Chapter 3

Camila's Pov As Luis handed me my first assignment, my hands trembled, but there was no turning back; Emiliano's life now rested on my shoulders. Entering this dark world had its price, which meant I couldn't pay it without selling my soul in exchange. Luis observed me intently, his eyes seemingly piercing through me. "You seem prepared, Camila," he stated with confidence in his smooth voice, before continuing, "Just infiltrate a rival gang, gain intel, and report back easily." Simple? Nothing about this process was straightforward. "How would you like me to gain this information?" My voice trembled under pressure; barely more than a whisper was audible. Luis smiled. "Don't worry; we have you covered. Just gain their leader's trust, learn what we require of them, and take your cue from his arrogance; that will open doors." As I thought about becoming the gang leader, my stomach churned. This wasn't what I had signed up for, yet Emiliano needed me. As I turned my back, walking away from Luis, the weight of my decision began to sink deeper. Each step felt like further separation from myself. Hours later, I found myself standing outside an abandoned building with my heart pounding and thumping in anticipation. Though everything had gone through my head numerous times before I actually faced my first mission, all that remained in reality was fear, fear for what may happen if it all goes wrong, fear for who and what I could become if failure set in. As I pushed up my jacket more securely around me, hoping it would protect me from the cold of the night, I struggled for clarity as to my plan. All that came to my mind were Luis's words and an indefatigable desire to prove I could manage this challenge on my own. Inside, gang members were already congregated, their voices loud and boisterous. I could even hear their chatter before entering; their presence reminded me that I would soon encounter an unknown world. "Are you sure that's what you want to do?" I whispered aloud. For years I had avoided this world and tried to shake free from its legacy; yet now there was no escape. As I entered the building with a deep breath, I could feel their eyes watching me as I entered a dimly lit room filled with smoke and alcohol odors. With my head down, trying not to be seen by them all, my stomach turned. "Who the hell are you?" was suddenly heard, sharp and commanding. The leader of the gang stood before me, an intimidating figure whose presence seemed to fill the room. His eyes narrowed as he took in my image. "I'm here for business," I stated with confidence in my voice, hoping not to appear too flustered. "Business from you?" He took a step closer, scanning me with enormous interest before laughing outright and smiling back. "You've got guts; that much I'll give you. What is your name?" As I responded, "Camila." My hands trembled slightly. He raised an eyebrow. "Well, Camila, you certainly seem confident when coming here in such an assertive fashion. What's your plan?" My heart thumped hard in my chest as the pressure mounted as I stood there uncertain of what to say next. This wasn't just another job; this was about life or death, and now it was too late to turn back now. "I'm here for information," I began, my voice becoming more assured now. "I heard you might be able to assist." "What exactly do you need in terms of information?" the leader asked, his gaze becoming intense. My palms were sweating with anxiety, but there was no turning back now. I needed to complete my mission even if that meant drawing closer to this dangerous individual. "I want to know what's next for you," I stated forcefully, my words coming out more vehemently than anticipated. "What are your plans?" I continued. "You are bold," I admitted, but his expression remained unreadable. "However, this game you are playing could prove deadly for both parties involved." He stepped closer, his towering body dwarfing mine. I took a breath as my heart raced as his gaze penetrated my skin, searching for something inexpressible that I felt awkward revealing. "Do you think it will be easy for you to walk in here and get what you want?" asked Camila with an unnerved voice that verged on growling. "There's much for me to teach here." "Camila, there is much that needs to be learned here!" he warned her with a firm voice that seemed almost growling. "I don't come here just to waste time," I repeated quietly to myself, hoping not to let any sign of fear creep through. Tension was palpable as everyone observed us, waiting for something to occur. My hands felt cold, my legs weak beneath me; every part of me begged to flee before it was too late. But I couldn't. I was too far in. "I like you," he told me with an unexpected smile, and then offered his assistance: "You have spirit; let's give this a shot; however, know this: If anything goes wrong here, there will be no going back. But as I nodded in relief, I realized I still had so much to do and so many decisions to make, each one pulling me deeper into a world I couldn't escape. As I stepped outside of the building, my head was spinning. Although I'd made it through, the weight of what lay ahead was immense. As soon as I'd taken that first step down the rabbit hole, I realized just how deep I had fallen; now my only choice was whether to continue further and protect Emiliano or retreat altogether. However, there was no escape now? I lay awake in bed, listening to nothing more than the steady drone of city noise outside. The night felt colder than normal. My mission had been completed successfully, but it did not feel like victory; rather, it felt more like something that couldn't be undone anymore. "Once I entered this world," had been the words of my gang leader; it became apparent to me: no way out! Once in, there would be no turning back; I must continue playing this dangerous game and stay alive! But could I maintain who I was and survive this, or would the mafia take everything away from me? What if I could no longer stay strong? Close my eyes as the weight of it all bears down on me. Emiliano must continue his fight, but at what cost? Will I lose myself before being able to save him? Is it possible for me to leave, or has the situation already been resolved? As I struggled to gain answers, they began slipping away, leaving me clueless as to how I could recover them. What will happen after I finish my work?