VALENTINE MANSION

10 YEARS AGO...

Devon Valentine watches as his little sister sleeps peacefully, unaware of what awaits her. The 17 year old lets out a tired sigh. These days, training and school take up most of his time, leaving little to spend with his family.

His thoughts wander off to the earlier discussion their father, Giorgio Valentine, had with them. Anger courses through his veins as he remembers what his father decreed. The man had never been much of a dad, but in that moment, Devon hated the man. 

'Send her away. Only way to keep her safe..' His father's voice resonates in his mind as he stares at the little girl. How the man could comprehend sending his daughter away, Devon didn't know, but his heart clenches at the thought.

The mansion would feel empty without her giggles. He couldn't fathom coming home, not when she is not going to be there to babble about her day or hug him or call him 'Eroe' .  

The rustling of sheets snaps him to the present and he smiles, the tiredness fading away. He watches as she sits up, rubbing at her eyes. 

"Eroe." She calls out, without looking at him.  She shakes her head, tucking her black hair behind her ears, before looking around.

Silver eyes, similar to his land on him and he watches as her face lights up. She beams at him, getting off the bed and sprinting in his direction. He bends low and she crashes into his open arms.

"mi sei mancato." she mumbles into his chest. (I missed you.)

"Anche tu mi sei mancato, tesoro"  Devon mumbles. He stands up, with her still tucked into his chest and walks to her bed. (I missed you too, treasure.)

Once they are comfortably settled in her bed, her hands shoot out, playing with the golden gun pendant that hangs around his neck. A symbol that he is a part of the Underworld, the Valentines.

"Everyone is sad." she whispers. 

He smiles at her English. Their mother always made sure that they were fluent in both languages. Devon took charge of teaching the twins when she passed away an year ago.

"Yeah." His voice is a mere whisper. "Did father tell you ?"

She nods, tucking herself into him. His arms tighten around her.

"I don't want to go." she grumbles, still playing with his pendant.

"I know, baby." Devon replies. "But, it is the only way right now."

A tear slips out and she wipes it away. 

"Promise me," she says. "Once it is all over, bring me back."

"I promise." He vows, placing a kiss on her head. "You are my sister. So, stay strong for me."

She nods. Devon watches as sleep overtakes her. That night, he doesn't sleep. 

When the morning comes, the Valentine brothers watch as their sister walks to the car, her head held high. When she turns around, she gives them a brilliant smile and they smile back. The smile stays on their faces till the car is out of sight. 

Anger and sadness ooze out of them, surrounding the entire mansion. When the youngest of them cries for his twin, Reuben swoops in, consoling him.

Devon stares at the driveway, willing the car to turn back, as if his glare could do it. He stands there, frozen in place, unable to shake off the feeling of dread that has settled deep within him. The mansion, which has once been filled with laughter and joy, now seems cold and empty without her presence.

He clenches his fists, the anger welling up inside him. He can't help but blame their father, Giorgio, for this situation. He had always been distant and cold, more focused on his criminal empire than on his own family. Sending her away was just another example of his ruthless pragmatism.