Page 122 of Beneath the Shadows

Unfolding the note, my blood runs cold as I read the words scrawled in jagged handwriting:

The walls are closing in, stone by stone, inch by inch. There will be no escape, Alessia. Your fate is sealed.

Draco.

He’s getting bolder, no longer content to lurk in the shadows. I crush the note in my fist. He’s playing with fire, awakening a monster he won’t be able to control.

A soft creak behind me pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to find Alessia standing at the bottom of the stairs, worry etched on her face. She’s wearing one of my T-shirts, the fabric hanging loosely around her.

"I told you to stay in the room," I say, my tone harsher than I intend. The hurt in her eyes softens my resolve. Reaching out, I pull her into my arms. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.”

“I was scared something would happen to you."

Her arms wrap around me, her body warm against mine, calming my fears. But it doesn’t last. I pull back, needing her to understand the gravity of the situation. "That’s why you need to stay where I tell you. I can’t do what I need to if I’m worrying about you.”

She nods, but her eyes drift toward the shattered glass. "What does it say this time?"

"It’s not important," I lie, keeping my voice steady despite the weight of the situation. My gaze drops to her feet, noticing the shards of glass scattered around her. "I don’t want you getting cut."

Without another word, I lift her into my arms, cradling her close as I carry her back upstairs. "I want you to sleep in my bed tonight," I say, more firmly than before. “In our bed,” I correct myself, my voice softening as I realize what I’m asking.

She rests her head against my shoulder, her trust in me clear despite her fear. “I’d like that, too,” she whispers.

I settle her gently into the bed, watching as she curls into the blankets. Her eyes are wide, still full of worry, and I can feel the tension radiating off her.

“Antonio,” she whispers. “I’m scared.”

I slip out of my pants and ease in beside her, pulling her close. “I won’t let anything happen to you,” I murmur against her hair.

She presses closer, but her body remains tense. “Do you think we should have a security system installed? Maybe put some guards at the door?”

I pull back slightly to look at her. “Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“I think so. I can’t keep living like this, always waiting for something bad to happen.”

A slow exhale escapes as my hand brushes through her hair. “If that’s what you want, I’ll do it. Anything to make you feel safe.”

Her breathing slows as she processes my words, and the tension in her body starts to ease. “Thank you,” she murmurs softly before drifting off to sleep in my arms. I hold her close, my mind still racing. As her breathing slows and evens out, I’m left wondering if I’ve been too complacent—too stubborn to protect her the way I should. I can’t let my pride get in the way anymore.

Quietly, I slip out of bed and grab my phone, stepping into the hallway as I dial Dante’s number. It rings several times before he finally picks up, his voice groggy and low.

“We’ve got a problem.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Draco sent another message. Through my front window.”

“I’m on my way,” he replies without hesitation.

“I want you to move forward with the security system. And I need men stationed at the door—tonight.”

There’s a brief pause before Dante speaks. “You’re sure?”

“I am,” I say firmly, glancing back at the bedroom where Alessia is finally resting. “It’s what she needs.”

“I’ll handle it,” Dante replies before hanging up.

Back in the bedroom, I stand at the edge of the bed, watching Alessia sleep peacefully, unaware of the true extent of the danger just beyond our walls. After a deep breath, I pull on my clothes.

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