The engine hummed softly as the black SUV cut through the rain-soaked streets.
Elena sat in silence, stealing cautious glances at Luca. His attention never wavered from the road ahead. Even at red lights, his eyes swept the mirrors, searching for any sign of danger.
"You haven't answered my question," Elena finally said. "Who are you really?"
Luca's expression remained unreadable.
"I'm the man assigned to keep you alive."
"By whom?"
"You'll meet him soon."
That answer only raised more questions.
An hour later, the SUV slowed before a pair of towering iron gates hidden behind thick trees. Armed guards stepped forward, checking the vehicle before the gates slowly opened.
Beyond them stood an enormous stone mansion, isolated from the city and surrounded by high walls.
"This is where I'll be staying?" Elena asked.
"For now," Luca replied.
Inside, the mansion was elegant but heavily guarded. Men in dark suits stood at every entrance, their earpieces crackling with quiet conversations.
An older man approached them.
"So," he said, studying Elena with sharp eyes. "You're the witness."
She frowned.
"I have a name."
A faint smile crossed his face.
"Good. Fear hasn't taken your courage."
He introduced himself only as Marco, an adviser to the organization that had offered her protection.
"We're trying to identify the people behind tonight's attack," Marco explained. "Until then, this house is the safest place for you."
"The safest?" Elena asked. "It feels more like a prison."
"No," Luca said quietly from the doorway. "A prison keeps people in."
His gaze shifted toward the dark windows.
"This place keeps your enemies out."
---
Late that night, unable to sleep, Elena wandered into the mansion's library.
The room was silent except for the ticking of an old grandfather clock.
She noticed a framed photograph on a shelf.
It showed a much younger Luca standing beside a smiling family.
Before she could look closer, his voice came from behind her.
"You shouldn't touch that."
She turned.
"I'm sorry. I was just curious."
For the first time, the calm mask on Luca's face cracked ever so slightly.
"Curiosity can be dangerous."
He took the photograph and placed it back where it belonged.
Elena noticed something in his eyes—not anger, but grief.
Before she could ask about it, alarms suddenly blared throughout the mansion.
Red emergency lights flashed across the hallways.
One of the guards burst into the library.
"They've breached the outer gate!"
Luca's expression hardened instantly.
He stepped in front of Elena.
"Stay behind me."
Outside, engines roared.
Headlights swept across the mansion grounds.
Someone had found the safe house.
And this time...
They had come prepared.
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