Anthony Zarwick was not a hero.

He was a pimp, a criminal, and a street predator dressed in gold. A smiling parasite who understood that loyalty lasted only until fear, love, or money offered something better.

For sixty years, Anthony survived the streets of chicago by refusing to become anyone’s prey.

Then one night, beneath the flickering lights of a filthy motel parking lot, his own people betrayed him.

Surrounded.

Shot in the back.

Executed by a young man who believed he had finally killed the monster.

Anthony expected hell.

Instead, he woke up bleeding beneath the painted ceiling of an ancient palace.

His new body belonged to Edmund de’ Medici. The the forgotten eldest son of one of europe’s oldest and most corrupt dynasties. A towering, broken man abandoned inside his own home while his younger brother ruled florence in his place.

The medici believe edmund is weak.

They believe he is dying.

They believe the inheritance buried with him can never rise again.

They are wrong.

Outside the palace walls, the world is collapsing beneath disease, fear, and political unrest. Strange rumors are spreading. Impossible events are being buried. And somewhere among ordinary orchards and forgotten places, something unnatural has begun to grow.

Anthony has awakened inside a family built on masks.

A house of blood, wealth, betrayal, and beautiful monsters.

Unfortunately for them, he has spent an entire lifetime learning how monsters survive.

And this time, he does not intend to settle for one street.

He intends to own the city.

⸻

(Anthony’s POV)

"Let’s start with you." I said with a bloody smile.

he will outlive them all.

Even if the crown must drown in blood.

------------------------------------------

Author Note: This is a spin-off of my other story (I Became Beyonce’s Half Sister) and is a part of the I.C.T.M.H.E.T.E.M.H universe.

WARNING WARNING ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ 

⚠️ Content Warning:
Throughout this story, there are scenes involving strong language, physical and emotional abuse, sexual situations, violence, and other mature or disturbing themes. Please read with discretion.

Characters will be posted in the comments.


Characters.