Azzurra had quietly recounted to Leone how she’d found Cesario abandoned outside her door that night, and how she’d chosen to keep him safe ever since.

Two days had passed. Leone now stayed in a room just down the hall on the same floor, and scarcely a moment went by when he wasn't close to her, acting as her shadow and protector.

It was early morning, the garden bathed in soft golden light. Cesario was tumbling around in the grass with Agnese, his delighted squeals filling the crisp air. ...