Seven long days had passed, and still, no word came from Marcello. The silence gnawed at Azzurra until her chest ached with the weight of worry. Every hour, every moment, she found herself praying for his safety, though her hands trembled with the fear that her prayers might not be enough.

She had no way to reach him. He had left with nothing no device, no guard, nothing that might betray his trail. Marcello had gone alone, forsaking Alarico and even the warriors sworn to his protection. She ...