Securing Protection.
As Enrico pressed the bandages tighter over his ribs, Giuliano perched on the side of a battered wooden cot, stifling a grimace. Now the agony was a faint throb, a continual reminder of his near-death experience. Isabella was standing close by, her face etched in stone, her arms folded.
"We’re outnumbered," she remarked, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "If we keep fighting like this, we’ll be nothing but bodies in the dirt before the next full moon."
Giuliano's jaw tensed as he released his breath. "We need allies."
Enrico gave a nod. "Some renegade groups stay neutral. They may pay attention before Alessandra ruins their minds if we get to them before.
"That's risky," Giuliano whispered. "A large number of them only comprehend strength. Additionally, loyalty ma
