The Medici Witch

Florence, 1478. Beneath the dazzling artistry of the Renaissance, a hidden darkness stirs. Alessandra de' Medici, secret daughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent, walks a perilous path between privilege and obscurity.  She commands a power inherited from a forgotten lineage — the ability to manipulate the very essence of life, a gift both miraculous and dangerous in a city where whispers of witchcraft can quickly turn to accusations… and pyres.
When Florence’s elite succumb to a series of gruesome, inexplicable deaths, Alessandra sees beyond the veil of illness and recognizes the sinister stain of dark magic.  A predator stalks the city's shadowed alleys and opulent halls, threatening to shatter the fragile peace Lorenzo has so carefully constructed.  Bound by duty and driven by a growing unease, Alessandra embarks on a clandestine investigation, her secret a perilous weapon in a world of whispers and betrayals.
Her path leads her through a labyrinth of power, where every smile hides a potential enemy and every whispered word carries the weight of consequence. She must navigate the treacherous currents of Florentine politics while concealing her gift from the chilling gaze of Fra Luca Valori, the city’s inquisitor, a man who sees demonic influence in every shadow.
Alessandra finds herself caught between the seductive charm of Michele Bell, the Venetian ambassador whose allure masks a sinister agenda, and the unwavering loyalty of Rhys Grimaldi, a young cartographer whose sharp mind and unwavering support become her anchors in a world of deception.  Bell, aware of Alessandra’s power, offers protection, but at a steep price: her allegiance to Venice’s burgeoning ambitions.
Her quest for answers leads Alessandra to uncover the forgotten lore of the *Stregoni*, ancient beings who feed on human life force to sustain their unnatural longevity.  They have infiltrated the highest echelons of Italian society, their influence woven into the very fabric of power.  Bell, consumed by his lust for dominance, has forged a pact with these creatures, offering Florence as a sacrifice for their favor.
As the *Stregoni* prepare their final move, a grand masked ball at the Palazzo Pitti becomes a stage for a deadly game of deception.  Alessandra, armed with forbidden knowledge and Rhys’s unwavering devotion, faces a harrowing choice: expose the *Stregoni* and risk being condemned as a witch, or allow their reign of terror to consume the city she loves.  Amidst the revelry, the palazzo transforms into a battleground where the opulence of the Renaissance clashes with the raw power of ancient magic. Alessandra, her magic ignited by a desperate hope, must confront Bell and the *Stregoni* in a final, devastating confrontation that will determine the fate of Florence.  One thing is certain: Alessandra de' Medici, the Medici Witch, will stand against the darkness, even if it means sacrificing everything.