blood on your hands

Alessandra D’Amiano. Nurse. Serpent. Informant and Medic. 31.

[miamlsunshine]

[xogiada]

for: @alessandradamiano where: the aunt's kitchen in the italy

Giada needed this; she absolutely, positively needed this. Not some late night at a loud nightclub she was far too old for, or some crowded party she was forced to mingle at, but a quaint, little New Year's Eve surrounded by her aunts, her sisters, and the musical stylings of Umberto Tozzi—  the perfect distraction to ignore her pain and the Francesca sized elephant in room. His raspy voice wafted through the kitchen as Giada put the finishing touches on her famous risotto alla milanese. She held a generous pour of homemade vino in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other using it as a microphone while she swayed back and forth to the melody.

As she turned to belt out the chorus, Giada eyed her baby sister making her way into the kitchen, and paused her performance to wave her over. "Oh, honey. Vieni qui. Vieni qui. " She spoke to Alessandra in rushed Italian so they wouldn't miss it and promptly shared the mic. Sure, there was so much they still needed to discuss, but certainly it could wait until after the chorus. "This is the best part."

[alessandradamiano]

This trip had been equal parts needed, but also just more pain. The sisters had needed time away from New York and away from prying eyes to sort out everything that come to light from the gala. Francesca's child with Donovan, her own engagement hanging on by a thread after her making out with Dominic, the shooting and death of their newest member, and of course the million of questions she had for her middle sister. Things had been progressing, giving them a chance to talk. But then something had happened with Giada and Francesca. Some conversation that went badly and ended with Francesca leaving suddenly for New York and Giada staying.

Having just spent that afternoon talking to both Lucky and Dominic, Alessandra had accidentally fallen asleep on the big bed in her room and awoke to the dark and her sister's singing to music down in the kitchen. Rising, she tried to ignore how terrible it was she fell asleep before midnight. What a good omen for this year. But, after checking the clock she knew they had time before the new year. "And just how much have you had to drink?" Alessandra asked with a laugh as she joined her sister with her makeshift microphone. "What? No That's Amore?" She teased.

[saccharinexvenom]

the remnants of the night trickled through his thoughts. through the haze of performing the duties of his job. the reasoning behind why his firm had settled itself at the top of the list. he had perfected every aspect of it, ensured that no t was uncrossed and no i was left without a dot. alessandra had bore witness to this, when he'd drawn her from the danger that had crept within the shadows of the gala. when the sight of a gun in hand had not halted the next woman from stepping out onto that stage. but he would not fault giada. he would not lay blame anywhere else. than upon the few that had instigated this call for alarm. that had brought them here, to his home. where she nestled in his bed, with his shirt draped over her lovely form .

" coffee it is . " there was a harshness to his tone. one that he could not disengage. for it had never been common for him to bring another here. to this sanctuary that he had crafted for himself. the one place where all walls could be lowered. where he did not need to appear as the man that would settle his life on the line for another. his fingers plucked the shirt from the chair it rested on. but it only hung from his hand before him. as he turned his attention upon her. " an unfortunate habit, i'm afraid . " he offered, before he finally pulled the shirt onto his frame. he stepped closer to the side of the bed, " cream or sugar ? "

[alessandradamiano]

The night had been a long one. And it truly had started from the moment she had entered the gala with Dominic on her arm and his hand... well dipping low on her form in that dress. It only got worse when Donovan caught them kissing and then the fight that ensued after that. Of course the night had gotten worse with the gun and Dominic dragging her out of there like she was a client of his. Though once she had been made certain of her sisters' safety, a discussion had been in order. But now laying here in his bed in the cold light of day, Alessandra knew she had made another mistake. She had to face the consequences of her actions and to try to patch things up with Donovan. She couldn't jeopardize the alliance. But yet... she found herself in another man's bed and in his clothes. And despite knowing what she needed to do, Alessandra felt part of her that craved to stay in this bed and in this moment.

"Maybe a shower too." Alessandra sighed, and bit her tongue to keep from asking him to join. They hadn't crossed that line yet, last night had only amounted to some making out during deeper moments of the conversation and his arms around her when she finally fell asleep. Alessandra didn't miss the change in his tone and she sat up on the bed to really look at him. "Do you want me to leave?" She asked. "My schedule is all over the place from the hospital that I never wake up at a certain time. Did you sleep well, though? I know I passed out quickly and slept like the dead." That was what exhaustion did to a body of course. "Cream, please."

[xogiada]

Alessandra's kind words meant more to her than she could ever truly express, but in true Giada fashion she waved them off. "No, no. It was all Mama. She would have been so proud of you tonight." She shook her head, her gratitude radiating through her features and betraying her. “I know, but I’m not so sure it matters so much anymore.” Her voice was low, barely above a whisper to ensure they were words for her sister's ears only. Nowadays being on the council didn’t seem to carry as much weight as it once used to. Not like when Giovanni was in charge. While the man had his faults, she always thought he did know how to make his court feel heard.

Her gaze was fixed on her sister now, and Giada nodded, a smile spreading across her lips. “Of course, honey. Now go enjoy yourself while you still can, Alessandra.” It was a party after all, and her youngest sister deserved to have a little fun before the weight of her familial duty crashed down on her.

[alessandradamiano]

Alessandra’s gaze, while previously lighter at the talk of their mother turned darker as the talk turned to the position Giada found herself in. Alessandra’s brows furrowed. She had made a point to stay out of the politics and the ladder climbing and ambition of the Serpents, but even she knew the importance of the council. And it troubled her to learn her sister and the other members were being ignored. “It should though. Otherwise what’s the point of the hierarchy? We all work together in order otherwise it’s chaos. The council should matter. You’re all the heads of the family.” Her voice was just as low.

But she shook her head knowing they could talk about this more another time in private. Her gaze softened and she squeezed her sister’s hand. “You’re right. I do have a date to get back to. I’ll see you later for the show.” Alessandra kissed her sister’s cheek and left, spotting Dominic and heading towards him.

FINISHED

[leggycelebs]

Bruna Marquezine

[saccharinexvenom]

𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟏 - 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟔.

during the years twenty11 until twenty16, alessandra d'amiano and luciano de la cruz shared a spacious penthouse. the rented abode was amid the hustle and bustle of the city, and within decent distance of new york university. where both attended for a full four years ; alessandra studied nursing, while luciano attended for business. despite the year difference between them, luciano joined her at the flat a year prior to him attending university. whereas she stayed within the penthouse an additional year until his graduation . with five bedrooms, six bathrooms. the open floor layout allowed for a comforting atmosphere, that also set the welcoming mood for the lavish parties the pair put on. for both classmates and new found friends within those years. the penthouse saw them through relationships, break ups. through the highlight years of finally stepping out of the comfort of their family homes. and through the stress of midterms, and final exams. while some may have crumbled under these tensions, those years had only seen to bring alessandra and luciano that much closer .

[saccharinexvenom]

FEATURING    ›     dominic & alessandra ( @alessandradamiano ) LOCATED AT    ›     his home

the morning light had begun to trickle through the windows of his expansive room. which, for most, would have not stirred them. but dominic was different. he had always been a light sleeper. up even before was necessary for him. such as that day, when he had nothing on his agenda. meetings were not scheduled for another day. not even a new client had been on his books. yet he had already begun to dress himself. that is, before he caught the sound of movement. which drew his gaze to the bed, and the woman within it. nothing had happened, beyond some light kissing. a fact that held itself within the forefront of his mind. but he would brush past it, not allow himself to linger for too long. " would you like a coffee ? or should i let you sleep a little longer ? "

[alessandradamiano]

It was the unfamiliar bed and the soft sounds through the room that had woken Alessandra over the light only starting to leak through the windows. They had stayed up very late last night, or more correctly this morning so she could have slept for hours longer if he hadn't woken her. Sleep clung to Alessandra as she shifted in his bed, peaking at him through sleep heavy and hazy eyes. "Coffee." She rasped, wishing she could sleep but knowing she shouldn't. It didn't feel right with him leaving the bed and getting dressed. Alessandra wore one of his shirts, having been giving it last night when she wanted to change out of her red lingerie set and robe from their hasty departure from the show last night. As she laid cocooned in his sheets and watching him, Alessandra let the details of last night slowly come back to the forefront of her mind. From him appearing backstage and rushing her out when he saw Zak with a gun. To her fighting him to stay as he got her away in a car. Getting a hold of her sisters had been her only concern and once she had heard they were fine, she had finally been able to focus on the man who now was bathed in early morning light. They had talked for hours, her revealing things to him she rarely told others, discussing her engagement, that kiss, the fight with Donovan and so much more. She remembered his soft lips on her last night as they spoke, limbs tangled but nothing happened past some kissing. And now in the light of day once more, Alessandra knew she was well and entirely in a great mess of her own creation. "You're up early." She yawned, still not moving to get up.

[joinmeinenvy]

It was heart-wrenching. The whole situation felt like something ripped straight out of one of their mother’s favorite telenovelas. Francesca wanted nothing more than to see her sisters happy, to see them loved and at peace. But the life of a Serpent? It rarely gave them that luxury. It’s exactly why she’d never wanted a part of it. Francesca ran a hand through her hair, exasperated. "What do you want me to say?" Her voice was edged with frustration. "Do you want my blessing? My approval? Because you’re not getting it. It’s a terrible idea. And yet, here you are, choosing to go through with it anyway." She felt like a broken record, repeating herself over and over, but it never seemed to sink in. They weren’t listening—not really. The whole thing felt diabolical. She tried to understand the reasoning, the shared sense of duty between Donovan and Alessandra, but she knew it wouldn’t be enough to bring them closer. Duty couldn’t replace love, no matter how hard they tried to pretend it could. Francesca shook her head, her exhale heavy. "And that’s exactly why it doesn’t matter what I think. I get it. I’m not a Serpent. I don’t have the same stakes in all of this that you do. I know this decision doesn’t just affect you and Donovan, it affects everything—everyone. But it doesn’t change my opinion. So, maybe we should just leave it at that." She had said her piece. She’d tried to warn them, to make them see that it was going to be harder than they thought, but they were already set on their path. Maybe it would work out. Maybe, somehow, Donovan and Alessandra could make it work and find happiness together. God, she hoped she was wrong, even if it hurt to think that way. Francesca reached out and took her sister's hand, giving it a soft, reassuring squeeze. "Just give me time," she said, her voice a little softer now, a warm smile tugging at her lips despite the tension. "I love you. You’re my sister. I’ll never stop worrying about you, or trying to take some of that weight off your shoulders." Her eyes softened, full of love and concern. "Just… find happiness. It’s all I want for you."

[alessandradamiano]

Alessandra hated this whole situation. She wasn't sure when this had turned out to be such a big mess. Since she was eighteen, Alessandra had always known she was to be married to someone for an alliance with the Serpents. Her sisters had as well. This was not new to them, the only thing that had been recent was Donovan's reveal as who she was to marry, but that still was years ago. So now why had it all become so messy? Simply because Francesca now knew it was Donovan when she hadn't before? "No!" She shook her head, feeling a wave of emotions she didn't want back down. "I just want you to forgive me! To know that I won't lose you by doing this. You're my sister, I love you Fran. I can't lose you over this. I just... I want you to tell it's okay, you'll forgive me and still love me even after it all." She knew Fran had a point. This marriage wasn't going to give either her or Donovan any love, even with them agreeing to try and make it work and try to get along civilly at least. But both weren't doing this to be stubborn, both were doing it for duty. For the contract they both had signed and been entered into by others. For the sake of the safety of each of their gangs. "You may not be a Serpent, but you are still my sister. I value no one's opinions above you and Giada. Maybe Lucky too. But you and your opinion matter to me. But, I can't just end it to find happiness or love. It's my duty, Papa made the deal when I was eighteen. I can't pull out now." Alessandra wanted to cry from the circles they were talking themselves into. But seeing her sister change, her sister let her in once more, Alessandra stopped herself from leaving. She nodded, taking a hold of her sister's hand in return and squeezing it. "I love you too, Fran. And I'll give you all the time you need. I'll do whatever you need to, communicate whatever you want to try and make it easier. I just have to do my duty and honor it, but I'll try to do whatever you need." She stepped closer and hugged her sister. "I love you." She repeated, holding on for a moment before pulling back. "I'll go get us some drinks, ok? And we can talk about something else." Alessandra walked away to get some drinks before she'd head back to her sister.

FINISHED

[saccharinexvenom]

all the troubles in the world could be at lucky's backside. and yet, he would still find the time to revel in his friend's moments. to take part in these little achievements and accomplishments. " oh, i bet he's praising every god, goddess and deity after seeing you . " because only a blind fool would not see how breathtaking she looked in the dress. and even then, one would simply be able to feel it. as if she changed the current in the air by simply being. " i'll have an ambulance on standby, for when he has a heart attack the moment you step out onto that runway . " and lucky would be sure to keep an eye on him. to catch the shift in the man's features. if only to ensure that he properly reported back to alessandra on how the man absolutely quaked. but the thought slipped away, as lucky seemed to catch the shift in her own features. before the question settled between them. carved itself a home. " why would you think you'd be making a mistake ? you like him, right ? "

[alessandradamiano]

Alessandra and Lucky knew each other probably better than they truly knew themselves. They both celebrated each other's highs while supporting each other with their lows, both giving and taking with the ebb and flow of who needed what. Right now they were celebrating her, or well gossiping and getting excited over Dominic attending with her. "As he should, right?" Alessandra teased, but she knew she looked amazing, she already was attractive and the dress only made her more of a vision. More breathtaking. And hopefully she'd be able to take Dominic's breath away tonight, "If I am able to make that man have a heart attack when I come out on the runway I will be very proud. Almost nothing seems to phase him, so I want him to feel his heart stop." She laughed. At his question, Alessandra sighed and looked at Lucky with a vulnerability she only shared with him. "I... don't know. There is an attraction there. And not just physical, we haven't even done more than kiss. But.. I am drawn to him." She couldn't admitting to liking him, not now. "But, should I have just came with Donovan? We're to be engaged officially any day now. I've been so good for so long, I've kept everyone at arm's length. I wanted to come with him tonight, but did I make a mistake? Doing something like this, something I selfishly when I know I shouldn't?"

[alessandradamiano]

Alessandra of course knew of Adeline's alliance to the Society. But she also had met the woman in the hospital, where she had been injured. And within those walls, when it came to treating people, Alessandra never let gang alliance stand in her way. Nor even when she was out in public. The people she'd come across in the corn maze proved that as well. But in the hospital, Alessandra had treated Adeline with respect and kindness and even that first time, she saw the surprise and distrust in the other woman's gaze. Not that Alessandra blamed her, the Serpents weren't known for their kindness or for their trust. Alessandra had always been raised on the fringes though, too kind of a soul and heart to fully take a place in the midst of the viper den. The voice pulled her from her thoughts as she waited for the two drinks she ordered. Though she had never expected Adeline to approach her again, and in public, she was genuinely pleased to see her do so. While she may not have had any ulterior motives for treating her the way she did, it was exhilarating that even in war times she could earn the respect of a Society member. "You don't have to, though it is appreciated. I was merely doing my job. It may sound odd in our world, but I always will treat everyone no matter which side we all lie on." Alessandra explained, completely unaware of the jealousy that stirred in the other woman too. "A drink sounds lovely, thank you." Never mind the bartender making drinks for her and Dominic. He could wait as she wanted to have this drink with Adeline.

[pcisonflower]

𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐖 𝐔𝐏 an only child ( despite wondering what life would have been like -- if she hadn't been alone in being fodder in her parents lifelong war ), it doesn't shock her that giada's signature poise is reflected in the younger d'amiano. and while adeline understands the distance -- the wall that has been put up between them, the reminder does induce a pang. she's grateful for her practiced demeanor that had taken years of development -- keeping her strong, even when giada had always been a softer spot for her. until the universe had decided otherwise. after all of her years in the society, she was quite frankly embarrassed by her lack of weapon at halloscream, leaving her unable to defend herself from dante's blow. it had been a lapse in judgement -- one that she would never make again. and while she had anticipated a serpent as her nurse to look down upon her in such a manner, expected to defend her choice, she had been met with a completely different attitude. " i couldn't agree more. " adeline nods in agreement. in all reality, adeline was still trying to process noelle's involvement in the first place. how had things gone on for that long, without her picking up on things? she had come to know devran and their other former leader rather well over the years.. but perhaps not as well as she thought. now, their actions had led them here. and while she was still managing to pick up the pieces herself -- she knows what she has to do. " and i know i don't have to... i want to. " in a very dark time, alessandra had brought a small amount of light. and while she grimaced at the thought of her being on dominic's arm of all people -- she knows better than to allow herself to form distaste over a man. " our world is a rather hostile place, isn't it? it's such a distinct human trait, to see the good in people. but here... " it's simply not possible. and then there was the men. in many cases, the second their masculinity was questioned, all sense seems to go out the window. while she was well aware that appearances did matter, it was clear that some wanted to simply play tough guy. ironically enough, these traits didn't differ between the two worlds she found herself in -- this one was simply high society, but with guns. " what will it be? i never expected anything less from your sister, to have such a lovely selection. "

[alessandradamiano]

ENDED AND HEADCANONED

[xogiada]

"Make sure you bring that confidence with you on the runway later tonight." Giada winked at her sister, a sharp, cheeky movement of just the curl of her lashes. She loved that sassy fire in Alessandra, a spark that Giada herself possessed and knew all too well. "I had some hunches. I did design a lovely emerald set for Sera, however I suppose it's not really my business at the end of the day."

Her tone was matter of fact, diplomatic even, unsure who might be watching them because Giada knew her place. She was on the council, even if her council seat was starting seem like merely a means to hold up an old tradition. She couldn't remember the last time they actually had a formal vote over any pressing matters. None the less, Giada was not Don of the Serpents, and she didn't get to have a say or approval over who was recruited and who wasn't.

From her vantage point, the rumbles seemed to be just that. Just some hushed chatter and pointed looks here and there. Nothing too concerning, however Giada was no longer the naive little daddy's girl she once was, and she knew the tide could turn at a moment's notice. "We can only hope. It really is to die for the tiramisu." Her irises met her gorgeous sister's, tone growing more firm. "Make sure you stay vigilant though. If you notice anything suspicious, let me know. I am more than happy to toss out any riffraff."

[alessandradamiano]

Alessandra smiled at her sister, nodding. "I learned from only the best. We were all raised with such confidence, and you taught me that as well as mama." It wouldn't be hard to bring that confidence to the runway. Though, she certainly let her mask slip for a moment, her sister's answering surprising her. "Of course it is your business, Giada. You are on the council." Her voice was low so that others couldn't hear them, but her words rang true. Giada, as a member on the council should have known ahead of time about the very risky and controversial new member especially when there had been a plan to make it such a public spectacle.

Letting her gaze sweep the room once more, Alessandra let her sister's words sink in. "I will. And you as well. We don't know what's coming, but we know something is coming." Everyone could feel the tension in the room. It would be so easy to cut it with a knife. They all had to remain on alert tonight, but hopefully the peace would hold until after the gala.

[brooklynxcox]

Brooklyn nodded in agreement. Was Alessandra fishing for information? Possibly. "Yes." She said with a small smile. "Whatever is going on around here is under us and our working relationship. Some people are worth breaking the rules for. Besides, you did us a favor ad fucked yourselves over anyway." Now Brooklyn can sit back and watch Sera ruin other people's lives. Brooklyn was now free from that abuse.

[alessandradamiano]

Alessandra could sense the tide was turning, this war was going to change everything. And while she always trusted her sister's judgement, she didn't trust Brooklyn. And she'd be a bad sister if she didn't at least question her intentions with her sister. "I am glad to hear that." Alessandra spoke, her smile still polite and distant, but carrying some new warmth of approval. As long as it stayed true of course. "Well, we shall see on that second part. But I am glad to hear of your working relationship. Good luck in the show later. I will see you back there." And with that, Alessandra took her drink and walked away.

FINISHED

[wcvenwcb]

𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑 thorns, a protective layer of skin surrounding her from more injury than she had already sustained -- it was true, she always tried to lead with kindness. it was easier that way, and most of the more crass individuals she had met were using their distasteful anger as a mask. thus, she was authentically herself. with limits, of course. while some might think such an outlook would get her burned ( and it had, when she hadn't had her defenses to hold her ), frankly, she had done just fine. even if it felt like over the past few weeks that the walls were caving in. " perfect. got that? " she turns to the nearby bartender, who nods. " a glass of cabernet for me. " eyes soon flutter back to the woman in front of her. one of the first things iris picks up? the d'amiano genes know no bounds. but alessandra's demeanor appears far icier than francesca's. even still, this doesn't stop iris from putting forward the candor she had entered the conversation with. " the pleasure is mine. " iris isn't entirely surprised that alessandra isn't familiar with their friendship. even if francesca herself wasn't amongst the snakes, family ties still ran deep. " yeah... we drifted apart for a little while. but the right people always find their way back. " while she had mended her ties with francesca, there were some she was too scared to touch. and they just so happened to have caio's eyes. " me and- oh, no. we're business partners.. i'm the only one who knows, if that makes things a little clearer. " out of their crew, at least. even if she's a serpent, she's still a human being. even if iris had fought love tooth and nail over the years, even she knew she held a luxury to be able to care on her own terms. " i just... wanted to make myself known. i can imagine this is a lot... but donovan's a good guy. he took me in when i had nowhere else to go. and... i don't know. " now she was rambling. " i guess what i'm trying to say is, we don't have to be friends. we don't have to be anything. i know you have your people, but i thought knowing one of his might make it feel slightly less.. weird. even if it's not by much. "

[alessandradamiano]

ENDED AND HEADCANONED

[alessandradamiano]

[alessandradamiano]

— NAUGHTY AND NICE FASHION SHOW

ALESSANDRA D'AMIANO WALKING IN A RED SET

Alessandra D'Amiano is walking in not just one, but two custom pieces designed by Giada. It is one of the perks of being the sister of the designer. The first piece is for the real show, while the second with wings is for the designer walk at the end where she will be walking with her sister Giada, and fellow sister and model Francesca in a white piece with wings as well having both sisters be naughty and nice. Hidden in the sole part of the heels designed also by Giada is a special section with a knife hidden in each shoe for protection should something go awry.

[alessandradamiano]

WHO: Dominic Corvin @saccharinexvenom LOCATION: Gala main room

Alessandra knew she shouldn't be doing this. Everything about tonight was wrong, so very wrong. But it felt so thrilling. Every time his hand brushed along her exposed lower back she felt a shiver run up her spine. Every time he leaned in close and his breath tickled her ear, Alessandra felt another tendril of arousal wrap around her. Already she was two drinks in and starting to feel the warmth spread through her body. "I hope you're ready for the show." Alessandra leaned in and whispered against his ear, her voice dripping with honey and promises. Lucky promised he was going to watch Dominic to see how he reacted and she couldn't deny the thrill of it all. The pull towards this man. "I get to keep the pieces after."

[joinmeinenvy]

Francesca’s eyes softened as she listened to Alessandra, catching the pain woven into her words. It was rare to see her sister like this—uncertain, vulnerable. For a moment, Francesca was quiet, weighing her response carefully. The strain between them had been undeniable, but Alessandra’s turmoil brought a pang of guilt she hadn’t expected. “Stellina,” she began softly, using the childhood nickname that always reminded her of Alessandra’s light. “It doesn’t matter what I think. You’ve made your choice, and that’s yours to make. I just hope you fully understand what it means.” Francesca loved her sister deeply, and if attending with Dominic was what Alessandra wanted, she had no right to stop her. But the consequences loomed heavily in Francesca’s mind. Donovan wouldn’t take it lightly, and the tension between him and Alessandra would only worsen. It would pain her to see two people she cared for at odds, and more than anything, it broke her heart to see Alessandra trapped in a situation where happiness seemed so far out of reach. She had her own selfish reasons for not wanting the marriage to go through, but at the core of it, both of them would be unhappy. “I’m sorry.” She apologizes, taking a deep breath to stop the emotions that are threatening to burst out. “I’m being unfair to you, but I’m caught in a situation that I don’t know how to deal with. You both are making a mistake and are too stubborn to realize it.” Francesca knew she needed to let this go. She had no voice in the situation, and her objections were already on deaf ears. Her greatest folly was how much she cared. It was a matter of time before it blew up in her face.

[alessandradamiano]

Alessandra wasn't used to being vulnerable like this, or at least not while in a public sphere. The only times she usually expressed the true depths of her vulnerability was with Lucky, when they were together they could tell each other the worst things about them, things that sometimes she even hid from her sisters. The burdens that were placed on her by her father that she had felt trapped by her entire life. The way she was raised to be the perfect daughter, perfect pawn they wanted since not one inch of her life wasn't touched by the way he had shaped her path. And tonight, for the first time she had chosen to do something she had wanted and it was doing nothing except cause more messes. Alessandra felt her defenses weaken as her sister spoke the pet name she'd always had for her. "Fran... that's not fair. You know your thoughts always matter to me, yours and Giada's. You two are the only ones I care what you think. And me doing this tonight, it's obviously making things worse between us." This whole situation was worse than she could ever imagine. Though Alessandra had known for most of her life this day would come, that one day she'd marry someone for an alliance and nothing more than a political one she was a pawn in, having the day here finally felt entirely different. And yes, she was stumbling by showing up with Dominic. But Alessandra knew it was a mistake, she knew that this was the last time she could do something because she wanted to and from now on it'd have to go back to what she was supposed to do. Hearing her sister apologize, Alessandra reached out for her older sister's hand and squeezed it. "I'm not being stubborn, it's my duty." She whispered, her voice breaking. "What happens if I pull out, Fran? You saw what Sera did tonight. The Crimsons still haven't decided which side they will be on. What if they do side with the Society? We will have no allies." She didn't want to do this, but she had to. "I never wanted you to get caught in this, this was supposed to be my burden alone."