The gallery was finally empty, and all the candles were extinguished. However, the scent of vanilla still hung faintly in the cool evening air. Outside, Rome’s ancient city lights shone through the tall glass windows, but inside didn't seem to share the warmth of the city…not when Isabella's mind was at war.
She was alone in her private study, restless and thinking furiously. Dante's words and offer couldn't leave her head, and it was all so very tempting.
“A future without the Morettis… A life of your own… Freedom.”
The sound echoed in her mind like a mantra…or maybe even a curse.
She walked over to the bookshelf and knelt down, reaching behind a row of antique books until her fingers closed around a small, wooden box. She opened it warily.
There, still wrapped in a faded silk cloth,
