Sophia's POV
I stood in the mirror, adjusting the black dress I'd chosen for what Vito had ominously called an "initiation ceremony." The fabric felt like mourning clothes against my skin, which seemed appropriate given the graphic descriptions he'd provided about what happened to traitors in his family.
Bodies found in the river with their tongues cut out.
His words echoed in my mind, making my hands tremble as I tried to fasten the pearl necklace that had belonged to my mother. Three attempts, and I still couldn't get the clasp to work properly.
"Here, let me help you with that."
I turned to find Emily in the doorway, her pregnant belly making her movements careful as she approached. Relief flooded through me at the sight of her familiar, kind face.
"Emily! I didn't know you'd be h
