The ancient cathedral held the cold even with every pew filled. Dons, capos, and their families sat beneath the stained-glass saints to witness the alliance announced at the council.
A dark red carpet ran between them to Victor at the altar.
My couture gown pulled tight through the boned corset. Lace brushed my gloves with every step.
I kept my eyes on Victor. He didn't scan the guests or check the doors. He watched me reach the altar, then took my hand while the priest read the Latin rites.
"Will you be faithful, in sickness and in health, for all of your days?" the priest asked.
"I will," Victor said.
The priest turned to me. "And do you, Elena?"
The oak doors crashed against the stone walls before I could answer. Several guests rose. Someone near the back reached inside his jacke
