The Cage
403 Words
Alessia stood in the doorway of her tiny apartment, a duffel bag slung over her shoulder. The city stretched out before her, glittering with lights against the dark sky. For a fleeting moment, she considered running — disappearing into the night and leaving everything behind.
But she knew better.
The Cavallero family had eyes everywhere. If she ran, they’d find her. And she had no doubt what would happen after that.
A black car pulled up to the curb. The back window rolled down, and Dante’s face appeared, shadowed and unreadable. “Get in.”
She hesitated. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere safe.”
She almost laughed. The last place she’d ever feel safe was next to him. But what choice did she have? She slid into the car, the leather seats cold against her skin. Dante sat beside her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off him.
They drove in silence. Alessia stared out the window, watching the city fade into darkness. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore. “Why me?” she asked softly.
Dante turned toward her, his expression unreadable. “Because your father made a mistake. One that cost him his life.”
Her stomach dropped. “What do you mean?”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Your father crossed my family. He took something that didn’t belong to him. And now, I’m here to collect.”
Alessia swallowed. “What did he take?”
Dante’s gaze darkened. “That, cara mia, is a story for another time.”
They pulled up to a wrought iron gate, which creaked open to reveal a sprawling mansion. The car wound its way up the long driveway, the headlights cutting through the darkness.
As they stepped inside, Alessia took in her surroundings — high ceilings, marble floors, and walls adorned with dark oil paintings. The house was beautiful, but it felt cold. Empty.
“Welcome to your new home,” Dante said softly, his breath warm against her neck.
She turned to face him, heart pounding. “What do you really want from me?”
He brushed a lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering against her skin. “Everything.”
Before she could reply, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving her alone in the dark.
And for the first time, Alessia realized she might not survive this.
- Writer
