THE MAFIA REDEMPTION DANCE.

It's my 17th birthday, but there's no cake, no candles-nothing to mark the day. My parents used to celebrate it like it meant something. But they're gone now, murdered six months ago. And I've been living under the care of my uncle ever since-a man broken enough to forget what joy even looks like.

My uncle Santiago has always been a man of few words, especially since he got dismissed from his job as a dance teacher in the Elite dance academy.

That night oozed bad omen as no noise was heard in the neighborhood, which is unusual since the place never went silent.

I stood by the window as I watched my uncle who sat down in his leathered brown chair while looking at his watch and facing the door...

It was as if he were expecting someone, but the fear in his eyes gave me a hint of what to expect.

"Are you o..."

I didn't finish my words before the door was kicked open, tearing down the whole door, as the men walked through.

I tried looking at them but the only greetings they understood was gun fire, a trade of bullets happened, my uncle was outnumbered, but that did not even demotivate him.

Not only that, but I stood there shocked not knowing what to do as I couldn't even move

But my uncle stepped in and pulled me to the kitchen while dodging the bullets as he used himself as a shield for me.

"No matter what happens, do not open the door," He made me promise.

Then he kissed my forehead as usual, but he got hit by the shoulder, but he hid his pain from me.

He hid it so well.

He showed a smile though he could see blood, he closed the room quickly and stood against not allowing anyone to enter the room.

As I was in the kitchen confused, I heard him screaming, I could only hope he wasn't hit again.

"How many times did I tell you not to mess with me,"

"Mr. Castelio!" I gasped.

I was shocked to hear that voice. It's been long since I heard it, but it remained the same chilly with fear, but what did my uncle do to the underworld boss?

Mr. Castelio was not a man to be messed with, he didn't hesitate to wipe anyone off who dared mess with him. Killing was his hobby.

"Please sir!" My uncle pleaded.

I couldn't help but peep through a small crack in the kitchen door.

"Just one more week, please," my uncle pleaded again.

But pleading was useless to him, he never gave second chances nor listened to pleading, forgiving was not a word in his dictionary and he believed it would make him weak.

I saw my uncle being dragged and placed down to lie down at Castelio's feet.

"Please just one week I'll bring your money," my uncle pleaded with tears, I couldn't hold my tears anymore, but I also didn't want to make a sound less when I became his next victim.

I really wanted to help, but I was helpless.

I watched with pain as Castelio reached out for his gun and fired twice at my uncle's legs, then his heart.

Furthermore, I was unable to hold my tears anymore.

How can a man be so ruthless, how can he be so cold?

One of the men went to clean the splash of my uncle's blood on his shoes, and he adjusted his suit, walking out as if nothing had happened.

As if he had not taken the life of my only guardian alive.

And the rest of the men, just as ruthless as their boss, rained bullets at my uncle until my uncle gasped his last breath.

I couldn't hold my tears nor scream any longer.

"Stop!" I shouted.

But they didn't pay attention to me as they all walked out, leaving my uncle's lifeless body on the floor.

I quickly ran to my uncle with tears, seeing him in that state hardened my heart.

If tears could bring him back that day, he would come back to life.

My hands and body were soaked with blood, but I didn't care. I knelt in front of my uncle to kiss his forehead for the last time before I fled for my safety.

I was selfish, I know, but I had nothing to fight Castelio with. It was useless reporting because the man was using police officers like the pawns at his own will.

I sneaked out while shaking out of fear, his men were everywhere, and I had to be careful.

I sat down at the bus station, not knowing what or where to go, still burdened with the guilt of cowardice that took over me that I couldn't step in to help my uncle.

He had sacrificed so much for me and at the time he needed me the most, I ran abandoning him and that's something I can never forgive myself.

"Zara right?"

I looked at the man who was talking to me, but the least of my worries was a stranger trying to pronounce my name.

"I can help you," He spoke again, catching my attention.

"Help," I laughed because nothing could help me unless the Almighty performed miracles like I always read in the book called 'bible'.

"Don't you want to avenge your parents and uncle murder," He spoke, and now he had all my attention.

I looked at him with my eyes lit up.

He handed me over a poster written 'The Elite Dance Competition'.

I immediately threw the paper away.

"I'm not going back there!" I spoke bitterly.

I used to dance for them but when I discovered that the school was run by the Castelio's, the same man who killed my parents and the man I was dating then Matteo, I quit leaving anything that connected me to that family away.

"I understand your bitterness, but the only way to defeat your enemies is to keep them close," He whispered.

"Picture you taking down the whole family and their empire like they did yours, and inflicting them with the same pain that you feel even worse," He spoke.

Those words pierced through my heart as a light of hope flickered in my eyes.

I had nothing to live for nor to lose, and the idea of living just to see the Castelio empire crumbling down had me.

"How do I do that?" I finally gained courage.

"By this,"

He spoke, giving me the same poster again.

"First you enter the competition because, from my point of view, it is just a charade to hide something from the authorities. Your job will be to gather information, especially from Matteo..."

"I broke up with the idiot,"

"Well then, darling," he said, touching my hair.

"You go back after all, if you pulled him the first time you can the second time," He said.

"I didn't tell you that,"

"Well my dear, I know everything there is to know about you," He said, standing up.

"My assistant will always be looking after you," He said, leaving.

"What is your name?" I yelled.

"Sultan," He spoke.

Did I just speak to the leader of the opposition gang without knowing?

The moment I stepped into the school, the atmosphere changed. No longer the naive girl I was, not the happy Zara that left the school three years ago, but something different and dark.

At the heart of all attention was Matteo, seated gracefully while surrounded by women.

He seemed a lot more different-he had grown in a good way, his physique more defined, his face looking innocent yet dangerous, but as usual, prideful and boastful.

I didn't understand what led to our breakup, but I had already accepted the fate.

It seemed like my presence went unnoticed, as he didn't even turn his head to look at me. But I could only pity the girls-if only they knew the man he was. Nothing impressed him. But I'd love to see them try. I knew him too well to expect anything different.

I walked down the academy halls and straight to my dorm, where I met my roommate Agatha. Nothing seemed to have changed about her-still lively and always recording-as she welcomed me with a camera in my face.

"Look who's back, guys!" she said excitedly.

But I didn't have the time. I only needed rest, since I hadn't had any for days.

I could tell my actions were seen as arrogance to her by the facial expression.

I was drowning in sleep but the room was so busy, my roommate's footsteps could be heard everywhere, making it difficult to sleep.

"Could you just stay in one place," I yelled my lungs out to her since I had had enough?

"Relax girl,"

"Easy for you to say you're not the one being hunted, are you," I whispered under my breath.

"It's the selection day, so I'm surprised that you're sleeping!" She said,

How could I have forgotten, I quickly rushed down to the bathroom but when I came out she was already gone, I had no time to look around as I reached out to change and quickly rushed down out?

I walked into the training room and there he was, Mr. Varane looked at me like he was waiting for me.

"I'm... sorry," I said, bowing my head out of shame.

"Tell me, Missy, is it your habit to pop up late or just wanting the spotlight?" He spoke so coldly, but I had nothing to say back since he was right.

"Get in line and don't waste any of my time,"

I quickly rushed down to see the girls and boys wearing their ballet clothes. It was a tough competition, but I had to win no negotiations.

I stepped into the room and two female judges entered the room and sat gracefully next to Mr. Varane.

"Music!" Mr. Varane commanded, and suddenly the room went dark as the spotlight shone on the first candidate.

"Get off my stage!" Mr. Varane talked again, and the girl went down the stage crying.

"Disqualified, next time do better," One of the female judges spoke coldly.

Couldn't they find a softer way of speaking to her, but that didn't matter to them?

"Next," they called again.

I had the same words for the next hour and the same music for the last hour and a half, and I was honestly getting tired as I was the last candidate.

As I was trying to make myself comfortable.

"Next," He commanded, and this time it was my turn.

I walked to the stage nervously. I've done this before and even won two trophies at the academy, but this time it was different. Not only that, but I wasn't Their ally but an enemy.

Furthermore, I started dancing, and my spirit felt free as my body moved to the rhythm of the music. For the first time, I felt it... freedom.... I felt myself not the bitter Zara, but for the first time I was myself.

I broke down to tears as I told my story through dance, my vulnerability took place and I remembered the reason I started to dance in the first place.

It was for joy. Then suddenly the music stopped, and the heavy light fell on me.

No amusement showed Mr. Varane's face, but I could tell I impressed the other judges, but the hands clapped, Matteo's.

What is he doing here? I thought he didn't notice me?

He clapped so softly but gracefully enough just to make me give a courtesy.

"The results will be announced in the evening, good luck Zara," the female judge spoke with a smile and I walked out of the stage.

I could feel his footsteps behind me, but I didn't care as I increased my speed to get away from him, but it was no use.

He was faster than me. Suddenly a hand pulled me and pinned me in the wall, getting close to me, not giving me space to breathe.

"Your stubbornness was one of the reasons I fell in love with you," He whispered in my ear.

"If I knew, I would have chosen to be softer," I spoke out of disgust, but he interpreted it as playing hard to get.

"Like I said, your stubbornness," He said, then reduced his grasp towards me.

"If I may ask, why is the queen of dance back," he whispered.

"I missed the culture," I lied.

"Lie... you can't lie even if you tried your eyes to tell the truth," He spoke softly.

There was something about the way he spoke that made me soft and just wanted me to reach up and kiss me, memories of our past resurfaced, but I had to fight it.

There was no way I was getting in a relationship with a son of someone who wiped my family out.

"Let me go now!" I said, finally regaining my confidence back.

He smiled, letting me go, and finally, I gained the confidence to walk away, but I could feel his eyes all around me as I walked away.

Back at the dorm, I sat down holding the picture of my parents and my uncle and I couldn't help but break down

Especially for my uncle, that I didn't get the time to even give him a decent burial.

I could feel the anger of his spirit looking down at me, but I was here to avenge all of them.

"Zara, the results are out!" I heard the shout and excitement outside my roommate.

I wiped my tears and gathered my courage to go down to the hallway where all the competitors struggled to look for them. Their names, some were excited, some were crying as they hugged themselves.

I didn't have to check further before I saw my name and was stationed in Mr. Varane class. I didn't know if I was happy or sad, but one thing was sure.

Let the game begin!

The first dance class had just ended, and while everyone else went off to socialize, not me. I had more important things to do-like planning how to get close to Matteo for the information I needed, even though my heart was heavy.

I went back to the room and pulled out my family album, hoping it would give me the motivation I needed. But tears fell uncontrollably as I stared at the wedding photo of my parents-the only picture I managed to save that fateful night.

The burnt edges were enough proof of the explosion that had taken everything.

My father was a loyal employee of the Castelio family, working as a financial advisor, while my mother worked as a stylist for Viviana. Our families had a great bond, and that's how Matteo and I met-as friends. But it blossomed into something spectacular.

From sneaking out to parties, to helping each other with assignments... I still remember the day I messed up badly and he took the punishment for me. He even stood up to my bullies back in high school.

We did everything together-even learned to dance, which led us to this dance school in the first place.

But everything changed the day Mr. Castelio found out my father had discovered his embezzlement and had even gathered files of evidence against every crime he committed.

My father had no choice but to flee, taking us with him for our safety. But no one hides from the Castelio family-not for long. They had eyes everywhere. I tried writing letters to Matteo, but no reply. He didn't even pick up my calls.

Until one night, while we were sitting down to dinner, I heard my dog Becky barking ferociously outside. I went to check-just a few steps, while my parents smiled at each other at the table.

Barely ten seconds after I stepped outside, the explosion hit. It threw me nearly five meters away, slamming me against a tree.

I woke up in a hospital bed. My uncle was beside me, sleeping in a chair, clearly having stayed by my side for long. My hands were in plaster.

Physically, I recovered thanks to my uncle. But mentally, I never did. I even refused to dance again-the steps reminded me too much of the Castelios.

I hated them. I still do.

And that hate drives me. I will go to any length to see them fall.

I wiped my tears away, refusing to let anyone witness my weakness. When I sat up, I noticed Agatha standing there. I hadn't even realized when she entered the dorm. But it wasn't time for chit-chat.

It was time to get Matteo's attention. And what better way than reminding him who I used to be?

For the first time in three years, I took off my hoodie.

Would you look at that-my teenage body had blossomed, and I hadn't even noticed. I put on a short skirt and a crop top, just like I used to.

But I had forgotten how to do my hair and makeup.

"Would you help me?" I asked softly, looking at Agatha.

"Where are your manners, girl?" she said, walking over to the dressing table.

"Please," I said.

She smiled and didn't hesitate. She started doing my hair and makeup. When she finally turned me toward the mirror, I could barely recognize myself. I was beautiful-but my eyes were empty. Lonely.

"I hope this isn't because of Matteo," she said as she adjusted my hair. "He's... he's seeing someone."

I wasn't expecting that.

"Who?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Selene," she whispered, as if scared someone might hear her.

But I knew one thing for sure-Selene was no match for me. I didn't know her. I'd never met her. But she wasn't going to stand between me and my mission. Even if I had to lose my dignity to get Matteo, I would.

I walked out of the dorm, full of determination. As expected, Matteo was surrounded by girls-but that didn't discourage me. I was beautiful now, and I knew it.

When I reached where he sat, I took the chair opposite him, crossing my legs and sitting with just enough seduction to make sure he saw me. I pulled out my lip gloss and began applying it with a small mirror.

Through the mirror, I saw it-his eyes were on me.

Exactly what I wanted.

But I wouldn't give in so easily. I wanted him to chase me. So I stood up and, with a classic move, dropped my lip gloss on purpose and walked away, hoping he'd take the bait.

But Matteo might be ruthless, just not foolish. I didn't hear any footsteps.

Frustrated, I headed to the bathroom.

That's when I heard footsteps-and smelled a heavy, rich cologne. One that awakened too many memories.

A knock. Twice. Then the door opened-he didn't wait for an invitation.

He stepped forward. I tried to stay busy, pretend he wasn't there, but then he stood behind me. I could see him clearly through the mirror.

"What do you really want?" he asked.

"I don't remember saying I needed anything," I replied, trying to keep my cool.

He turned me around, and I stumbled into his chest.

"Now can you answer me?" he repeated, his eyes more sincere than I expected.

"Like I said, I came to dance," I said simply.

Then he leaned closer, his breath warm near my ear.

"This school isn't safe for you," he whispered. "You need to leave."

"I did leave three years ago and ended up being hunted instead," I snapped, tears threatening to fall.

"I can't protect you anymore... So please. Just leave. At least wait," he said.

From his voice, I could tell-he knew something. Something he wasn't saying.

This wasn't the time to corner him. I had to be patient.

I stood on my toes and kissed him lightly on the chin. When he tried to close the gap, I turned my face away and walked out.

At the door, someone was waiting.

Viviana Castelio.

Always graceful, always in black. A woman who wore power like perfume.

"Well... so the rumors are true," she said, her voice as cold and commanding as ever.

"I didn't know you listened to rumors," I replied, summoning my courage.

"Welcome back. Be safe," she said as she turned to walk away.

"Always watch your back," I muttered, heading in the opposite direction.

I was playing with danger-and I was very ready for it.