Chapter 6 - The Descent
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The mansion possessed a private, mirrored elevator at the end of the long upstairs hallway, installed years ago for moving heavy antique furniture. Tonight, it would serve a much darker purpose.
Matteo wheeled himself out of his bedroom, the rubber tires of his chair completely silent on the thick Persian carpet. Elena walked a few paces behind him. She didn't push the chair. She was just present, a silent, unyielding shadow at his back.
When they reached the elevator, Elena stepped forward and pressed the call button. The doors slid open with a soft chime.
Matteo rolled himself inside, positioning his chair to face the heavy steel doors. Elena stepped in beside him and hit the button for the ground floor.
As the elevator began its slow descent, the mirrored walls reflected Matteo’s image back at him. For the first time in three months, he didn't hate what he saw. He saw the cold, dead eyes of a killer. He saw the monster the city feared.
The bullet had taken his legs, but it hadn't touched his fangs.
The music from the ballroom grew louder with every passing second. He could hear the distinct sound of a cello, the clinking of expensive glassware, the booming voice of Lorenzo Viti telling a joke, and the enchanting, deceitful laugh of Celeste.
Matteo rested his hands casually on the armrests of his chair, perfectly concealing the burning fury beneath his calm exterior.
“Are you afraid, Elena?” Matteo asked quietly, not breaking his gaze from the reflection in the door.
“No,” Elena replied evenly. “Are you?”
A dark, dangerous smirk touched the corner of Matteo’s lips. It was a smile that historically preceded a bloodbath.
“I am terrified for them,” Matteo whispered.
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The elevator chimed loudly as it reached the ground floor. The heavy metal doors began to slide apart, revealing the grand foyer leading directly into the ballroom. The scent of expensive perfume, roasted meats, and burning cigars hit Matteo like a physical wave.
He tightened his grip on the wheels, pushing himself forward into the light.
