The atmosphere was tense, weighed down by the echoes of the argument that had unraveled earlier in the evening. Elena sat curled up in the corner of the couch, the firelight casting flickering shadows across her face. She stared into the flames, her thoughts a tangled mess of fear and frustration.
Luca, standing by the window, watched the empty street below with hawk-like intensity. His gun rested on the table nearby, a silent reminder of the danger that lurked beyond the walls.
“You can’t keep me locked up forever, Luca,” Elena said finally, her voice a soft rebellion breaking the silence.
Luca’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t turn to face her. “I’m not locking you up. I’m protecting you.”
Her laugh was bitter. “Protecting me? By keeping me in the dark? By refusing to tell me why my lif
