Chapter 6 - The Oath of BloodThe High Commission convened in a subterranean marble chamber hidden beneath the historic San Francisco Mint.
The air was cold, smelling of ancient stone and burning beeswax candles.
Seated in a semi-circle at a high oak bench were five old men—the heads of the five syndicate families that controlled the West Coast. Surrounding them were fifty armed guards, their hands resting on concealed holsters.
Damien stepped into the center of the chamber, his posture regal and imposing. Ethan and I walked two steps behind him.
I wore a sharp, tailored black suit, my hair pulled back into a sleek, flawless knot. I carried myself with my head held high, refusing to let them see the terror burning in my chest.
"Damien Moretti," the lead Commissioner, a blind old man named Vane, spoke, his raspy voice echoing off the stone walls. "You stand before the Commission accused of harboring an illegitimate heir, holding a boss of the five families captive, and disturbing the peace of San Francisco."
"Julian Vance tried to murder my daughter in a hospital," Damien announced, his voice booming through the hall. "I did not break the peace. I eliminated a dog."
Murmurs echoed through the dark chamber.
"Is this the girl?" Commissioner Vane asked, turning his blind eyes toward me.
"I am Ava Moretti," I said, stepping forward before Damien could answer for me. My voice was strong, resonant, and unwavering.
The Commissioners leaned forward, eyeing me like hawks.
"A name is easily spoken, child," Vane sneered softly. "The blood of the Moretti family has ruled this city for a hundred years. If you claim that name, you must prove you carry its steel."
Vane gestured to a guard, who brought forward an antique wooden box. He opened it to reveal a silver ceremonial dagger and a heavy gold signet ring bearing the Moretti crest—a raven wrapping its wings around a sword.
"The Oath of Blood," Vane declared. "You slice your palm, spill your blood upon the ledger of the five families, and swear to defend the Moretti territory with your life. But hear this: once your blood touches that book, you are bound to our law. If you fail, the penalty is death."
Damien turned his head slightly toward me, whispering under his breath, "You don't have to do this, Ava. I can fight them."
I looked at Damien. For the first time, I didn't just see the terrifying mob boss—I saw a father who had carried the crushing guilt of losing us for twenty-seven years.
I looked at Ethan, who gave me a single, firm nod of absolute trust.
I stepped up to the ceremonial altar.
Without hesitating for a single second, I picked up the silver dagger. I held my left palm over the ancient leather ledger, pressed the sharp blade against my skin, and sliced across my palm!
A line of crimson blood pooled in my hand.
I slammed my bleeding palm onto the open page of the ledger, leaving a deep, crimson handprint across the ancient paper!
"I swear by the blood in my veins," I declared, looking the five Commissioners dead in their eyes, "that I am Ava Moretti. And if any man in this room touches my family, my mother, or my territory... I will burn his world to ash."
Silence fell over the chamber, absolute and suffocating.
Commissioner Vane stared at the bloody ledger, then slowly smiled, revealing a row of yellowed teeth.
"The blood is spoken," Vane declared, raising his wooden gavel. "The heir is recognized!"
He slammed the gavel down—BANG!
Before the echoes died down, the heavy iron doors at the rear of the chamber were blown off their hinges by a massive explosive charge!
BOOM!
Dust and stone fragments rained down on the room as smoke billowed through the entrance!
May you like
A dozen men wearing tactical gear, led by Julian Vance’s son—Marcus Vance—surrounded the gallery, firing automatic weapons into the air!
"The Commission is dead!" Marcus shouted, aiming his assault rifle at the bench! "The Vance family takes the city today!"
