SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. A Lesson in Power

Lorenzo watched her, waiting.

Waiting for her to understand.

Celeste swallowed, her mind racing. She had spent her whole life running—from Dante, from her past, from the monsters that controlled her.

And now?

Lorenzo was giving her a choice.

A deadly one.

"You want me to become like you," she murmured.

A smirk. "No, Celeste. I want you to be better."

The challenge hung between them.

And for the first time, she didn't look away.

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2. Dante's Next Move

The following night, a tragedy struck the city.

One of Lorenzo's top men—found dead.

Shot execution-style.

A message carved into his skin.

"She will come back to me."

Celeste stared at the body, bile rising in her throat.

Dante wasn't just retaliating.

He was playing with her.

Lorenzo's jaw tightened as he glanced at her. "Still think you can walk away from this war?"

Her hands curled into fists.

No.

Dante had just made sure of that.

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3. A Dangerous Proposal

Two days later, Celeste walked into Lorenzo's study.

This time, she didn't hesitate.

"Teach me."

Lorenzo raised an eyebrow. "Teach you what?"

She met his gaze. "How to win."

A slow smile spread across his lips. "Then let's begin."

He stepped closer, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Lesson one, Celeste: Power isn't given. It's taken."

Her pulse thundered.

Because she knew—this was the point of no return.

And she wasn't afraid anymore.

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4. A Trap Set in Blood

Days turned into weeks.

Lorenzo taught her everything.

How to manipulate. How to deceive. How to wield power like a weapon.

And then?

He gave her her first test.

A target.

A man loyal to Dante.

"Show me you're ready," Lorenzo whispered.

Celeste's fingers trembled around the gun.

This was it.

If she pulled the trigger, she'd become a different person.

If she didn't… she'd remain weak.

She met Lorenzo's gaze.

Then—she fired.

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5. The Woman Dante Underestimated

The next morning, Dante's empire trembled.

One of his key men—gone.

Rumors spread. Fear festered.

And Dante?

For the first time, he realized something terrifying.

Celeste wasn't his pawn anymore.

She was a queen.

And she was coming for him.

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End of Chapter Twenty-Seven