Page 111 of Iron Roses
A message scrolls at the bottom of the screen:
To all acknowledged families. Private distribution only.
Guillermo’s voice comes through, clear, formal.
“After careful deliberation and consultation with our respected ally, Fausto Fontanesi, I am honored to announce my forthcoming union with the Fontanesi heir, Elaria. She, like many, bears her father's sins. Oreste was judged, and judged harshly. But his daughter—his legacy—deserves restoration.”
He looks directly into the camera.
“This alliance between the Valosi and Fontanesi families marks a new direction for Melbourne’s order. We seek unity. Growth. And the erasure of old debts.”
A brief nod from Fausto behind him.
Guillermo’s voice lowers slightly.
“She begins again. With protection. With purpose. With me. I hope for your support and blessings as we begin this new chapter.”
The television goes black.
Then Allegra’s voice breaks the stillness. “Guillermo has the power. This was Fausto’s plan all along. That’s why he took her.”
The echo of Guillermo's speech lingers like smoke in the room.
Allegra hasn’t moved. Her arms are folded, eyes still locked on the blank screen.
There is a knock on the door and Lorenzo stands straight. A man enters wearing no insignia.
Two men follow him. Armed. They remain near the door, hands near their jackets but not reaching. They are here to be seen, not used.
“Cassian Rivetti?”
His voice is smooth but practiced.
Lorenzo steps forward first. “Who’s asking?”
The man barely glances at him. His focus never leaves me.
“I’m Maddox. I speak for the council of families.” He continues. “You’ve been summoned.” Maddox’s tone stays calm. “There’s a session in two days. Attendance is mandatory. The vote came through this morning.” Maddox shifts the envelope between his fingers. “Your uncle submitted a motion for removal.”
It doesn’t matter that he’s in a hospital bed. That his right eye may never open again. From a gurney, he still found a pen.
The families working with the Rivettis made up the council. Dante must have gotten in their ear somehow.
Maddox waits.
“I no longer answer to the Council.”
A gasp escapes Allegra and Lorenzo looks at me, stunned. My voice sounds foreign even to me, it’s the first time I have heard it in years.
A flash of surprise passes his face but he asks, “So you’ll stand alone.”
“The families that want to work with us can. The ones that don’t—we won’t miss them.”
“I’ll let them know.”
He turns. The two men follow. Their footsteps fade down the hall. The door shuts behind them with a quiet click.
“We’re going to get her,” I say.
