Azzurra’s gaze settled on Cesario, who was visibly trembling. Her body tensed in Marcello’s lap, but her eyes softened as she turned her attention to the boy she loved more than anything.

“Rio, it’s alright,” she murmured gently. “Don’t be scared, baby. Azzurra won’t let anything happen to you. You’re safe, I promise.”

Cesario’s enormous blue eyes welled with tears as he looked at her. Then his tiny voice cracked, laced with betrayal. “You betrayed Rio… You slewpt ...