The cabin, cloaked in the gentle hum of the forest, seemed almost peaceful after the chaos of the night before. Elena stirred awake, her body stiff from sleeping on the couch. The events of the previous night lingered heavily in her mind—the gunfire, the chase, and the sudden arrival at this secluded sanctuary.
She glanced at Luca, who stood by the window, his silhouette framed by the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. His shoulders were tense, and his hands clenched at his sides. He hadn’t slept. Instead, he seemed lost in thought, a storm brewing behind his dark eyes.
“Morning,” Elena said softly, her voice breaking the silence.
Luca turned his head slightly, acknowledging her with a curt nod. “You should get some more rest,” he said, his voice hoarse but commanding.
