Early next morning, Sophia stood rigidly before the fresh-faced recruits, a sea of eager young women ready to begin their training with the Syndicates. She took a deep breath before launching into her briefing, pushing down the unease swirling within.
Just yesterday, she had led the daring rescue of these very girls from the clutches of Vito and his men. She was supposed to guide them into the light, yet here she was, already compromised by the scheming mobster. They deserved a leader with an honest heart, not someone torn between decency and deception.
"Good morning, ladies!" Sophia injected her voice with artificial enthusiasm. "It's wonderful to see those bright, smiling faces ready for your first day of training. I remember standing where you are now - nervous but thrilled to start this new chapter."
