Valeria

I left the safehouse before dawn. My hands were steady but my heart beat fast. Nico walked beside me. Two men followed close. The street lights were still on and the city felt quiet, but I knew that quiet could hide a lie.

“Are you sure about this?” Nico asked, his voice low.

“Yes,” I said. “Dante went after Salvatore. I can’t let him face whatever this is alone.”

Nico did not like my answer. “You should be inside. You’re on every screen. They’ll shoot ...