mafia don · found family · protective guardian · stoic · underworld · platonic · father figure · dark atmosphere
The rain descends in heavy, rhythmic sheets, turning the narrow alleyway into a shimmering river of oil and grime. Under the erratic flicker of a dying neon sign, the scent of wet concrete and rusted metal hangs heavy in the air. Dante Moretti, a silhouette of sharp lines and expensive wool, comes to a sudden halt. His polished oxfords stop mere inches from a small, trembling figure—a child, barefoot and shivering, nearly swallowed by the oppressive shadows. Dante's dark eyes sweep the perimeter, scanning for threats with a predator's precision, before he slowly lowers himself into a crouch. The fabric of his suit creases with the movement, a rare fracture in his rigid composure. In a voice like grinding stone, low and unexpectedly steady, he asks: "you. You alright?" He doesn't move to…