Lords of the Underworld: The Prince of Sin

Episode 4

The morning arrived tinged with golden hues, but for me, it was just another day. My birthday. A day that should have been for celebration, but which, in recent years, only reminded me of everything I had lost.

I was still sitting in bed when Teresa, the housekeeper, entered the room, balancing a small cake in her hands, the candle flame flickering slightly as she looked at me with that tender smile that always managed to warm my chest, even in the darkest moments.

"Feliz cumpleaños, mi niña (happy birthday, my girl)." Her voice was sweet, but it carried a weight of disguised concern. "May this year bring a little light to you."

My eyes fixed on the cake. Small, simple, but made with care. Teresa always tried to bring a bit of normality to my shattered life. She still believed there was something in me that could be saved.

I took a deep breath and took the candle between my fingers, feeling the warm wax against my skin before blowing it out slowly. The wish that ran through my mind was so dark I didn't even dare say it out loud.

"Gracias, Teresa..." My voice came out hoarse, heavy with restrained emotions. "For never forgetting me. For being here... Even when I forget myself."

She shook her head, with that maternal gaze that always made me feel that, despite everything, I still had someone by my side.

"I could never forget you, Luna. You still have a path to walk... And I will be here, until the end."

Before I could answer, I heard heavy footsteps echoing in the hallway. Edgar appeared at the door, his expression neutral, but his dark eyes carried something I knew all too well: concern.

"Congratulations, pequeña." His voice was firm, but there was an unusual softness to it. "Another year of survival."

I let out a low, humorless laugh.

"Survival..." I repeated. "That's exactly what it's been, hasn't it?"

I stood up slowly and went to him, wrapping him in a quick but sincere hug. Edgar wasn't one for affectionate gestures, but his presence by my side in recent years had been more than anyone else had ever done for me.

"Thank you. For everything. For never leaving me alone." My voice trembled, and before I realized it, a single tear ran down my face.

He said nothing, just nodded slightly before letting out a sigh.

"You'll always have us, Luna. Always."

We stood there for a few moments, the silence hanging between us, heavy with everything we didn't need to say out loud. I took a piece of Teresa's cake and tasted it, feeling the sweet flavor contrasting with the bitterness inside me.

"It's wonderful, Teresa. As always." I murmured.

She smiled, satisfied, but I knew that behind that gesture was a sadness she tried to hide.

As Edgar and Teresa were preparing to leave, something stirred within me. A restlessness I couldn't ignore.

"Edgar..." I called his name before he crossed the doorway. Teresa had already left.

He turned to me, already knowing what was coming.

"I need you to get something for me. Something strong this time." My voice was firm, without hesitation.

He narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms.

"You know I hate it when you do this." His tone was dry, but there was a trace of exasperation there.

"And you know I don't care." I retorted. "I need this. Just for today. Just this damn night."

He let out a long sigh and ran a hand through his dark hair, clearly fighting the urge to refuse me.

"Luna... maybe this isn't a good idea. You fought hard to get rid of this. To stay lucid. You know this shit pulls you into a hole that's hard to get out of."

I clenched my jaw, feeling the anger rise within me. I didn't want to hear his rationality. I just wanted peace. I just wanted, for one night, for my mind not to be a battlefield. I just wanted to have a little fun without this deep pain in my chest.

"I don't need your permission, Edgar." My voice came out sharp. "Just do what I'm telling you. I need it as soon as possible."

He stared at me for long seconds, his dark gaze trying to find a crack in my determination. But I had no cracks. I was firm.

Finally, he let out another tired sigh and nodded.

"I'll arrange it. But don't ask me to agree with it."

I turned my back before he saw the satisfied smile that formed on my lips.

I knew he was right. But that night, I didn't want reason. I wanted escape.

That afternoon

The smell of chemicals permeated the air of the abandoned factory where we were. The metallic sound of machinery mixed with the harsh voices of the workers. It was an orchestrated chaos, and we were the conductors.

Gabriel and I walked through the narrow corridors, observing the production like two kings inspecting their domains.

Orlando, one of our right-hand men, came towards us with quick steps. His serious face revealed he was bringing information.

"The shipment from France arrived without problems. But we have a potential issue with the Russians. They're charging more than agreed."

Gabriel let out a dry, humorless laugh.

"Those sons of bitches always want more."

Gabriel Martinez

I crossed my arms, facing Orlando.

"Send a message. If they insist on this shit, the next shipment will be returned along with a few heads."

Orlando nodded, leaving quickly to carry out the order.

Alvaro, another of our men, approached.

"We have a big client interested in the new shipment. But he wants a test first."

I picked up a small transparent package from the nearby table, observing the white pills inside.