As the evening shadows stretched long as they reached and the last hues of daylight dimmed. Valeria stood outside the entrance of the house which Markus set for her, she was hesitant to step inside. The weight of recent threats lingered heavily in the air, and her nerves were on edge. 

“Please miss.” Her bodyguard, a stalwart figure by her side, scanned the surroundings with a practised vigilance, ensuring their privacy. As Valeria stepped on the pavement she could hear her heart beating ...