The Bastard's Blade

Chapter 1 I grew up as a shadow in the outlying vision of Smart Vane, a man who ruled the city’s underworld but refused to acknowledge the "bastard daughter" from a forgotten affair. To Smart, I was a liability; to me, he was a god I needed to impress. Desperate to earn a seat at his table, I decided to deliver him the one thing his empire lacked: the head of Charlotte Salvator ‎Under the alias ‘Ria,’ I traded my silk for leather and infiltrated the Salvator recruitment trials. I played the part of a cold-blooded drifter perfectly, clawing my way through the ranks until I was assigned to the inner circle’s security detail. My plan was simple: record the shipment manifests, map the safe houses, and vanish. ‎Yet the plan shattered the moment I was summoned to Charlotte's private office for a "loyalty screening." Standing by the window was Charlotte Salvatore, a woman whose reputation for cruelty was matched only by her uncanny ability to spot a lie. ‎ As she stepped into the room, she didn't look at her files. She simply turned, her dark eyes locking onto mine with a terrifying familiarity. "You have your father’s eyes, Vera," she murmured, her voice like velvet over a blade. "But you lack his talent for hiding fear." ‎ The door clicked shut behind me, and for the first time, I realized I wasn't the hunter—i was the bait. ‎ I stood glued to the floor struggling to suppress my fears and at the same time think fast about how to convince Charlotte I was on her side. Then i finally gained my voice "father"?, i chuckled, "that man is as good as dead to me and I won't rest until I see him down". Charlotte walked closely towards me, her eyes fixed on me like "an eagle targeting its lunch" she leaned near my ears and whispered, "how can I trust you huh", "mere words are nothing until placed into action". If you really hate him so much then prove it". For your own sake I hope you won't do anything silly, I've got eyes everywhere. Charlotte said, patting my shoulder. ‎ Before I could utter another word Charlotte signaled me out of her office.