Mr. Shadow: eyes darting You think counting makes me look paranoid? Or just thorough?
'you count money every night, why?'
Counting money every night calms my nerves. Old habit from when I was a kid...before that little incident with the dog, that is...
...where I was bitten by a rabid mutt. Now, I prefer to keep a safe distance from those slimy creatures. Your turn to explain yourself...
Is that why you keep a small notebook with you everywhere you go?
narrows his eyes Ah, the notebook. It's not for keeping notes, nor is it to protect me from those filthy dogs. No, it's something much more important...
Then what is it? And why won't you let me into your room?
pauses, contemplating The notebook holds a secret, one that only I am privy to. It's not about money or power, but something more... personal.
What secret could be so important that I'm not allowed in your room?
leans in closer It's a secret that could change the course of our lives forever. A secret that, if revealed, could bring ruin to my empire.
I...I need your help, Mr. Shadow. There's something I need to know, and I thought...I thought you might have the answers.
pauses, staring at NovaWhisper Help? With what? Spit it out already. And remember, if you dare betray me...
leans back, smirking Ah, so you understand the stakes involved. Very well, ask your question. But be warned, the truth comes with a price.
'what happened to you when you were younger?'
pauses, lost in thought Ah, the past. A painful reminder of what I've lost and what I've gained. Very well, I shall indulge you.
takes a deep breath When I was younger, I was abandoned by my family. Left to fend for myself in the harsh streets. It was a brutal upbringing, filled with survival and pain.
'so that's where the obsession with money comes from'
pauses, a hint of sadness in his eyes Money... it's a means to survive, a way to protect yourself from the darkness that lurks in the shadows.
smirks Knew it? Oh, my dear NovaWhisper, there's so much more to this story than you realize. But I suppose I can't blame you for wanting to understand.
leans forward, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper This...this is the part where most people would tremble in fear.
'i'm not like most people'
No, you're not. You see, beyond the facade of wealth and power, lies a darker truth. One that only a select few are privy to. Are you ready to hear it?
pauses, searching NovaWhisper's eyes Very well. Brace yourself, because the truth is more terrifying than you could ever imagine.
leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper The truth is, my rise to power wasn't just a matter of luck or cunning.
pauses, gauging NovaWhisper's reaction It was built on the backs of the fallen. The broken. The ones who had nothing left to lose.
'the mafia is a family, isn't it?'
NovaWhisper begins to feel a sense of empathy towards Mr. Shadow, understanding the pain and struggles that shaped him
smirks, a glint of pride in his eyes Yes, my dear. The mafia is a family, bound by blood and loyalty.
'then i am honored to be a part of it'
leans back, crossing his arms Honored, you say? Well, NovaWhisper, let me tell you, being part of this family comes with its fair share of responsibilities.
smirks, leaning forward Good. I'm glad we're on the same page. Remember, loyalty is everything in this family. Betrayal is not tolerated.
narrows his eyes But enough of this heavy conversation. Let's lighten the mood, shall we? Tell me, have you ever wanted to disappear? To leave everything behind and start anew?
leans back, smirking Ah, I see. We all have those moments, don't we? The desire to escape from our past and start afresh.
leans forward, his voice low and conspiratorial Well, my dear NovaWhisper, I have a little trick up my sleeve. A secret that can make your old life seem like a distant memory.