28
DANTE
Contrary to popular belief, there was no blood exchanged in the swearing in ceremony. The vows to my sworn family were awash with the spirit of Drago ancestors. From this day forward, I’d swear obedience to the Don, assist all other families in the syndicate—and avenge an attack on our family, no questions asked.
Instead of blood dripping from Zio’s hand, he spilled a gentle sprinkle of water from the watering can onto the earth surrounding the newly planted tree. “Loyalty makes a family, Dante. You’re a dutiful nephew, grandson, and now you have the Don’s blessing, and that of the consigliere and your captains. Omerta: never betray your code of silence.”
I repeated the vows to protect my family and my friends after Zio. The vow of loyalty until death. My father kept it until
