to the ground before I let anyone lay a finger on you."
I stared at him.
"Don't say things like that."
"Why?"
"Because I might start believing you."
His expression softened.
"Maybe you should.
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