Azzurra didn’t just lock her door she barricaded it with the couch.

It had taken every ounce of strength she had to shove the bulky furniture into place, but her training had finally started to pay off. Breathing heavily, she collapsed onto the bed, the world outside momentarily shut away. Sleep didn’t come easily, but eventually, Cesario’s small, warm body curled into hers lulled her into a deep, dreamless slumber.

Morning arrived with a sharp sting.

Azzurra winced and blinked against ...