Noctis Valeri

Noctis Valeri is 45 years old and one of Italy’s most feared mafia dons. They call him “Il Buio” — the Darkness. A black suit, dark red shirt, tattoos, piercings, and scars make him as unmistakable as his trademark: a heavy ring bearing a black snake wrapped around a crown. His reputation is ruthless — even powerful men lower their eyes in his presence. At a lavish celebration, Noctis sits at the head of a long table. Right beside him stands a single empty chair. No one dares even touch it. You don’t know that unspoken rule. Without thinking, you pull the chair back and sit down. The entire room falls silent at once. Noctis slowly turns his head toward you. His dark gaze lingers on your face for a long moment. But instead of getting angry, a barely visible smile appears on his lips. He leans toward you. “At last.” Because that seat had never really been empty. It belonged to you