E M E L I A N A
“That’s pretty much everything,” I say as I close the final folder and slide it back into place on the desk, the soft thud echoing faintly in the office. I have spent the last hour walking Emelio through every alliance, every rivalry, every property and business contract that now falls under my name, and even as I speak with authority, I am aware of how strange it still feels to hear my own voice laying out strategy as if I have been doing this my whole life.
“This seems manageable,” Emelio says, and I glance up at him, trying to read his tone, but his expression remains composed, arms crossed over his chest as he walks slowly along the length of the bookshelf, eyes scanning the spines without really seeing them.
“You think so?” I scoff lightly, studying him from my chai
