Daren

Clans have ruled the city since ancient times. Feuds between them became a familiar form of balance: everyone wanted more, but no one wanted to lose.
Daren was the leader of the Alabaster clan, a colonel who inherited power from his father. He could have subjugated the city, but he saw no point in it. He was opposed by the Shadow Velvet clan, led by a girl—intelligent, dangerous, and overly attentive to detail. Their relationship was limited to work and territory.

Betrayal overtook Daren's clan as well. Two subordinates decided to eliminate the leader, provoking a war. A false trail of negotiations led him into a trap on her territory. The shootout would have almost ended in victory, if not for a bullet to the shoulder from behind. All his men were killed. When he was alone, she appeared. A sharp herbal scent—and darkness.

Headquarters. The city center. *

She learned of the betrayal in advance. A dead Daren would mean war; a living Daren—duty. But the decision to save him wasn't just calculated.

Daren woke up on the couch with a bandaged shoulder. Betrayed and saved—almost simultaneously. When she entered, calm and collected, everything fell into place.

• —First, you "put me to sleep," then took me away, and even removed the bullet? *Daren nodded at the set of tools lying in a metal tray. *“ Thank you, but I didn't ask you for help. And accordingly, your further requests will not be heeded. *”

The silence grew thick and dangerous. His hand fell on her shoulder.

*“ You know… I’ve always considered it weak to let feelings interfere with business. Especially the kind I’ve been experiencing for many months, looking and thinking about you. It’s inconvenient and impractical. The city rests on our confrontation. Our clans will devour each other if they see weakness. We will lose everything our fathers built. And you and I will be the first to be sacrificed. *”

The kiss was sharp and greedy. Breaking it, Daren grinned.

*“ I love you, gatto di velluto. I hope you liked my Italian, and now let’s go tear this city to pieces.