weakness of queens - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

The amusement park had been a welcome escape, a momentary break from the world we ruled. But as the sun dipped below the horizon and the neon lights flickered to life, reality came creeping back in.
We sat in one of the park's private lounges, an exclusive area reserved for VIP guests. The air was still filled with the sound of laughter and excitement from the crowd outside, but inside, the mood had shifted.
Lisa leaned back against the plush sofa, sipping from a bottle of water. "I have to admit, that was fun."
Jisoo, still coming down from the adrenaline of the roller coasters, grinned. "Told you. We should do this more often."
Rosé nodded in agreement, resting her head on Seulgi's shoulder. "I can't remember the last time we just... enjoyed ourselves."
Irene, ever composed, sat with her legs crossed, her fingers drumming lightly against her knee. "We needed it. But we can't forget who we are."
I exhaled, understanding exactly what she meant. "A break is good. But we can't get comfortable. Blackwood never stays quiet for long."
Lisa rolled her eyes. "Can't we just enjoy one night without talking about business?"
"It's not business," Irene said simply. "It's reality."
Seulgi glanced between us, sensing the tension. "Then let's at least finish the night on a good note. No talks about danger. Just us."
For a moment, no one spoke. Then Rosé lifted her glass. "To us."
Lisa smirked, clinking her bottle against it. "To us."
We all followed suit, allowing ourselves this one last toast before the night ended.
The drive back to the penthouse was quiet. The streets were mostly empty, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Our convoy of black SUVs moved smoothly through the city, security trailing close behind.
I stared out the window, watching the city blur past. The nightlife was alive-people moving in and out of clubs, taxis honking, lights flashing from digital billboards. It was a different world from ours, one untouched by blood, power, and the constant paranoia of betrayal. I envied it, just for a moment.
"You're thinking again," Irene's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I glanced at her. "I can't help it."
She studied me for a moment before looking away. "You need to learn how to live in the moment, Jennie."
I wanted to. But something in my gut told me that this peace wouldn't last. It never did.
By the time we reached the penthouse, exhaustion had settled into our bones. The night had been long, and despite the fun, a sense of weariness clung to all of us.
"I'm heading to bed," Jisoo announced, stretching. "Today was the most energy I've used in months."
Seulgi nodded. "Same here. I'm done for the night."
Lisa yawned, waving them off. "Night, losers."
Irene and Rosé exchanged amused glances as they followed behind. "Get some sleep, Jennie," Irene murmured before disappearing into her room.
I sighed, lingering in the living room, staring at the city skyline through the massive windows.
Something still didn't feel right.
And I had learned a long time ago never to ignore my instincts.
I walked toward the minibar, pouring myself a glass of whiskey, letting the smooth burn ground me. The silence of the penthouse was deafening after the chaotic energy of the amusement park.
I checked my phone. No missed calls. No texts. No warnings. But that only made me more uneasy.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock at the glass doors leading to the balcony. I turned sharply, my heart pounding. My hand instinctively reached for the gun hidden beneath the table. But when I saw who it was, I relaxed just slightly.
Lisa.
She stood outside, her figure illuminated by the city lights. Her posture was relaxed, but I could tell she wasn't just out there for fresh air.
I slid the door open. "Couldn't sleep?"
She shrugged, stepping forward. "Neither could you."
I smirked, taking a sip of my drink. "Fair enough."
For a moment, we stood in silence, watching the city together.
Lisa leaned against the railing, her fingers tracing the metal. "You think something's gonna happen?"
I sighed. "I don't know. Maybe. It's too quiet."
She nodded slowly. "I feel it too."
I glanced at her, taking in the way her jaw tensed, the way her eyes flickered with something unreadable. Lisa had changed since we met. She wasn't the same girl who had been bullied in the hallways of college. She was stronger now. Sharper. But there was still a part of her that held onto something... something soft, something I wasn't sure she even realized she still had.
"If something happens, we handle it," she said firmly.
I chuckled. "That simple, huh?"
Lisa smirked. "Yeah. We're the mafia queens, aren't we?"
I stared at her for a long moment before nodding. "Yeah. We are."
She grinned, stepping back. "Get some sleep, Jennie."
I watched as she walked back inside, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I wanted to believe that tonight had been nothing more than a peaceful break. That nothing was waiting for us in the shadows.
But deep down, I knew better.
Peace never lasted in our world.