Episode 33 & 34 : Finnian’s Desperate Rescue
BACK IN ITALY
Immediately after the plane landed in Italy, Finnian walked briskly toward the car parked outside, ignoring the greetings from his father’s guards. He entered the car, the door closing behind him with a finality that echoed his feelings. As the car drove back to the place of his birth, dread settled in his chest.
It wasn’t a home; it was a nightmare. A place he could never call home.
His mind wandered back to when he was seven years old and Rafferty, Stellan, and Jasper came into his life. But now, only he was here, and he couldn’t help but wonder what his father would do to them.
Upon arriving at the mansion, the maids bowed their heads and the guards followed suit. The young master was back. Finnian looked at the imposing front door, his breathing uneven. He took a deep breath and slowly walked inside.
The sitting room was lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his heart. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the plush, velvet sofas and intricately carved wooden furniture. Persian rugs adorned the floor, and the walls were lined with priceless artwork and gold-framed mirrors that reflected the opulence of the room.
But the grandeur of the room only brought back painful memories.
“Mummy!” a five-year-old Finnian had run into the room.
“Acacius,” his mother called out, her voice filled with love as she ran to hug him.
“Mummy, I promise when I grow up, I’ll get us out of here,” a small Finnian had vowed, hugging his mother tightly.
“I know, Acacius. Promise me that you’ll never be like your father,” his mother had said, her voice tinged with fear.
“I promise,” he had whispered, clinging to her as if she might disappear.
Finnian shook the memory away and walked into the kitchen, but it only plunged him into another nightmare.
“Get out, you monster!” his mother had yelled.
“Mon-ster,” he had whispered, trembling, tears streaming down his face.
“Mother,” he had called out, his voice breaking.
“Why were you born? Why?” she had screamed, her face contorted with anger and pain.
The mother of two years ago was different from the loving woman he once knew. She had grabbed a knife and cut him on his arms, his screams echoing in the empty halls.
Finnian left the kitchen and headed upstairs, his heart heavy. He walked into the private sitting room, a place only the Leonard family was allowed, and was thrust into another dark memory.
He was fourteen, the day Finnian was born and Acacius died. He looked around and saw blood everywhere – on the carpet, on the walls. It was the first time he had ever willingly let Damon take control. He had stood there shaking, looking at the bodies on the floor, while his father stared at him with a twisted smile.
“That’s the monster I created,” his father had said proudly.
Rafferty, Stellan, and Jasper had been the ones to comfort him that night. They left Italy together, and Finnian swore never to return after what he had done. A part of him had died that day. All the emotions he had held onto were gone, and Finnian, the emotionless boy, was born while Acacius ceased to exist.
Desperate to escape the memories, Finnian rushed to his room, which felt more like a personal prison. The room was cold and impersonal, a stark contrast to the rest of the mansion. The walls were bare, and the bed was neatly made, almost untouched. He sat on the edge of the bed and closed his eyes, trying to block out the past.
But then his eyes wandered to a photo of Seraphina, and he felt a sharp pain in his chest. All of this was his fault. He had put her in danger by involving her in his life. His father knew about his little lamb now.
Maybe his mother had been right.
“All you ever do is hurt the ones you love. You’re dangerous, you monster!” she had screamed.
She was right. He was a monster, and he had put Seraphina in danger.
A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts. “Young master,” one of the maids called. Finnian didn’t respond. “Your father wants to see you in Room 3.”
Finnian stopped breathing for a moment. Room 3 was where the unthinkable happened. It was personally designed for his father’s twisted pleasures. He knew he wouldn’t come out of there for a long time.
This was the life he was born into, a world of darkness. No one could save him, not even his brothers. He stood up and made his way to Room 3.
TWO MONTHS LATER
Rafferty, Stellan, and Jasper hadn’t been the same since Finnian left. They were lost. Out of anger, they killed all the members of the mob gang and tortured Blue almost to death. Every day felt like a death sentence. They hadn’t spoken to each other since then.
The Shadow Vipers were struggling without Finnian, and Seraphina was in a coma. They couldn’t bring themselves to kill her.
Two months ago, Stellan, Rafferty, and Jasper stood at Mountain. She lay unconscious with two bullets in her stomach, and Luca was waiting. They were trembling, unable to carry out the deed. They knew Finnian would never forgive them, but their uncle would eventually find out. If they killed Luca, Alessandro would have their heads, and Finnian would suffer for their disobedience.
They would rather have Finnian hate them than make him suffer more.
They pointed their guns at Seraphina. “We’re sorry,” they whispered.
“No, not my sister,” Blue yelled, rushing towards Seraphina and hugging her. “Please, Jasper, please don’t kill her. I already lost Olivia,” Blue pleaded, hating himself for what he did to Seraphina.
“You will kill her and everyone on this mountain,” Luca yelled.
“Then so be it,” Stellan said before shooting Luca in the forehead.
As Luca fell to the floor, Jasper yelled, “What have you done?”
“He said we kill everyone on this mountain, including him,” Stellan replied.
“What if Uncle finds out?” Rafferty asked, worried.
“We’ll just have to make it look like Seraphina is dead,” Jasper said. They followed through with the plan, saving Seraphina, but she remained in a coma.
In the present, none of the Shadow Vipers members had spoken to each other since then. Stellan hadn’t left his room since Finnian left. Rafferty took his anger out on Blue before releasing him a month after Finnian’s departure. Jasper just stared at the ceiling in the living room. They were all alone and lost without Finnian.
Stellan finally came downstairs, and Rafferty followed him. “We should go see Seraphina,” Stellan whispered.
They all nodded, knowing it was the only thing they could do. Arriving at the hospital, they found Aaron, Blue, and Lawin present. Giving them some space, they all stared at Seraphina without saying anything.
Stellan suddenly exclaimed, “She moved!” pointing at her hand. Jasper and Rafferty looked, their eyes widening in disbelief.
“She moved,” Aaron echoed, bursting through the door in a panic. “What happened?” he asked worriedly.
“She moved. Get the doctor,” Jasper said, and Aaron immediately ran to get the doctor.
“Seraphina, if you can hear me, please open your eyes,” Jasper pleaded. After two minutes, Seraphina slowly opened her eyes. Stellan, Rafferty, and Jasper started tearing up, but they worried if she would remember them.
“Jasper,” she whispered, and he immediately rushed towards her.
“Stellan,” she smiled, and Stellan rushed to hug her, sobbing.
“Rafferty,” she called, and Rafferty rushed to hold her other hand. She smiled weakly.
“You’re alright,” they all said together, relieved that she was okay.
“Where’s Acacius?” she asked, and their eyes widened. No one had ever called Finnian that name except his mother. Not even when they were still in Italy did they call him by his Italian name.
“Where’s Acacius?” she asked again, trying to move.
“He… he left for Italy, Phina,” Jasper said reluctantly.
“What?!” Seraphina exclaimed, shocked.
“Father came and took him away two months ago,” Jasper explained.
Seraphina froze before going into shock, and doctors and nurses rushed into the room.
Episode 35 & 36 : The Cost of Revenge
Seraphina sat at her desk at Royal High School, staring out the window, lost in thought. It had been a month since she left the hospital, a month since she discovered who her real father was, and a month since she started living with her newfound family. Her surname had changed to Kingsley—now she was Seraphina Kingsley.
She and her brother, Aaron, had grown close, with her father Lawin, but Blue, things were complicated. She had forgiven him, yet she couldn’t help but feel a lingering anger towards him. Blue was doing everything he could to earn her forgiveness, but the wounds were still fresh.
It had been three months since Finnian left, and the void he left behind was palpable. Seraphina missed him terribly. She had tried contacting him numerous times, but each attempt was met with the same cold response: the number didn’t exist. She felt lost and desolate, cursing herself for leaving that night. Finnian’s departure had plunged her into a deep depression.
“Where’s your boyfriend?” Rose’s voice rang out loudly, drawing the attention of the entire classroom.
Seraphina ignored her, continuing to stare out the window, numb to the taunts. Jessica, Rose, and Mandy tried to provoke her, throwing hurtful comments her way, but Seraphina remained silent.
“Broke your heart, did he?” Jessica said, laughing cruelly.
“Shut up, Jessica. I’m sure you’re going crazy now that Finnian isn’t here. Didn’t you go out on the street like a madwoman last week, shouting his name, begging him to come back?” Stella retorted.
The room erupted in laughter as Stella pulled out her phone and played a video of the incident. Seraphina stood up and made her way to the bathroom, her eyes dull and lifeless. She hadn’t smiled since Finnian left. He had left to keep her safe, but the price was her happiness.
Every morning, she forced herself to appear okay, but every night she broke down. Jasper, Rafferty, and Stella always tried to be there for her, but they were all suffering from Finnian’s absence.
In the bathroom, Seraphina stared at the only picture she had of Finnian, taken the night they fell asleep in each other’s arms. A tear escaped her eye. The door creaked open, and she quickly wiped her tears as Stella entered.
As Seraphina was about to leave, Stella blocked her way. “Let’s make a deal,” she said.
“Leave me alone,” Seraphina whispered, trying to move past her, but Stella held her back.
“Please,” Stella pleaded.
“What do you want?” Seraphina asked, staring at her with a bored expression.
“I’ll help you deal with Jessica, Rose, and Mandy if you help me get close to Jasper,” Stella proposed.
“Do you actually think I need your help?” Seraphina replied, looking unimpressed.
Stella didn’t respond immediately. She stepped aside, allowing Seraphina a clear path to the door. “Please, Seraphina. I know I wasn’t the nicest person to you when you first came, but I really want to be close to Jasper, even if it’s just as friends. Just help me this once,” she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.
“What do I get in return if I help you?” Seraphina asked, her voice cold.
Stella was silent for a moment. As Seraphina was about to walk away, Stella spoke desperately. “How about I help you with a plan to find Finnian?” she offered, making Seraphina freeze in her tracks.
“I may not know much about what happened, but I overheard Jasper, Stellan, and Rafferty talking about what happened on the mountain,” Stella continued.
Seraphina turned to her, eyes wide with interest. “Help me with Jasper, and I’ll help you find Finnian,” Stella said.
Seraphina stared at Stella for a while, contemplating her words. Finally, a small smile appeared on her lips. “We have a deal.”
ALESSANDRO’S MANSION IN ITALY
Finnian was chained in Room 3. Since his arrival in Italy, he hadn’t seen daylight. His father was cruel, inflicting endless torment. Every day was filled with his screams until he had no voice left. His blood had dried, and his eyes were devoid of happiness or life. He was as cold as a winter’s night.
The door finally opened. Finnian didn’t have the strength to see who it was. Slowly, the person began to unchain him.
“Young master, the boss said it’s time for you to return to your room.”
Finnian stood up, letting the chain fall. He was weak, but he dared not show any weakness. His chest and hands were covered in blood and scars. He had been locked there for three months without food or water. He didn’t even know how he was still alive. This was the first time he was going out.
As he stepped out of the room, he wasn’t sure if he should feel relieved. The mansion was still a nightmare to him. But something had changed within him. He was the monster his father wanted him to become. He was colder than before, and his aura was dangerous. He was the son of the mafia boss known as the Devil Incarnate. He was Alexander Leonardo.
He made his way to his room, all the servants shaking and bowing in fear as he passed. Entering his room, he saw that his bath had been prepared, and his food was served. He spent five hours in the bathroom before dressing in black pants and a black hoodie.
He didn’t smile. His eyes were empty, reflecting a void where there once had been life and emotion. As he walked downstairs, one of the guards stopped him.
“Young master, the boss wants to see you,” he said, trembling in fear.
Finnian walked away, heading to his father’s study. He didn’t knock as he walked in.
“Father,” he said, staring at his father’s face.
Alessandro had a smirk on his face. This was the monster he had finally created—the son he had, and the heir to the next Italian Mafia.
“Next week, you’ll be getting engaged to Marco’s daughter,” Alessandro declared.
Finnian stared at his father with no emotion in his eyes.
“The party will take place next week, and your brothers will be there to witness it,” Alessandro said.
Finnian nodded before walking away. He didn’t care if he got married to Marco’s daughter. Moreover, he didn’t have a heart. His heart had been ripped out a long time ago, leaving only a heartless monster in its place.
SHADOW VIPERS MANSION
Seraphina asked Aaron to drive her and Stella to the Shadow Vipers mansion. Aaron was shocked to see Stella with Seraphina but agreed.
When they arrived, Aaron pulled Seraphina into a hug. “Sis, call me if anything happens, okay?” he said, and Seraphina nodded at her overprotective brother.
They watched as Aaron drove away. Stella was shaking. As soon as they entered, Jasper was the first to see them and smile, but that smile disappeared when he saw Stella. Before he could react, Stellan and Rafferty pointed their guns at Stella.
“Why the fuck is she here?” they said in unison, and Stella was trembling with fear.
“I brought her, guys. So, drop the guns,” Seraphina said before dragging Stella to the couch. “It’s okay,” she whispered, and Stella nodded.
Jasper came over, sighing, not understanding why Seraphina brought Stella, but he trusted Seraphina’s decision. He sat beside Stella, who froze. Jasper sitting next to her made her mind race, and she couldn’t help but blush. Seraphina noticed this and laughed while Jasper remained oblivious.
“Why is she here?” Stellan asked.
Seraphina was silent for a moment before she said, “I’m going to find Finnian, and she’s going to help me with you guys.” Jasper, Rafferty, and Stellan’s eyes widened.
“But you know that Finnian’s dad—” Jasper began but stopped, staring at Stella.
Stella swallowed hard. “I heard when you guys were talking about what happened at the mountain a month ago, but I swear I didn’t tell anyone,” she said immediately, and their jaws dropped, except for Seraphina.
Gathering themselves, they all said together, “Great, just great.”
After a moment of silence, Jasper spoke. “I can’t put you in danger. Finnian will kill us. If his father knows that you’re alive, he’ll kill you,” he said.
“You should listen to him, Seraphina,” Rafferty added.
“No, I’m not. I want to see Finnian, even if it’s just for a day. I don’t care if I have to die in the process. I’m lost without him. Only God knows what’s happening to him, living with that monster. I can’t go on living like this, Jasper. If you guys don’t help me, then fine. I’ve made up my mind, and I’m not changing it,” Seraphina said with all seriousness.
“I’ll be with her in case you guys don’t agree,” Stella whispered but quickly shut up when Jasper, Rafferty, and Stellan glared at her.
“Fine,” Stellan said.
“You’re agreeing?” both Jasper and Rafferty asked.
“It’s not like we can change her mind, and the last thing we need is her going to Italy alone. We both know she wouldn’t even survive,” Stellan said, and Jasper and Rafferty nodded in agreement.
“Seraphina, there’s something you should know first,” Rafferty said.
Rafferty looked at Jasper, who sighed. “Finnian is getting engaged next week, and we’re all invited to the engagement party,” Jasper said.
Seraphina’s eyes widened. “What?!” she whispered, her heart shattering even more.
Episode 37 & 38 : Healing Old Wounds
“What!!!” Seraphina exclaimed, her heart shattering with each word.
“Uncle told us to come for the engagement party next week,” Jasper said.
Seraphina’s tears began to flow, and Stella, feeling sorry for her, pulled her into a hug, shocking the Shadow Vipers.
“Shh, it’s okay. Maybe if he sees you, he may refuse. Let’s think positive,” Stella said softly, and Seraphina nodded her head in agreement.
“We need a plan,” Rafferty said, and everyone fell silent.
Then Stella spoke up, “I have one,” she said, and they all stared at her.
She looked at Jasper, who was staring back at her, making her blush. She quickly cleared her throat before continuing.
“Since the three of you are going, and Finnian’s father has seen Seraphina, why don’t we disguise ourselves as part of your gang?” Stella said, confusing them.
“What I mean is, you guys have many members in your gang, so Seraphina and I can disguise ourselves as gang members. That way, you can bring us along. If anything goes wrong, like a gang would, you can’t go without backup, just in case. Then you can sneak Seraphina into Finnian’s room and find a way to get Finnian there too,” Stella concluded.
“That’s brilliant,” Stellan said, and Stella smiled.
Jasper just nodded.
“We’ll go with that, but first we have to think of a disguise,” Rafferty said.
“Leave it to me,” Stella said confidently.
“Why are you even coming with us?” Jasper asked, making Stella’s smile fade.
“She’ll be the one guarding and keeping watch in case anyone comes. If any of you three were to guard, it would look suspicious that one of your members and you three are in Finnian’s room,” Seraphina quickly explained, and they all nodded in agreement.
Stella smiled gratefully before whispering a thank you to Seraphina, who just smiled back.
After finalizing the plan, Seraphina called Aaron to take her home, while Stella called her driver.
When Seraphina arrived at the Kingsley mansion, Blue was standing there, staring at his sister. He didn’t know how to make her forgive him.
“Where’s Dad?” Seraphina asked Aaron.
Before Aaron could reply, Blue beat him to it. “He won’t be coming home tonight,” he responded, and Seraphina just nodded.
She made her way upstairs to her room while Blue watched as his baby sister walked away, not acknowledging him.
“I warned you. Now it’s like your plan backfired,” Aaron said before walking away.
Blue sighed, having never forgiven himself for what he did. He decided to talk to Seraphina.
He knocked on her room door but received no reply. He slowly entered to see her crying. His heart immediately broke.
“Sera,” he whispered, immediately pulling her into a hug.
Seraphina cried on Blue’s shoulder as he comforted her.
“I miss him. I miss him so much,” Seraphina said, and Blue could not say anything. He knew his sister loved Finnian, but there was nothing he could do.
After an hour, Seraphina pulled away.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“You don’t need to apologize,” Blue whispered back.
An awkward silence hung between them. Blue stood up, deciding to leave her alone, even though he didn’t want to.
“Blue,” Seraphina called.
“I don’t hate you,” she whispered.
Blue stood there as a tear slipped from his eyes. He immediately hugged Seraphina again.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, Sera. I never meant to hurt you, especially not knowing you were my sister,” he said, and Seraphina hugged him back.
Then Seraphina began to tell him about the plan to meet Finnian.
“I’m going with you,” Blue said seriously.
“No, I’m already going with Jasper, Stellan, and Rafferty, along with Stella,” Seraphina said.
“I don’t care, Sera. I’m going with you to protect you. Alessandro is a dangerous man. I need to be there to know you’re okay. If you refuse, then I’m telling Dad,” Blue said, and Seraphina sighed, knowing there was no changing his mind.
“Okay,” she whispered.
Blue left five minutes later, leaving her as Seraphina awaited the day she would confront her fate.
TWO WEEKS LATER
Finnian stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his expensive suit. The tailored jacket hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, and the crisp white shirt underneath contrasted sharply with the dark fabric, giving him the appearance of a mafia heir. His hair was slicked back meticulously, and his cold, calculating eyes stared back at him. Today was the day he would meet his fiancée.
The party had already begun in the grand hall downstairs. Finnian sighed deeply, his mind racing with thoughts of the unwanted engagement.
“Young master,” his butler called, and Finnian knew it was time to show his face.
He walked out of his room with the confidence and dangerous aura of a mafia son. His cold gaze made everyone bow their heads as he passed.
Spotting his father, he walked towards him. “Father,” he said, acknowledging him with a simple nod.
Alessandro looked like the proudest father on earth. “This is Marco, and this is his daughter Rina,” Alessandro said.
Marco nodded, and Finnian stared at his fiancée with bored, cold eyes. Rina, who was blushing, couldn’t help but gasp when she saw him.
“Alexander,” Finnian introduced himself.
“Rina Matthias, soon to be Leonardo,” she said, blushing hard.
Finnian’s face twisted in disgust at her cringe-worthy introduction. “I’ll leave you two together. Marco and I have business to discuss,” Alessandro said before walking away with Marco, leaving Rina and Finnian alone.
“You look handsome,” Rina said, smiling, but Finnian ignored her, waiting for his brothers.
“Won’t you say anything to me?” Rina asked.
Finnian turned to her, his face full of disgust. She was beautiful, with short blonde hair and a delicate figure, wearing a stunning red dress that hugged her curves. But he felt nothing towards her.
“Listen here, Rina. I care not about this marriage. You’re just a pawn for the sake of joining our organizations together. This marriage means nothing more than a strategic alliance,” Finnian said before walking away, leaving Rina in shock.
Stellan, Rafferty, and Jasper arrived in their Lamborghinis. Stella, Seraphina, and Blue were disguised as bodyguards and members of the Shadow Vipers. As they stepped in, Seraphina’s eyes immediately began searching for Finnian as she followed Rafferty, Stellan, and Jasper.
Then she spotted him, standing with a girl beside him, her hand wrapped around his arm. Finnian looked cold, his eyes different. He wasn’t the same person she once knew.
“Brothers,” Finnian said as he pulled away from the girl and walked towards Rafferty, Stellan, and Jasper. He neither smiled nor did his eyes light up.
As they hugged, Seraphina couldn’t help but stare. Then Jasper gave the nod, indicating it was time to carry out the plan.
“Hi,” the girl beside Finnian said. “I’m Rina, Alexander’s fiancée,” she said, blushing, her arm wrapped around him.
Seeing this made Seraphina’s blood boil, but inside, her heart was breaking. Stella noticed this and held her hand in a comforting way, while Blue tapped her back.
Stellan, meanwhile, was staring at Rina, mesmerized by her beauty. He was lost in the sight of her.
“I’m Jasper,” Jasper introduced himself.
“Rafferty,” Rafferty said, and Rina smiled.
But Stellan was still lost. Jasper immediately hit him, bringing him out of his thoughts.
“Stellan,” he whispered, his head down. Seraphina noticed something: he was blushing. She almost laughed out loud.
Then Finnian’s eyes met hers, and her breath hitched. He was staring at her. But before she could react, he looked away.
“Let’s go greet Uncle,” Jasper said, pulling Finnian away with Rina following.
Stellan pulled Seraphina aside, checking the surroundings before leading her to Finnian’s room, with Blue following Jasper and Rafferty. Stella followed Seraphina.
As soon as Seraphina entered Finnian’s room, she sat on the bed. “Stay here. We’ll try to bring Finnian here,” Stellan said. Seraphina nodded.
Stella stayed out of sight but watched carefully so Finnian wouldn’t notice her when he entered his room.
Downstairs, after greeting Alessandro, who went back to his meeting with Marco, Jasper, Rafferty, and Stellan were left with Finnian.
“Finnian, why don’t you get me your Rolex watch from your room?” Jasper asked.
“Go get it yourself,” Finnian replied.
“You idiot, I’m helping you get away from Rina,” Jasper whispered.
Understanding, Finnian thanked Jasper before making his way to his room, while Stella distracted Rina from following him.
Seraphina, sitting on the bed, stood up as the door opened. Seeing a stranger in his room, Finnian immediately drew his gun.
“Who are you?” he demanded dangerously.
Seraphina slowly removed her disguise, making Finnian’s eyes widen in shock.
“Acacius,” Seraphina said, staring at Finnian.
“Little lamb,” Finnian whispered, shocked, dropping his gun.