Daughter Of Shadow's King

Chapter 16: Just Like Our Own

Vasileios POV

I watch as she drifts to sleep peacefully. I can't help but notice how her features match her mother’s. She's just a mini version of her mother. She reminds me of my own daughter, Linda—a perfect blend of innocence and a fiery warrior who tries to survive until the last of her strength.

The difference is that Hazel ended up in my hands, while Linda fell into the hands of brutal monsters—one who is safe, and the other who lost her life at such a young age. I look out of the car window, my fist clenched tightly as I struggle to keep my composure. I don't know why people are so harsh. How can they kill an innocent child with such a brutality. No matter how ruthless I am but I can't harm a child who never asked to be born in powerful family.

I take a deep breath and take out my phone as I dial my beloved wife, Margaret.

The phone rang once, then twice, and she picked up.

"Hello, my love. Where are you?" she asked softly, and I could feel the concern in her voice. I smile even though she can't see me.

"I'm fine, Ifemi," I said softly as I listened to her beautiful voice. After a while, I spoke up again.

"Remember I told you about Hazel," I asked her quietly to make sure Hazel stays asleep.

"Lorenzo Cassano's daughter," she asked to confirm, at which I nodded, even though she can't see me.

“Yes, Lorenzo’s daughter. I’m bringing her home,” I said softly, because I knew having a daughter had been her dream—one that was fulfilled until some monsters killed our daughter. I know it’s a sensitive topic for her, but right now I need her to look after Hazel until she’s safe and sound in her parents’ arms.

"Okay," she answered softly, and I could tell she started remembering our daughter, the one taken away from us.

“I know it won’t be easy, but you have to take care of Hazel as if she were our own. She’s suffered more than anyone her age ever should—just like Linda did. If I had been even a moment later, she would have met the same fate. I won’t let that happen again.

Inform our sons—Ezekiel, Emerick, Azazel, and Arzhel—about her. I want eyes on her at all times. No one gets close, no one touches her without our say. Do you understand me? She does not leave our protection until she is safe in her parents’ arms,” I say, my gaze fixed on Hazel as she sleeps, unaware of the danger that nearly claimed her.

"Okay I will tell them but bring her home safely, Mi amor" she said softly and I smile.

“I will. You have my word, Ifemi.” The call disconnects, and I lean back in my seat, staring out of the window. For a moment, everything is still—but my mind refuses to follow, racing through plans, fears, and the one promise I cannot afford to break.

No mistakes this time. No delays. Anyone who comes near her won’t live long enough to regret it.

I think of the times when Lorenzo and I were at war with each other. We were ready to kill each other on sight—until we both had daughters.

At first, Lorenzo thought I had abducted his daughter, but when he saw that I had my own newborn girl, he backed away. It was the first time I saw real emotion in the ruthless Mafia boss. And I knew then—he wouldn’t harm a child.

Still, I felt something close to guilt when I saw him struggling to keep his emotions in check as he searched for his daughter. He had sons too, but whoever abducted her knew exactly where to strike—Lorenzo’s only weakness.

I look at Hazel who is still sleeping peacefully. Of all people, it had to be his daughter.

A bitter exhale leaves me as my mind sharpens, already calculating every move ahead. The world she was born into would tear her apart without a second thought—and I should be the last person standing in her defense.

But not this time.

No one touches her. No one even gets close. Anyone who tries… won’t live long enough to regret it. Because if it were my daughter and Lorenzo had found her first, he would have done the same—whatever stood between him and a child would have been buried without a second thought. No hesitation, no mercy, just a father doing what had to be.