Aurora Moretti stepped off the plane, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The bustling airport of Astor greeted her with its usual chaos, but something about the air here felt charged, electric with an energy she couldn't quite place. With her brown hair falling in loose waves around her shoulders and her eyes scanning the surroundings with a keen intensity, she blended seamlessly into the crowd.

As she made her way through the terminal, Aurora couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between the welcoming signs plastered on the walls and the grim reality outside. Astor wasn't like any other city she'd been to. Here, violence seemed to be an everyday occurrence, with fights breaking out in plain sight and gunshots echoing through the streets. Yet, the officials turned a blind eye, as if this were just another day in paradise.

Aurora smirked to herself, knowing she had willingly walked into the lion's den. She hailed a taxi, her senses on high alert as she observed the driver through narrowed eyes. The man behind the wheel, Blake Lavesky, exuded an air of suspicion that set off alarm bells in Aurora's mind. But she remained unfazed, burying herself in her laptop as they navigated through the chaotic streets.

Blake's glances grew more frequent, his curiosity piqued by the young woman in his backseat. Little did he know, Aurora was one step ahead, her fingers dancing across the keyboard as she unearthed every detail of his life. From his criminal history to his family ties, she had him pegged.

When they arrived at the hotel-the luxurious Oasis amidst the chaos of Astor-Blake's demeanor shifted. He demanded a higher fare, thinking Aurora would crumble under his intimidation. But he had underestimated her.

With a steely gaze, Aurora met his eyes and delivered a cutting remark that left him speechless, as she started narrating his whole life with all facts lined up, "Try anything," she said coolly, "and you'll find out that somethings are more dangerous than your little loaded gun".

Blake paled, realizing he was outmatched. Reluctantly, he accepted the fare as Aurora exited the cab, her resolve unshaken. In Astor, survival meant being tougher than the rest, and Aurora was ready to prove she could hold her own in this unforgiving city.

As she entered the hotel, Aurora couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. She was in Astor now, and she had a job to do. Little did she know, her journey was just beginning.

Aurora approached the reception desk, her fingers tapping impatiently as she waited to collect her room key cards. The clerk handed them over with a practiced smile, oblivious to the storm brewing within her. The room was extravagant, far beyond what she needed or could justify. She cursed under her breath at the exorbitant price, berating herself for succumbing to the allure of luxury. But deep down, she knew there was more to her choice than mere comfort.

With a sigh, she reminded herself of the hotel's impeccable security, its reputation for discretion, and its clientele of wealthy criminals from around the globe. This was where she needed to be, despite the risks.

Setting up her gear with practiced efficiency, Aurora wasted no time in getting down to business. She punched in a familiar number on her phone, the voice on the other end erupting in a tirade of frustration.

"M," the man barked, "do you have any idea how reckless you're being? We hired you for information, not to throw yourself into the fire!"

Aurora rolled her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, please. Let's not pretend we're best buddies, okay? And besides, I always deliver. If I can't find what I need online, I'll get it myself."

There was a heavy sigh on the other end of the line, followed by a resigned acceptance of Aurora's stubbornness. "Just promise me you'll be careful," M pleaded. "And call me the moment things start going south."

Aurora offered no reassurances, merely stating that she had an appointment to keep with a friend before hanging up abruptly. She knew the risks, but she also knew her capabilities. As she settled into her surroundings, a sense of determination washed over her. She was here for a reason, and nothing was going to stand in her way.

As Aurora wandered through the hotel's lavish foyer, the scent of delicious snacks wafted through the air, enticing her senses. It was evening tea time, and the spread before her was a tempting array of treats and drinks. Amidst the crowd, she spotted a familiar figure wearing a black cap-Max Silver, an old friend from her past.

With a warm smile, they embraced, exchanging pleasantries and catching up on old times over coffee and snacks. But soon, Aurora's demeanor shifted, the weight of her mission pressing upon her. With a serious expression, she broached the topic they had both been avoiding.

"Did you bring what I asked for?" she inquired, her voice low and intense.

Max's expression grew somber, his eyes reflecting concern. "Rory, you're brilliant, but Enzo is not someone to underestimate. One wrong move, and you could end up in a world of trouble, or worse."

Aurora waved off his warning with a casual shrug. "Relax, Max. I've faced worse than Enzo before. Just hand it over."

Max's expression grew somber, his concern evident in his furrowed brow. "No, Rory, you haven't. Trust me, Enzo is different. He's not someone to take lightly."

Aurora arched an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Scared much?" she teased, giving Max a playful nudge.

"Yes, because he is one to be feared," replied Max, his tone grave. Aurora's persistence didn't go unnoticed. "What are you not telling me, Max?" she asked firmly.

Max hesitated for a moment before speaking, his gaze serious. "It's just... the stories I've heard about him," he admitted reluctantly. "He's not just another crime lord. He's ruthless, Aurora. He didn't hesitate to kill his own father. He's like an unbeatable boss monster, designed to stand undefeated."

"I have always liked a system update," Aurora replied firmly, her confidence unwavering. "But life is not a game," Max said, his concern evident in his tone.

"Is it not?" Aurora replied with a small smile, meeting his gaze head-on.

"Now pass me the goods, and I'll see how to deal with it," she said in a demanding tone, holding out her hand to Max, clearly not taking no for an answer.

Reluctantly, Max passed her a file, filled with whatever information he could gather on the elusive Enzo. Aurora accepted it with a determined nod, knowing that it would have to be enough.

With a quick farewell, she left Max behind and retreated to the safety of her room. Alone once more, she poured over the contents of the file, her mind already racing with plans and strategies. Enzo may be a formidable opponent, but Aurora was no stranger to danger. She was ready to take him on, no matter the cost.

As Aurora sifted through the file, her eyes fell upon a photograph tucked within its pages. A striking young man stared back at her, his blue eyes piercing through the paper with an aura of dominance and fear. She couldn't help but be taken aback by his youthful appearance, surprised that someone so young could command the respect and obedience of seasoned crime lords in Astor.

Despite herself, Aurora found a begrudging admiration for Enzo's ability to wield power beyond his years, to navigate the treacherous underworld of Astor with such finesse. As she studied his features, committing every line and contour to memory, she couldn't shake the sense of intrigue that surrounded him.

But it wasn't just the photograph that caught her attention. Beneath it lay an invitation to a place called Anderson-a grand ballroom that once served as a beacon of luxury in Astor but now played host to clandestine meetings of high-ranking mafias and those seeking their favor. It was the perfect setting for Max to have arranged a rendezvous with Enzo.

With a determined gleam in her eyes, Aurora made a mental note of every detail, knowing that this would be her chance to come face to face with the enigmatic Enzo Santoro. She held up the photograph once more, committing his image to memory, before flipping it over to find a short note scrawled by Max.

"WELCOME TO ASTOR."

"Welcome To Astor Indeed," Aurora whispered to herself as she stood by the window of her hotel room, her gaze fixed on the bustling city below. Outside, the streets were alive with activity, the sound of revving engines and blaring horns filling the air. In Astor, chaos reigned, and Aurora knew she was stepping into a world where power and influence held sway.

As she took in the scene before her, Aurora's mind raced with anticipation. She was here for a reason, a mission that required her to navigate the treacherous underworld of Astor with skill and precision. With each passing moment, she felt the weight of her task pressing down on her, but she refused to be intimidated. In this city of shadows and secrets, she would find the truth she sought, no matter the cost.

*Hello to people reading this..... if anyone is , this happens to be my first ever published work , hope it doesn't disappoint you the way I do to my guardian angel.*

For starters I don't exactly have the ending planned , but it for sure ain't going the sad way, so ya all can relax , no potential for life traumas ahead ( maybe a few XD)

All suggestions are forever welcomed .... cause well this writer has biiig blocks and a little head , with zero life and level 1000 delusions .